Kentucky Mortgage and Refinance Rates

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Updated on May 26, 2026

On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the national average 30-year fixed mortgage APR is 6.76%. The national average 30-year fixed refinance APR is 6.87%, according to Bankrate's latest survey of the nation's largest mortgage lenders.

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Current mortgage rates in Kentucky

As of Tuesday, May 26, 2026, current interest rates in Kentucky are 6.80% for a 30-year fixed mortgage and 6.08% for a 15-year fixed mortgage. That’s in line with national rates, which stayed between 6% and 7% through 2025. While mortgage rates are hard to predict, many experts believe rates in Kentucky — and the rest of the country — won't change meaningfully through 2026.

Learn more: Latest mortgage rate forecast

Refinance rates in Kentucky

Mortgage refinance rates have more than doubled since the pandemic and are currently sitting between 6% and 7%. As of Tuesday, May 26, 2026, mortgage refinance rates in Kentucky are 6.84% for a 30-year, fixed-rate loan and 6.25% for a 15-year, fixed-rate loan. Since experts don’t anticipate a significant drop in 2026, refinancing won’t be an attractive prospect for many homeowners (unless you have a rate much higher than 7%).

However, if you’ve been in your house for a while, you might have a good amount of tappable equity. In that case, you could consider a cash-out refinance to help you achieve other financial goals, like renovating your home or consolidating debt.

Learn more: Mortgage refinance: What is it and how does it work?

Kentucky mortgage rates by loan type

As you compare your options for the right mortgage to finance your home purchase, Bankrate’s data can help you see how any lender offers you receive stack up against national averages.

Product	Interest rate
30-Year Fixed Rate	6.80%
15-Year Fixed Rate	6.08%
15-Year Fixed Rate Jumbo	6.31%
30-Year Fixed Rate FHA Loan	0.00%
30-Year Fixed Rate VA Loan	0.00%
30-Year Fixed Rate Jumbo	6.69%
3/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage	5.75%
7/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage	0.00%

_{Rates as of Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 6:30 AM}

Bankrate’s mortgage rates include national rate and APR averages; Bankrate Monitor (BRM) National Index rate averages; and “top offers”:
- National rate and APR averages: Displayed as daily and weekly averages, these rates and APRs are primarily collected from the five largest banks and thrifts across hundreds of markets in the U.S.
- Bankrate Monitor (BRM) National Index rate averages: Reported weekly, this long-standing survey collects rates from banks and thrifts across hundreds of markets in the U.S.
- “Top offers”: Displayed daily and weekly, these are an average of the rates listed first on our rate tables as advertised by our partners. The averages shown are based on the loan type and term selected.
You can compare national average mortgage rates to top offers to see how much you could save when shopping on Bankrate.

Learn more about how we collect, display and report mortgage rates.

Mortgage options in Kentucky

For a conventional mortgage in Kentucky, you’ll need a minimum credit score of 620 and a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio no greater than 45%. If your down payment is less than 20%, you’ll also need to pay premiums for private mortgage insurance (PMI).
If your credit history makes you ineligible for a conventional mortgage, you could apply for an FHA loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). With a down payment of at least 3.5%, you could be eligible with a credit score as low as 580. You could even qualify with a credit score as low as 500, but you’ll need to put at least 10% down.
If you’re a veteran or active-duty member of the military, you might be eligible for a mortgage guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA loans do not necessitate a down payment or mortgage insurance, but you will be responsible for paying a funding fee ranging from 1.25% to 2.15% for the first use.
If you're buying in a rural area in Kentucky, you could be eligible for a mortgage guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA loans don’t require a down payment, but you must buy in a designated rural area and meet area-specific income limits.

First-time homebuyer programs in Kentucky

The homebuyer programs below are available through the Kentucky Housing Corporation, the state’s housing finance authority. These programs can help make buying a home more affordable. Here’s an overview:

KHC Conventional Preferred Program: A conventional loan program for first-time and repeat homebuyers, this program requires 3% down, monthly mortgage insurance, a minimum 660 credit score and household income below 80% of the area’s median income (AMI). There’s no cash reserve requirement, and you could pair the loan with a down payment assistance program.
KHC Preferred Plus 80: The Preferred Plus 80 program has similar requirements to the Preferred program, but you can exceed the median income of your area.
KHC Regular Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP): This loan offers up to $12,500 for a down payment. It comes with a 15-year term and a fixed rate of 4.75%.

How to find the best mortgage rate in Kentucky

When shopping for a mortgage, be sure to compare several different lenders — research shows this exercise can save you thousands of dollars over the life of a loan. It’s also helpful to read lender reviews for your state.

Step 1: Strengthen your credit score

Long before you start looking for a mortgage lender or applying for a loan, give your finances a checkup and improve your credit score if needed.
Step 2: Determine your budget

To find the right mortgage, you’ll need a good handle on how much house you can afford.
Step 3: Know your mortgage options

There are a few different types of mortgages. The best option for you will depend on your area, budget and preferred payment setup.
Step 4: Compare rates and terms from several lenders

Rate shop with at least three different banks or mortgage companies. Be sure to read lender reviews to get a better idea of the customer experience and whether a lender is the right fit for your needs.
Step 5: Get preapproved for a mortgage

Getting a mortgage preapproval is the only way to get accurate loan pricing for your specific situation.

Learn more: How to get a mortgage

Additional Kentucky mortgage resources

Kentucky mortgage lenders

Read reviews of licensed lenders in the Bluegrass state.

Kentucky first-time homebuyer resources

Get more help becoming a homeowner.

Kentucky loan limits by county

Learn the conforming loan limit for your city or town.

Homeowners insurance in Kentucky

Compare policies from a variety of providers.

Written by

Andrew Dehan Andrew Dehan

Senior Writer, Home Lending

Kentucky Mortgage and Refinance Rates

How Bankrate works

How Bankrate works

Get lender information

Compare personalized rates

Get matched with lenders

Current mortgage rates in Kentucky

Refinance rates in Kentucky

Kentucky mortgage rates by loan type

How Bankrate collects mortgage rates

Mortgage options in Kentucky

Kentucky conventional mortgages

Kentucky FHA loans

Kentucky VA loans

Kentucky USDA loans

First-time homebuyer programs in Kentucky

How to find the best mortgage rate in Kentucky

Step 1: Strengthen your credit score

Step 2: Determine your budget

Step 3: Know your mortgage options

Step 4: Compare rates and terms from several lenders

Step 5: Get preapproved for a mortgage

Additional Kentucky mortgage resources

Mortgage rates in other states