Barren County, Kentucky
Income Data
At a Glance
How Barren County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Data Story
About Household Income in Barren County, Kentucky
Barren County Income: 34% Below National
Barren County's median household income of $49,171 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by more than $25,000, placing it among the nation's lower-income counties. This substantial gap reflects Barren's reliance on agriculture, manufacturing, and rural service economy with limited high-wage employment.
Among Kentucky's Lower-Income Counties
At $49,171, Barren County ranks below Kentucky's state average of $55,909 by roughly $6,700, positioning it in the lower third of the state's income distribution. Per capita income of $28,422 also falls slightly below the state average of $29,616.
Similar Challenges to Other Rural Counties
Barren County's income nearly matches Adair County ($50,316) and only marginally exceeds Bell County ($32,403), reflecting consistent economic strain across rural south-central Kentucky. The county significantly lags Anderson ($71,747) and Boone ($94,752).
Housing Costs Strain Household Budgets
Barren County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.1% approaches the affordability threshold, meaning residents dedicate nearly one-fifth of earnings to housing. While median home values of $166,900 remain somewhat affordable, income constraints limit wealth-building opportunities for many families.
Maximize Available Resources for Growth
Barren County residents should prioritize building an emergency fund covering 3–6 months of expenses before investing; explore all employer retirement benefits and government assistance programs. A financial advisor can help identify low-cost savings strategies and debt reduction plans tailored to modest-income households.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Income Comparison Calculator
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Your income is above the Barren County median
County median: $49,171 per year
vs. County Median
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vs. State Average
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vs. National Median
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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.