Barren County, Kentucky

Income Data

-12% vs. Kentucky average
$49,171
Median Household Income
$28,422
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$49,171
-12% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$28,422
-28% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
29.5%
income as % of home value
Rank in Kentucky
#84 / 120
by median household income

How Barren County Compares

Barren County$49,171
Kentucky Average$55,909
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$49,171
Median Household Income
$28,422
Per Capita Income
$166,900
Median Home Value
29.5%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

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

What is the median household income in Barren County, Kentucky?
The median household income in Barren County, Kentucky is $49,171, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Barren County?
The per capita income in Barren County is $28,422, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $49,171.
How does Barren County compare to the Kentucky average?
Barren County's median household income of $49,171 is lower than the Kentucky state average of $55,909. The per capita income is $28,422, compared to the state average of $29,616.
What is the per capita income in Barren County, Kentucky?
The per capita income in Barren County, Kentucky is $28,422, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Barren County a low-income area in Kentucky?
Barren County's median household income of $49,171 is below the Kentucky average of $55,909. The per capita income of $28,422 is also lower than the state average of $29,616. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Barren County rank for income in Kentucky?
Barren County ranks #84 out of 120 counties in Kentucky by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $49,171 and per capita income of $28,422, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Barren County

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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

-12%

vs. National Median

-34%

vs. Barren County MedianAbout equal
vs. Kentucky Average12% below
vs. National Median34% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($4,098) vs. median rent ($784/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.