Bell County, Kentucky

Income Data

-42% vs. Kentucky average
$32,403
Median Household Income
$20,463
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$32,403
-42% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$20,463
-48% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
39.0%
income as % of home value
Rank in Kentucky
#118 / 120
by median household income

How Bell County Compares

Bell County$32,403
Kentucky Average$55,909
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$32,403
Median Household Income
$20,463
Per Capita Income
$83,000
Median Home Value
39.0%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Bell County, Kentucky

Bell County Faces Severe Income Challenges

Bell County's median household income of just $32,403 sits 57% below the U.S. median of $74,755, making it one of the nation's lowest-income counties. This stark gap reflects decades of economic decline following coal industry contraction in southeastern Kentucky.

Kentucky's Lowest-Income County

At $32,403, Bell County ranks far below Kentucky's state average of $55,909—a gap of over $23,500 that underscores severe regional economic distress. Per capita income of $20,463 trails the state average of $29,616 by 31%, indicating widespread poverty.

Dramatically Lower Than All Peer Counties

Bell County's income trails every other county in this comparison by substantial margins, with the nearest peer being Barren County at $49,171—a difference of $16,768. The county faces unique economic challenges rooted in coal industry collapse and limited job diversification.

Housing Affordability Crisis

Bell County residents spend 22.9% of income on rent—the highest ratio in this group and approaching the danger threshold—while median home values of $83,000 remain out of reach for many. The affordability crisis reflects both low incomes and limited access to credit or down payment assistance.

Seek Emergency and Community Support

Bell County residents should prioritize accessing government assistance programs, nonprofit credit counseling, and emergency aid before pursuing investments. Connect with local workforce development agencies about job training and education programs that can increase earning potential and long-term economic mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Bell County, Kentucky?
The median household income in Bell County, Kentucky is $32,403, 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 Bell County?
The per capita income in Bell County is $20,463, 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 $32,403.
How does Bell County compare to the Kentucky average?
Bell County's median household income of $32,403 is lower than the Kentucky state average of $55,909. The per capita income is $20,463, compared to the state average of $29,616.
What is the per capita income in Bell County, Kentucky?
The per capita income in Bell County, Kentucky is $20,463, 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 Bell County a low-income area in Kentucky?
Bell County's median household income of $32,403 is below the Kentucky average of $55,909. The per capita income of $20,463 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 Bell County rank for income in Kentucky?
Bell County ranks #118 out of 120 counties in Kentucky by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $32,403 and per capita income of $20,463, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $32,403 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-42%

vs. National Median

-57%

vs. Bell County MedianAbout equal
vs. Kentucky Average42% below
vs. National Median57% below

Income Adequacy

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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.