Breathitt County, Kentucky

Income Data

-26% vs. Kentucky average
$41,101
Median Household Income
$23,544
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$41,101
-26% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$23,544
-40% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
66.5%
income as % of home value
Rank in Kentucky
#103 / 120
by median household income

How Breathitt County Compares

Breathitt County$41,101
Kentucky Average$55,909
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$41,101
Median Household Income
$23,544
Per Capita Income
$61,800
Median Home Value
66.5%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Breathitt County, Kentucky

Breathitt County faces significant income gap

Breathitt County's median household income of $41,101 is 45% below the national median of $74,755, the largest gap in this group. This reflects acute economic challenges in eastern Kentucky's coal-dependent regions.

Bottom tier statewide income ranking

Breathitt County's $41,101 median household income ranks well below Kentucky's state average of $55,909, placing it among the state's lowest-income counties. Per capita income of $23,544 trails the state average by 20%.

Significantly lower than peer counties

Breathitt County earns substantially less than all nearby counties—Boyle ($61,635), Boyd ($60,659), and even Breckinridge ($53,673). Income challenges here are more severe than in neighboring communities.

Low housing costs offset low wages

At 15.8%, Breathitt County's rent-to-income ratio remains manageable despite modest overall earnings. Median home values of $61,800—the lowest in this group—mean housing affordability isn't the primary challenge; wage growth is.

Invest in skills and opportunities

Breathitt County residents should prioritize career development and education as pathways to higher earnings. Even modest contributions to savings accounts and micro-investment platforms can compound into financial security over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Breathitt County, Kentucky?
The median household income in Breathitt County, Kentucky is $41,101, 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 Breathitt County?
The per capita income in Breathitt County is $23,544, 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 $41,101.
How does Breathitt County compare to the Kentucky average?
Breathitt County's median household income of $41,101 is lower than the Kentucky state average of $55,909. The per capita income is $23,544, compared to the state average of $29,616.
What is the per capita income in Breathitt County, Kentucky?
The per capita income in Breathitt County, Kentucky is $23,544, 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 Breathitt County a low-income area in Kentucky?
Breathitt County's median household income of $41,101 is below the Kentucky average of $55,909. The per capita income of $23,544 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 Breathitt County rank for income in Kentucky?
Breathitt County ranks #103 out of 120 counties in Kentucky by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $41,101 and per capita income of $23,544, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Breathitt County

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Your income is above the Breathitt County median

County median: $41,101 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-26%

vs. National Median

-45%

vs. Breathitt County MedianAbout equal
vs. Kentucky Average26% below
vs. National Median45% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.3x

Your monthly income ($3,425) vs. median rent ($543/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.