Carter County, Kentucky

Income Data

-10% vs. Kentucky average
$50,389
Median Household Income
$27,184
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$50,389
-10% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$27,184
-31% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
40.0%
income as % of home value
Rank in Kentucky
#78 / 120
by median household income

How Carter County Compares

Carter County$50,389
Kentucky Average$55,909
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$50,389
Median Household Income
$27,184
Per Capita Income
$126,100
Median Home Value
40.0%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Carter County, Kentucky

Carter significantly trails national income

Carter County's median household income of $50,389 falls below Kentucky's state average of $55,909 by roughly $5,500, and lags the national median of $74,755 by nearly $24,400. The county earns approximately 67% of typical U.S. household income, facing substantial economic headwinds.

Bottom tier among Kentucky counties

Carter County ranks in the lower quarter of Kentucky's 120 counties for household income, reflecting limited job opportunities and economic challenges. Per capita income of $27,184 trails the state average significantly, indicating concentrated poverty and uneven earnings.

Struggles among eastern peers

Carter's $50,389 median household income trails all nearby counties except Casey ($41,689), placing it among the region's lowest earners. The county significantly lags Caldwell ($57,618), Carlisle ($62,019), and Campbell ($77,271), suggesting limited regional economic momentum.

Housing costs pressuring budgets

Carter's rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% sits in the affordable range, though median income constraints mean typical renters spend roughly $700 monthly. Home values of $126,100 stretch the budgets of median-earning households, limiting affordable homeownership pathways.

Focus on foundational financial security

Carter County residents facing lower incomes should prioritize building emergency savings and accessing free financial counseling services before investing. Explore community development programs, workforce training initiatives, and employer benefits that maximize retirement contributions without strain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Carter County, Kentucky?
The median household income in Carter County, Kentucky is $50,389, 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 Carter County?
The per capita income in Carter County is $27,184, 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 $50,389.
How does Carter County compare to the Kentucky average?
Carter County's median household income of $50,389 is lower than the Kentucky state average of $55,909. The per capita income is $27,184, compared to the state average of $29,616.
What is the per capita income in Carter County, Kentucky?
The per capita income in Carter County, Kentucky is $27,184, 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 Carter County a low-income area in Kentucky?
Carter County's median household income of $50,389 is below the Kentucky average of $55,909. The per capita income of $27,184 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 Carter County rank for income in Kentucky?
Carter County ranks #78 out of 120 counties in Kentucky by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $50,389 and per capita income of $27,184, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Carter County

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County median: $50,389 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

-33%

vs. Carter County MedianAbout equal
vs. Kentucky Average10% below
vs. National Median33% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.0x

Your monthly income ($4,199) vs. median rent ($701/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.