Cumberland County, Kentucky

Income Data

-29% vs. Kentucky average
$39,662
Median Household Income
$21,857
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$39,662
-29% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$21,857
-45% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
30.8%
income as % of home value
Rank in Kentucky
#109 / 120
by median household income

How Cumberland County Compares

Cumberland County$39,662
Kentucky Average$55,909
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$39,662
Median Household Income
$21,857
Per Capita Income
$128,600
Median Home Value
30.8%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Cumberland County, Kentucky

Cumberland faces steep national income gap

Cumberland County's median household income of $39,662 falls 47% below the national median of $74,755, marking it among the poorest counties in America. Per capita income of $21,857 trails Kentucky's state average by 26%, signaling widespread economic distress.

Among Kentucky's lowest-income counties

Cumberland County ranks near the bottom statewide, with median household income 29% below Kentucky's $55,909 average. The county's limited employment base and aging population contribute to persistent income challenges.

Struggling alongside eastern Kentucky peers

Cumberland County's $39,662 income aligns with neighboring Clinton County and Elliott County, forming a cluster of low-income Appalachian counties. These regional peers share similar economic constraints tied to coal decline and limited manufacturing.

Housing stable despite income strain

Cumberland County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% keeps housing costs manageable, though household budgets remain tight with limited discretionary income. A median home value of $128,600 exceeds incomes by a concerning ratio, making homeownership risky for many families.

Focus on resilience and gradual wealth-building

Cumberland County residents should prioritize emergency savings through employer plans and community development financial institutions before investing. Local workforce development programs offer pathways to higher-wage jobs in healthcare, skilled trades, and remote work opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Cumberland County, Kentucky?
The median household income in Cumberland County, Kentucky is $39,662, 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 Cumberland County?
The per capita income in Cumberland County is $21,857, 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 $39,662.
How does Cumberland County compare to the Kentucky average?
Cumberland County's median household income of $39,662 is lower than the Kentucky state average of $55,909. The per capita income is $21,857, compared to the state average of $29,616.
What is the per capita income in Cumberland County, Kentucky?
The per capita income in Cumberland County, Kentucky is $21,857, 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 Cumberland County a low-income area in Kentucky?
Cumberland County's median household income of $39,662 is below the Kentucky average of $55,909. The per capita income of $21,857 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 Cumberland County rank for income in Kentucky?
Cumberland County ranks #109 out of 120 counties in Kentucky by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $39,662 and per capita income of $21,857, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Cumberland County

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Your income is above the Cumberland County median

County median: $39,662 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-29%

vs. National Median

-47%

vs. Cumberland County MedianAbout equal
vs. Kentucky Average29% below
vs. National Median47% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($3,305) vs. median rent ($553/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.