Harlan County, Kentucky

Income Data

-33% vs. Kentucky average
$37,198
Median Household Income
$21,681
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$37,198
-33% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$21,681
-45% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
50.9%
income as % of home value
Rank in Kentucky
#113 / 120
by median household income

How Harlan County Compares

Harlan County$37,198
Kentucky Average$55,909
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$37,198
Median Household Income
$21,681
Per Capita Income
$73,100
Median Home Value
50.9%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Harlan County, Kentucky

Harlan County faces severe income challenges

Harlan County's median household income of $37,198 is 50.3% below the U.S. median of $74,755, representing one of America's most economically distressed counties. The profound shortfall reflects decades of industrial decline and limited economic diversification.

Kentucky's lowest income county

At $37,198, Harlan County's median household income is 33.5% below Kentucky's state average of $55,909, placing it among the state's poorest communities. The gap underscores the county's acute economic marginalization.

Significantly trails all sampled counties

Harlan County's $37,198 median income is the lowest by far among the eight sampled counties, falling $3,889 below the next-lowest Green County ($41,087). The gap reflects structural economic barriers distinct even from rural Kentucky's broader struggles.

Housing crisis compounds income poverty

A rent-to-income ratio of 21.0% is the highest among sampled counties, meaning housing costs consume one-fifth of household earnings—significantly above the 30% affordability threshold for those with very low incomes. A median home value of $73,100 offers low absolute prices but represents nearly two years of median household income.

Seek immediate economic opportunity

Harlan County residents facing severe income constraints should prioritize accessing workforce development, vocational training, and higher education opportunities that can unlock wage growth. Community organizations, nonprofits, and government programs offer support for basic financial stability and long-term economic mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Harlan County, Kentucky?
The median household income in Harlan County, Kentucky is $37,198, 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 Harlan County?
The per capita income in Harlan County is $21,681, 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 $37,198.
How does Harlan County compare to the Kentucky average?
Harlan County's median household income of $37,198 is lower than the Kentucky state average of $55,909. The per capita income is $21,681, compared to the state average of $29,616.
What is the per capita income in Harlan County, Kentucky?
The per capita income in Harlan County, Kentucky is $21,681, 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 Harlan County a low-income area in Kentucky?
Harlan County's median household income of $37,198 is below the Kentucky average of $55,909. The per capita income of $21,681 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 Harlan County rank for income in Kentucky?
Harlan County ranks #113 out of 120 counties in Kentucky by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $37,198 and per capita income of $21,681, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Harlan County

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County median: $37,198 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-33%

vs. National Median

-50%

vs. Harlan County MedianAbout equal
vs. Kentucky Average33% below
vs. National Median50% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($3,100) vs. median rent ($651/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.