IncomeBy County

Knott County, Kentucky

Income Data

-33% vs. Kentucky average
$37,736
Median Household Income
$21,353
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$37,736
-33% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$21,353
-46% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
50.6%
income as % of home value
Rank in Kentucky
#111 / 120
by median household income

How Knott County Compares

Knott County$37,736
Kentucky Average$55,909
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$37,736
Median Household Income
$21,353
Per Capita Income
$74,600
Median Home Value
50.6%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Knott County, Kentucky

Knott struggles far below national baseline

Knott County's median household income of $37,736 falls nearly $37,000 short of the national median of $74,755—a deficit of 50%. This places Knott among America's lowest-income counties and reflects the severe economic distress of eastern Kentucky's coal-dependent communities.

Among Kentucky's most economically challenged counties

Knott's $37,736 median income ranks in Kentucky's bottom tier, 33% below the state average of $55,909. Per capita income of $21,353 trails the state by 28%, indicating very limited individual earning power throughout the county.

Economic hardship alongside Knox and Lawrence

Knott County's income is slightly above Knox ($33,153) but comparable to Lawrence ($45,584) and Johnson ($43,014) counties. This cluster of distressed counties reflects a regional economic crisis tied to coal industry collapse and limited alternative employment.

Housing costs consume unsustainable income share

A rent-to-income ratio of 23.3% means Knott households spend nearly 1/4 of earnings on housing—well above the 30% affordability crisis threshold. With a median home value of only $74,600, even modest housing costs strain household budgets severely.

Focus on financial stability first

Knott County residents facing income constraints should prioritize debt reduction and basic emergency savings before investing. Local nonprofits and credit counseling services can help households create realistic budgets and identify income-boosting opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Knott County, Kentucky?
The median household income in Knott County, Kentucky is $37,736, 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 Knott County?
The per capita income in Knott County is $21,353, 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 $37,736.
How does Knott County compare to the Kentucky average?
Knott County's median household income of $37,736 is lower than the Kentucky state average of $55,909. The per capita income is $21,353, compared to the state average of $29,616.
What is the per capita income in Knott County, Kentucky?
The per capita income in Knott County, Kentucky is $21,353, 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 Knott County a low-income area in Kentucky?
Knott County's median household income of $37,736 is below the Kentucky average of $55,909. The per capita income of $21,353 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 Knott County rank for income in Kentucky?
Knott County ranks #111 out of 120 counties in Kentucky by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $37,736 and per capita income of $21,353, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Knott County

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County median: $37,736 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-33%

vs. National Median

-50%

vs. Knott County MedianAbout equal
vs. Kentucky Average▼ 33% below
vs. National Median▼ 50% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($3,145) vs. median rent ($731/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Sierra County
New Mexico
$37,840
+0%
Luna County
New Mexico
$37,917
+0%
Sumter County
Alabama
$37,981
+1%
Lincoln Parish
Louisiana
$38,035
+1%
Webster Parish
Louisiana
$37,396
-1%
Tallahatchie County
Mississippi
$37,383
-1%
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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.

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