Laurel County, Kentucky

Income Data

+2% vs. Kentucky average
$56,999
Median Household Income
$27,944
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$56,999
+2% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$27,944
-29% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
39.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in Kentucky
#58 / 120
by median household income

How Laurel County Compares

Laurel County$56,999
Kentucky Average$55,909
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$56,999
Median Household Income
$27,944
Per Capita Income
$143,400
Median Home Value
39.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Laurel County, Kentucky

Laurel earns close to national median income

Laurel County's median household income of $56,999 is just 24% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting stable middle-class earnings. While below the national average, Laurel's income suggests a functional local economy relative to many rural Kentucky counties.

Slightly above Kentucky's average income

Laurel's $56,999 median income exceeds the state average of $55,909 by just 2%, placing it near the middle of Kentucky's income distribution. Per capita income of $27,944 is slightly below the state average, suggesting income concentration in larger households.

Mid-range performer among regional peers

Laurel's $56,999 income positions it above Johnson ($43,014), Knox ($33,153), and Knott ($37,736) counties but below Jessamine ($74,886) and Kenton ($79,421). This reflects Laurel's status as a regional economic hub in southeastern Kentucky.

Housing affordability remains within healthy range

Laurel's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% means households dedicate reasonable housing budget shares, well below affordability crisis thresholds. With a median home value of $143,400, homeownership remains accessible for families earning at or near the county median.

Build wealth through consistent saving habits

Laurel County residents have modest but meaningful room to invest beyond basic necessities. Starting with automatic transfers to a dedicated savings account and exploring employer retirement benefits creates compound growth over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Laurel County, Kentucky?
The median household income in Laurel County, Kentucky is $56,999, 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 Laurel County?
The per capita income in Laurel County is $27,944, 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 $56,999.
How does Laurel County compare to the Kentucky average?
Laurel County's median household income of $56,999 is higher than the Kentucky state average of $55,909. The per capita income is $27,944, compared to the state average of $29,616.
What is the per capita income in Laurel County, Kentucky?
The per capita income in Laurel County, Kentucky is $27,944, 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.
Why is Laurel County income higher than the Kentucky average?
Laurel County's median household income of $56,999 is higher than the Kentucky average of $55,909. This difference of $1,090 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Laurel County rank for income in Kentucky?
Laurel County ranks #58 out of 120 counties in Kentucky by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $56,999 and per capita income of $27,944, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Laurel County

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Your income is above the Laurel County median

County median: $56,999 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

+2%

vs. National Median

-24%

vs. Laurel County MedianAbout equal
vs. Kentucky Average2% above
vs. National Median24% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.0x

Your monthly income ($4,750) vs. median rent ($789/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.