IncomeBy County

Leslie County, Kentucky

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-28% vs. Kentucky average
$40,176
Median Household Income
$22,942
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$40,176
-28% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$22,942
-42% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
54.2%
income as % of home value
Rank in Kentucky
#106 / 120
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Leslie County Compares

Leslie County$40,176
Kentucky Average$55,909
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$40,176
Median Household Income
$22,942
Per Capita Income
$74,100
Median Home Value
54.2%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Leslie County

Income Verdict

Leslie County has a median household income of $40,176 and per capita income of $22,942 — a gap of $17,234, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $520/month and a median household income of $40,176, rent consumes approximately 15.5% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

A median household income of $40,176 indicates below-average earnings, which may limit discretionary spending and make households sensitive to cost-of-living increases. Per capita income of $22,942 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.

Neighbor Context

Leslie County earns approximately 28.1% below the Kentucky state median household income of $55,909.

Data Story

About Household Income in Leslie County, Kentucky

Leslie County income trails U.S. median sharply

Leslie County's median household income of $40,176 falls 46% below the national median of $74,755, placing it among lower-earning counties nationwide. This income gap reflects the region's economic structure and limited wage opportunities.

Ranked low among Kentucky counties

Leslie County's median income of $40,176 sits 28% below Kentucky's state average of $55,909, positioning it in the lower third of the state's counties. Strong wage growth in other parts of Kentucky has widened the income gap for eastern mountain communities.

Slightly better off than Lee, peers with Letcher

Leslie County's $40,176 median exceeds nearby Lee County ($34,182) but runs nearly even with Letcher County ($40,501). These three counties form an income cluster reflecting similar economic challenges across southeastern Kentucky.

Rent remains affordable relative to income

Leslie County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% is healthier than many rural areas, suggesting housing costs consume a reasonable portion of household budgets. The median home value of $74,100 is achievable for families earning $40,176, though down payments and mortgages still require careful financial planning.

Small investments compound into real wealth

Leslie County workers earning $40,176 can accelerate wealth-building by maximizing employer 401(k) matches and opening Individual Retirement Accounts. Community banks and credit unions offer low-cost savings programs and financial literacy workshops to help families build cash reserves and invest for retirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Leslie County, Kentucky?
The median household income in Leslie County, Kentucky is $40,176, 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 Leslie County?
The per capita income in Leslie County is $22,942, 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 $40,176.
How does Leslie County compare to the Kentucky average?
Leslie County's median household income of $40,176 is lower than the Kentucky state average of $55,909. The per capita income is $22,942, compared to the state average of $29,616.
What is the per capita income in Leslie County, Kentucky?
The per capita income in Leslie County, Kentucky is $22,942, 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 Leslie County a low-income area in Kentucky?
Leslie County's median household income of $40,176 is below the Kentucky average of $55,909. The per capita income of $22,942 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 Leslie County rank for income in Kentucky?
Leslie County ranks #106 out of 120 counties in Kentucky by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $40,176 and per capita income of $22,942, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Leslie County

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1.00x

Your income is above the Leslie County median

County median: $40,176 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-28%

vs. National Median

-46%

vs. Leslie County MedianAbout equal
vs. Kentucky Average▼ 28% below
vs. National Median▼ 46% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.4x

Your monthly income ($3,348) vs. median rent ($520/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

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$40,117
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Adams County
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$40,265
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$40,074
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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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