IncomeBy County

Letcher County, Kentucky

Income Data

-28% vs. Kentucky average
$40,501
Median Household Income
$24,260
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$40,501
-28% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$24,260
-39% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
57.4%
income as % of home value
Rank in Kentucky
#105 / 120
by median household income

How Letcher County Compares

Letcher County$40,501
Kentucky Average$55,909
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$40,501
Median Household Income
$24,260
Per Capita Income
$70,500
Median Home Value
57.4%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Letcher County, Kentucky

Letcher County earns less than half U.S. median

Letcher County's median household income of $40,501 represents just 54% of the national median of $74,755, a 46% income deficit. This gap underscores the persistent economic disadvantage facing many Appalachian coal-mining communities.

Lower-income county in Kentucky rankings

At $40,501, Letcher County's median household income trails the state average of $55,909 by 28%, placing it in Kentucky's lower-income tier. The county's dependence on extractive industries has limited wage diversity and economic resilience.

Part of struggling eastern Kentucky cluster

Letcher County's $40,501 median closely mirrors Leslie County's $40,176 and Lee County's $34,182, forming a regional income band. These counties share similar occupational structures and face comparable challenges attracting higher-wage employers.

Rent costs edge slightly higher here

Letcher County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% is reasonable but climbing, indicating housing absorbs nearly a fifth of median income. With median home values at $70,500, homeownership is within reach for many families, though saving for a down payment requires discipline.

Wealth-building starts with intentional saving

Letcher County households can build financial security by automating savings transfers and exploring employer retirement benefits. Working with a financial counselor to eliminate high-interest debt and invest in education or skills training opens pathways to higher future earnings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Letcher County, Kentucky?
The median household income in Letcher County, Kentucky is $40,501, 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 Letcher County?
The per capita income in Letcher County is $24,260, 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 $40,501.
How does Letcher County compare to the Kentucky average?
Letcher County's median household income of $40,501 is lower than the Kentucky state average of $55,909. The per capita income is $24,260, compared to the state average of $29,616.
What is the per capita income in Letcher County, Kentucky?
The per capita income in Letcher County, Kentucky is $24,260, 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 Letcher County a low-income area in Kentucky?
Letcher County's median household income of $40,501 is below the Kentucky average of $55,909. The per capita income of $24,260 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 Letcher County rank for income in Kentucky?
Letcher County ranks #105 out of 120 counties in Kentucky by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $40,501 and per capita income of $24,260, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Letcher County

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Your income is above the Letcher County median

County median: $40,501 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-28%

vs. National Median

-46%

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

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.2x

Your monthly income ($3,375) vs. median rent ($651/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Baca County
Colorado
$40,380
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Apache County
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$40,338
+0%
Robeson County
North Carolina
$40,318
+0%
Sunflower County
Mississippi
$40,265
-1%
Pemiscot County
Missouri
$40,748
+1%
Adams County
Mississippi
$40,250
-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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