McCreary County, Kentucky

Income Data

-33% vs. Kentucky average
$37,355
Median Household Income
$16,972
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$37,355
-33% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$16,972
-57% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
48.5%
income as % of home value
Rank in Kentucky
#112 / 120
by median household income

How McCreary County Compares

McCreary County$37,355
Kentucky Average$55,909
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$37,355
Median Household Income
$16,972
Per Capita Income
$77,000
Median Home Value
48.5%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in McCreary County, Kentucky

McCreary faces steep national income gap

McCreary County's median household income of $37,355 trails the national median of $74,755 by 50%, among Kentucky's most economically challenged counties. Per capita income of just $16,972 runs 43% below the state average of $29,616, the lowest of the eight counties.

Ranked among Kentucky's lowest earners

McCreary County's median household income of $37,355 falls $18,554 below Kentucky's state average of $55,909, placing it near the bottom statewide. The county faces severe structural economic pressures.

Eastern Kentucky economic distress zone

McCreary County's $37,355 income exceeds only Magoffin County ($33,632) among the eight counties, indicating concentrated hardship in eastern Kentucky. It substantially trails Martin County ($46,185), Marion County ($55,404), and all other regional peers.

Housing costs consume significant income share

McCreary County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.9% is the second-highest among the eight counties, indicating housing stress despite low median home values of $77,000. Renters face particular budget pressure in this low-income community.

Education and skills unlock earnings potential

McCreary County residents benefit from the state's most affordable housing, with median values of $77,000, creating homeownership opportunity despite lower incomes. Pursuing vocational training, education, and remote work opportunities can significantly expand earning potential and long-term wealth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in McCreary County, Kentucky?
The median household income in McCreary County, Kentucky is $37,355, 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 McCreary County?
The per capita income in McCreary County is $16,972, 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 $37,355.
How does McCreary County compare to the Kentucky average?
McCreary County's median household income of $37,355 is lower than the Kentucky state average of $55,909. The per capita income is $16,972, compared to the state average of $29,616.
What is the per capita income in McCreary County, Kentucky?
The per capita income in McCreary County, Kentucky is $16,972, 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 McCreary County a low-income area in Kentucky?
McCreary County's median household income of $37,355 is below the Kentucky average of $55,909. The per capita income of $16,972 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 McCreary County rank for income in Kentucky?
McCreary County ranks #112 out of 120 counties in Kentucky by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $37,355 and per capita income of $16,972, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in McCreary County

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Your income is above the McCreary County median

County median: $37,355 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-33%

vs. National Median

-50%

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

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($3,113) vs. median rent ($588/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.