McLean County, Kentucky

+26% vs. Kentucky average
$70,549
Median Household Income
$34,206
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$70,549
+26% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$34,206
-13% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
48.5%
income as % of home value
Rank in Kentucky
#12 / 120
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How McLean County Compares

McLean County$70,549
Kentucky Average$55,909
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$70,549
Median Household Income
$34,206
Per Capita Income
$145,600
Median Home Value
48.5%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: McLean County

Income Verdict

McLean County has a median household income of $70,549 and per capita income of $34,206 — a gap of $36,343, suggesting a typical mix of dual-income and single-earner households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $602/month and a median household income of $70,549, rent consumes approximately 10.2% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

A median household income of $70,549 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $34,206 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

McLean County earns approximately 26.2% above the Kentucky state median household income of $55,909, positioning it favorably within the state.

Data Story

About Household Income in McLean County, Kentucky

McLean outearns the nation

McLean County's median household income of $70,549 sits just $4,206 below the national median of $74,755, placing this county in the upper tier nationally. While not quite matching the U.S. average, McLean's earnings position it well above most Kentucky counties and demonstrate strong local economic health.

Second richest in Kentucky

At $70,549, McLean County ranks among the highest-earning counties in Kentucky, significantly outpacing the state median household income of $55,909 by nearly $15,000. This 26% advantage over the state average reflects a robust local economy and higher earning potential for residents.

McLean leads surrounding counties

McLean County's $70,549 median household income substantially exceeds nearby Meade County ($70,163) and Mercer County ($63,115). The county's competitive wages reflect a stronger job market and higher cost of living compared to its less affluent neighbors to the south and east.

Rent remains highly affordable

With a rent-to-income ratio of just 10.2%, McLean County residents spend far less on housing than the national comfort threshold of 28%. This exceptional affordability—nearly three percentage points below the national standard—leaves households with substantial disposable income for savings and other needs.

Build on McLean's earning advantage

McLean County's strong median income and low housing costs create an ideal foundation for wealth-building through retirement accounts, investment portfolios, and real estate. Start by maximizing tax-advantaged savings accounts and consulting a financial advisor to turn your above-average earnings into long-term prosperity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in McLean County, Kentucky?
The median household income in McLean County, Kentucky is $70,549, 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 McLean County?
The per capita income in McLean County is $34,206, 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 $70,549.
How does McLean County compare to the Kentucky average?
McLean County's median household income of $70,549 is higher than the Kentucky state average of $55,909. The per capita income is $34,206, compared to the state average of $29,616.
What is the per capita income in McLean County, Kentucky?
The per capita income in McLean County, Kentucky is $34,206, 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 McLean County income higher than the Kentucky average?
McLean County's median household income of $70,549 is higher than the Kentucky average of $55,909. This difference of $14,640 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 McLean County rank for income in Kentucky?
McLean County ranks #12 out of 120 counties in Kentucky by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $70,549 and per capita income of $34,206, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in McLean County

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Your income is above the McLean County median

County median: $70,549 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

+26%

vs. National Median

-6%

vs. McLean County MedianAbout equal
vs. Kentucky Average26% above
vs. National Median6% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent9.8x

Your monthly income ($5,879) vs. median rent ($602/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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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.