IncomeBy County

Muhlenberg County, Kentucky

Income Data

-6% vs. Kentucky average
$52,672
Median Household Income
$31,065
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$52,672
-6% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$31,065
-21% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
43.4%
income as % of home value
Rank in Kentucky
#69 / 120
by median household income

How Muhlenberg County Compares

Muhlenberg County$52,672
Kentucky Average$55,909
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$52,672
Median Household Income
$31,065
Per Capita Income
$121,300
Median Home Value
43.4%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky

Muhlenberg's income gap from national norm

Muhlenberg County's median household income of $52,672 falls $22,083 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the bottom third nationally. This 30% gap reflects the county's reliance on traditional industries and limited high-wage employment sectors. Residents here earn considerably less than their counterparts across most of America.

Below average for Kentucky overall

At $52,672, Muhlenberg's median household income ranks below Kentucky's state average of $55,909 by $3,237. The county underperforms the state norm despite being part of a region with modest but stable earning potential. This positions Muhlenberg in the lower-middle tier among Kentucky's 120 counties.

Among lower earners in western region

Muhlenberg ($52,672) earns more than Owsley County ($31,064) but significantly less than regional peers like Pendleton ($66,601) and Owen ($59,706). The $14,517 gap between Muhlenberg and Pendleton reflects differences in job diversity and proximity to growth centers. Neighboring counties show the income variability within this region.

Rent remains manageable but stretched

With a rent-to-income ratio of 16.2%, Muhlenberg households dedicate just over a sixth of earnings to rent—slightly below the national comfort threshold of 18%. The median home value of $121,300 remains accessible relative to income levels. Still, lower overall earnings leave less room for other expenses compared to higher-income regions.

Build stability with strategic saving

For Muhlenberg households earning $52,672 annually, prioritizing an emergency fund and employer retirement plans offers the best returns. Even modest consistent investments in low-cost index funds can compound over time to offset the county's income disadvantages. Financial counseling services through local nonprofits can help families maximize limited earning power.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky?
The median household income in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky is $52,672, 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 Muhlenberg County?
The per capita income in Muhlenberg County is $31,065, 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 $52,672.
How does Muhlenberg County compare to the Kentucky average?
Muhlenberg County's median household income of $52,672 is lower than the Kentucky state average of $55,909. The per capita income is $31,065, compared to the state average of $29,616.
What is the per capita income in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky?
The per capita income in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky is $31,065, 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 Muhlenberg County a low-income area in Kentucky?
Muhlenberg County's median household income of $52,672 is below the Kentucky average of $55,909. The per capita income of $31,065 is also comparable to 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 Muhlenberg County rank for income in Kentucky?
Muhlenberg County ranks #69 out of 120 counties in Kentucky by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $52,672 and per capita income of $31,065, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Muhlenberg County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Muhlenberg County median

County median: $52,672 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-6%

vs. National Median

-30%

vs. Muhlenberg County MedianAbout equal
vs. Kentucky Average▼ 6% below
vs. National Median▼ 30% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.2x

Your monthly income ($4,389) vs. median rent ($712/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

Sponsored

Grow Your Wealth

See how your income stacks up in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky? Start investing smarter with a robo-advisor that builds a diversified portfolio for you.

WealthfrontBetterment
Start Investing

Counties with Similar Income Levels

Fayette County
West Virginia
$52,672
+0%
Roanoke city
Virginia
$52,671
+0%
Nowata County
Oklahoma
$52,679
+0%
Colfax County
New Mexico
$52,690
+0%
Hot Spring County
Arkansas
$52,644
+0%
Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area
Alaska
$52,642
+0%
Sponsored

Compare Financial Products in Kentucky

Compare savings accounts, CDs, and money market rates from top banks to make the most of your earnings.

Compare Rates

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

Explore more data for this county

Property TaxCost of LivingCrime RateHealthSchoolsRiskWaterWeatherCounty Score