Owsley County, Kentucky

Income Data

-44% vs. Kentucky average
$31,064
Median Household Income
$21,285
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$31,064
-44% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$21,285
-46% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
38.9%
income as % of home value
Rank in Kentucky
#119 / 120
by median household income

How Owsley County Compares

Owsley County$31,064
Kentucky Average$55,909
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$31,064
Median Household Income
$21,285
Per Capita Income
$79,900
Median Home Value
38.9%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Owsley County, Kentucky

Owsley County faces severe income challenge

Owsley County's median household income of $31,064 is less than half the national median of $74,755, representing a devastating 58% shortfall. This income gap is among the worst in America, reflecting deep structural economic challenges and limited employment opportunities. Owsley ranks in the bottom 5% nationally for household earnings.

Kentucky's poorest county by income

At $31,064, Owsley County's median household income falls $24,845 below Kentucky's state average of $55,909, representing a 44% gap. The per capita income of $21,285 severely underperforms the state average of $29,616 by 28%, indicating widespread economic distress. Owsley ranks last or near-last among Kentucky's 120 counties.

Outlier in lowest income tier

Owsley ($31,064) earns $21,610 less than the next-lowest county in this group, Nicholas ($53,616)—a staggering 41% gap. Even Nicholas County, among the lower earners, substantially outpaces Owsley. This dramatic disparity underscores Owsley's acute economic isolation within the region.

Housing cost strain is severe

Owsley County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.3% is the highest by far in this eight-county comparison, meaning over one-fifth of household income goes to rent. The median home value of $79,900 is lowest in the region, yet still consumes nearly one-quarter of annual earnings. Housing insecurity represents a genuine crisis for many Owsley households.

Seek urgent financial stability support

Owsley County residents face immediate financial survival challenges that precede traditional wealth-building strategies. Accessing emergency assistance programs, food security resources, and housing support through nonprofits and government agencies is critical. Long-term solutions require regional economic development, job training, and access to higher-wage employment pathways.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Owsley County, Kentucky?
The median household income in Owsley County, Kentucky is $31,064, 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 Owsley County?
The per capita income in Owsley County is $21,285, 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 $31,064.
How does Owsley County compare to the Kentucky average?
Owsley County's median household income of $31,064 is lower than the Kentucky state average of $55,909. The per capita income is $21,285, compared to the state average of $29,616.
What is the per capita income in Owsley County, Kentucky?
The per capita income in Owsley County, Kentucky is $21,285, 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 Owsley County a low-income area in Kentucky?
Owsley County's median household income of $31,064 is below the Kentucky average of $55,909. The per capita income of $21,285 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 Owsley County rank for income in Kentucky?
Owsley County ranks #119 out of 120 counties in Kentucky by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $31,064 and per capita income of $21,285, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $31,064 per year

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

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vs. National Median58% below

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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.