Powell County, Kentucky

Income Data

-29% vs. Kentucky average
$39,811
Median Household Income
$23,947
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$39,811
-29% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$23,947
-39% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
28.0%
income as % of home value
Rank in Kentucky
#108 / 120
by median household income

How Powell County Compares

Powell County$39,811
Kentucky Average$55,909
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$39,811
Median Household Income
$23,947
Per Capita Income
$142,400
Median Home Value
28.0%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Powell County, Kentucky

Powell earns 47% less than nation

Powell County's median household income of $39,811 falls nearly half below the U.S. median of $74,755. This $34,944 income gap reflects persistent regional economic stress.

Lowest earner in our Kentucky group

Powell County records the lowest median household income among the eight counties profiled here at $39,811—$16,098 below Kentucky's state average. This places Powell among the state's most economically challenged counties.

Poorest but housing not cheap

Powell's $39,811 income is lowest among peers, yet its median home value of $142,400 ranks highest—creating a mismatch between earnings and housing costs. The ratio of home price to income (3.6x) exceeds national healthy limits.

Housing costs strain thin budgets

Powell's 22.4% rent-to-income ratio signals tight housing affordability despite relatively affordable nominal rents. Home prices, however, appear overvalued relative to local incomes, requiring careful consideration before purchase.

Focus on debt reduction first

Given Powell's income constraints, eliminating high-interest debt should precede investment. Freeing up cash flow through debt payoff creates a foundation for emergency savings and long-term wealth building.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Powell County, Kentucky?
The median household income in Powell County, Kentucky is $39,811, 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 Powell County?
The per capita income in Powell County is $23,947, 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 $39,811.
How does Powell County compare to the Kentucky average?
Powell County's median household income of $39,811 is lower than the Kentucky state average of $55,909. The per capita income is $23,947, compared to the state average of $29,616.
What is the per capita income in Powell County, Kentucky?
The per capita income in Powell County, Kentucky is $23,947, 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 Powell County a low-income area in Kentucky?
Powell County's median household income of $39,811 is below the Kentucky average of $55,909. The per capita income of $23,947 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 Powell County rank for income in Kentucky?
Powell County ranks #108 out of 120 counties in Kentucky by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $39,811 and per capita income of $23,947, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Powell County

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Your income is above the Powell County median

County median: $39,811 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-29%

vs. National Median

-47%

vs. Powell County MedianAbout equal
vs. Kentucky Average29% below
vs. National Median47% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.5x

Your monthly income ($3,318) vs. median rent ($743/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.