IncomeBy County

Russell County, Kentucky

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-10% vs. Kentucky average
$50,520
Median Household Income
$28,231
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$50,520
-10% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$28,231
-28% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
34.1%
income as % of home value
Rank in Kentucky
#77 / 120
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Russell County Compares

Russell County$50,520
Kentucky Average$55,909
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$50,520
Median Household Income
$28,231
Per Capita Income
$148,200
Median Home Value
34.1%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Russell County

Income Verdict

Russell County has a median household income of $50,520 and per capita income of $28,231 — a gap of $22,289, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $660/month and a median household income of $50,520, rent consumes approximately 15.7% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $50,520, residents of Russell County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $28,231 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.

Neighbor Context

Russell County earns approximately 9.6% below the Kentucky state median household income of $55,909.

Data Story

About Household Income in Russell County, Kentucky

Russell earns one-third below nation

Russell County's median household income of $50,520 falls 32% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This $24,235 gap reflects regional economic constraints but positions Russell above the most distressed peers.

Slightly below Kentucky average

Russell's median household income of $50,520 lags Kentucky's state average of $55,909 by about 9%. Russell occupies the lower-middle tier of Kentucky's county economy.

Solid performer in the regional group

Russell's $50,520 income ranks fourth among the eight counties, trailing Rowan ($53,657) and Robertson ($52,337) but exceeding Pulaski ($50,943 actually ranks above Russell), Rockcastle ($48,367), and the Appalachian trio. Russell demonstrates moderate economic stability.

Rent burden remains reasonable

Russell's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio is among the best in the group, well below the 20% affordability threshold. Median home values of $148,200 require planning but remain accessible to many households.

Balance security with growth investing

Russell households should maintain emergency savings while allocating 20-30% of discretionary income to stock market investments. Time horizon and risk tolerance determine whether to emphasize index funds or individual stocks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Russell County, Kentucky?
The median household income in Russell County, Kentucky is $50,520, 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 Russell County?
The per capita income in Russell County is $28,231, 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 $50,520.
How does Russell County compare to the Kentucky average?
Russell County's median household income of $50,520 is lower than the Kentucky state average of $55,909. The per capita income is $28,231, compared to the state average of $29,616.
What is the per capita income in Russell County, Kentucky?
The per capita income in Russell County, Kentucky is $28,231, 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 Russell County a low-income area in Kentucky?
Russell County's median household income of $50,520 is below the Kentucky average of $55,909. The per capita income of $28,231 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 Russell County rank for income in Kentucky?
Russell County ranks #77 out of 120 counties in Kentucky by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $50,520 and per capita income of $28,231, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Russell County

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Your income is above the Russell County median

County median: $50,520 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-10%

vs. National Median

-32%

vs. Russell County MedianAbout equal
vs. Kentucky Average▼ 10% below
vs. National Median▼ 32% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.4x

Your monthly income ($4,210) vs. median rent ($660/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.

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