Whitley County, Kentucky

Income Data

-25% vs. Kentucky average
$41,719
Median Household Income
$23,077
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$41,719
-25% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$23,077
-42% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
34.6%
income as % of home value
Rank in Kentucky
#98 / 120
by median household income

How Whitley County Compares

Whitley County$41,719
Kentucky Average$55,909
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$41,719
Median Household Income
$23,077
Per Capita Income
$120,600
Median Home Value
34.6%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Whitley County, Kentucky

Whitley County faces deep income poverty

Whitley County's median household income of $41,719 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $33,036, a 44% gap. This severe shortfall places Whitley among America's most economically distressed counties, with median earners living well below national benchmarks.

Among Kentucky's poorest counties

Whitley County's $41,719 median runs $14,190 below Kentucky's state average of $55,909, positioning it in the lowest fifth of the state's counties. The county faces persistent economic decline and limited employment opportunity.

Deepest poverty in the region

Whitley County ($41,719) mirrors Wayne County ($41,933) as the regional income floor, trailing all peers except Wolfe County ($29,052). This concentration of low-income counties signals a regional economic crisis requiring intervention beyond individual household action.

Housing costs crush limited incomes

Whitley County's 20.7% rent-to-income ratio is the second-highest in the region, indicating severe housing-cost burden on already-stretched budgets. A median home value of $120,600 pushes homeownership beyond reach for many median-earning families.

Prioritize income stability and skills

Whitley County households must aggressively pursue education, certification, and job transitions to increase earnings above the county median. Even modest income growth can unlock homeownership, retirement savings, and financial resilience in this economically fragile county.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Whitley County, Kentucky?
The median household income in Whitley County, Kentucky is $41,719, 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 Whitley County?
The per capita income in Whitley County is $23,077, 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 $41,719.
How does Whitley County compare to the Kentucky average?
Whitley County's median household income of $41,719 is lower than the Kentucky state average of $55,909. The per capita income is $23,077, compared to the state average of $29,616.
What is the per capita income in Whitley County, Kentucky?
The per capita income in Whitley County, Kentucky is $23,077, 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 Whitley County a low-income area in Kentucky?
Whitley County's median household income of $41,719 is below the Kentucky average of $55,909. The per capita income of $23,077 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 Whitley County rank for income in Kentucky?
Whitley County ranks #98 out of 120 counties in Kentucky by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $41,719 and per capita income of $23,077, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Whitley County

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County median: $41,719 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

-44%

vs. Whitley County MedianAbout equal
vs. Kentucky Average25% below
vs. National Median44% below

Income Adequacy

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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.