IncomeBy County

Wolfe County, Kentucky

Income Data

-48% vs. Kentucky average
$29,052
Median Household Income
$15,253
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$29,052
-48% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$15,253
-61% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
43.8%
income as % of home value
Rank in Kentucky
#120 / 120
by median household income

How Wolfe County Compares

Wolfe County$29,052
Kentucky Average$55,909
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$29,052
Median Household Income
$15,253
Per Capita Income
$66,400
Median Home Value
43.8%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Wolfe County, Kentucky

Wolfe County in deepest economic crisis

Wolfe County's median household income of $29,052 represents a staggering 61% gap below the U.S. median of $74,755, the largest deficit among all peer counties. This extreme poverty signals severe structural challenges and economic abandonment in Kentucky's Appalachian heartland.

Kentucky's poorest county in this cohort

Wolfe County's $29,052 median runs $26,857 below Kentucky's state average of $55,909, making it the lowest-earning county in this analysis. The county represents an economic emergency requiring comprehensive intervention.

Isolated by extreme poverty

Wolfe County ($29,052) stands alone at the economic bottom, trailing even struggling Wayne County ($41,933) and Whitley County ($41,719) by thousands of dollars. This isolation signals unique vulnerability to population loss, youth out-migration, and systemic collapse.

Housing barely affordable at any price

Wolfe County's 20.9% rent-to-income ratio nears the affordability crisis threshold, with the median home value of only $66,400 indicating a community in advanced economic decline. Even the cheapest housing strains the budgets of median-earning Wolfe County families.

Focus on survival and opportunity seeking

Wolfe County households must prioritize securing stable employment, pursuing remote work opportunities, and accessing regional job centers beyond county boundaries. Wealth-building requires either significant income increases or targeted relocation to economically healthier communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Wolfe County, Kentucky?
The median household income in Wolfe County, Kentucky is $29,052, 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 Wolfe County?
The per capita income in Wolfe County is $15,253, 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 $29,052.
How does Wolfe County compare to the Kentucky average?
Wolfe County's median household income of $29,052 is lower than the Kentucky state average of $55,909. The per capita income is $15,253, compared to the state average of $29,616.
What is the per capita income in Wolfe County, Kentucky?
The per capita income in Wolfe County, Kentucky is $15,253, 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 Wolfe County a low-income area in Kentucky?
Wolfe County's median household income of $29,052 is below the Kentucky average of $55,909. The per capita income of $15,253 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 Wolfe County rank for income in Kentucky?
Wolfe County ranks #120 out of 120 counties in Kentucky by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $29,052 and per capita income of $15,253, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Wolfe County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Wolfe County median

County median: $29,052 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-48%

vs. National Median

-61%

vs. Wolfe County MedianAbout equal
vs. Kentucky Average▼ 48% below
vs. National Median▼ 61% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.8x

Your monthly income ($2,421) vs. median rent ($507/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 Wolfe County, Kentucky? Start investing smarter with a robo-advisor that builds a diversified portfolio for you.

WealthfrontBetterment
Start Investing

Counties with Similar Income Levels

Presidio County
Texas
$29,014
+0%
Issaquena County
Mississippi
$29,271
+1%
Holmes County
Mississippi
$29,434
+1%
East Carroll Parish
Louisiana
$28,321
-3%
McDowell County
West Virginia
$29,980
+3%
Lake County
Tennessee
$30,500
+5%
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