Cost of Living in Barbourville, KY

Population 3,181 · Kentucky · Data vintage 2023

56
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Barbourville's median household income of $20,971 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (49% here).

Barbourville is about 60 miles north of Knoxville, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 11% lower than Knoxville's $214,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 62
Rent 46

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Barbourville

The median home value in Barbourville is $190,200 — 38% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $604/month, 54% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $20,971/year is 72% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. Kentucky's top state income tax rate is 4.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. The climate averages highs of 67.5°F and lows of 46.2°F. Overall, Barbourville has a cost of living index of 56 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 44% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$190,200
38% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$148,745
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$604/mo
54% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
26.2x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.9%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$636
1 BR
$721
2 BR
$872
3 BR
$1,187
4 BR
$1,336
Owner-occupied 44.8%
Renter-occupied 55.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$604
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,218/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
23.6 min
13% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
80.8%
Carpooled
6.4%
Public transit
0.3%
Walked
2.8%
Work from home
8.5%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 4.0%
Total Sales Tax 6.0%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 0.9%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$20,971
72% below avg
Per Capita Income
$19,044
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
7% below avg
Poverty Rate
48.9%
Labor Force Participation
38.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 7.4%
Graduate degree 15.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.5
Male median age 34.8
Female median age 34

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
67.5°F
Avg Low
46.2°F
Annual Precip
51.3"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 455058697784868680705849
Low °F 273036455462666558453630
Precip" 3.894.024.574.655.045.065.163.973.553.293.524.54

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

90.1%
4-Year Graduation Rate
14.5:1
Student-teacher ratio
14
Public schools
5,052
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Barbourville, KY?

Barbourville has a cost index of 56 (100 = national average). It is 44% below the national average.

What is average rent in Barbourville, KY?

The median gross rent in Barbourville is $604 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Barbourville?

The median home value in Barbourville is $190,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Barbourville?

The median household income in Barbourville is $20,971 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Barbourville, KY?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Barbourville is 6.0%. The Kentucky state income tax top rate is 4.0%.

Is Barbourville, KY affordable?

Yes, Barbourville is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 56 — about 44% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Barbourville?

Barbourville has average high temperatures of 67.5°F and average lows of 46.2°F. Annual precipitation is 51.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Barbourville at a Glance

Population
3,181
Median Income
$20,971
Home Value
$190,200
Median Rent
$604/mo
Unemployment
4.5%
Avg High Temp
67.5°F
Sales Tax
6.0%
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