Barbourville, KY
Population 3,181 · Kentucky
About Barbourville, KY
Barbourville is a small town located in Kentucky with a population of 3,181 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $20,971 per year, which is 72% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.5 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Barbourville features a median home value of $190,200, which is 22% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Barbourville in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $604, 48% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,514 total housing units, 45% are owner-occupied (504 units) and 55% are renter-occupied (622 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Barbourville shows an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 48.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Barbourville have an average one-way commute time of 19.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.4% of Barbourville residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.8% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 0.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Barbourville, KY
Compared to national averages, Barbourville has a median household income of $20,971 (72% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $190,200, which is 22% below the national median. Monthly rent at $604 is 48% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Barbourville's income is 68% below the state average of $66,273, and home values are 4% above the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Barbourville, KY?
Barbourville offers affordable housing with a median home value of $190,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $604/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($20,971) that falls below the national average. However, Barbourville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Barbourville has a population of 3,181 with a median age of 34.5 years. Compare Barbourville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Barbourville
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Hills | 3,155 | $102,112 | $274,200 | Compare |
| Morganfield | 3,208 | $63,546 | $116,100 | Compare |
| Stanton | 3,211 | $29,141 | $127,200 | Compare |
| Wilder | 3,148 | $71,567 | $137,600 | Compare |
| Crestview Hills | 3,226 | $106,375 | $263,000 | Compare |
| Hodgenville | 3,262 | $58,750 | $137,100 | Compare |
| West Liberty | 3,280 | $57,411 | $202,100 | Compare |
| Claryville | 3,306 | $86,250 | $259,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Kentucky
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Barbourville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Barbourville
What is the population of Barbourville, KY?
The population of Barbourville, KY is 3,181 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Kentucky.
What is the median household income in Barbourville?
The median household income in Barbourville, KY is $20,971 per year, which is 72% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Barbourville?
The median home value in Barbourville, KY is $190,200, which is 22% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Barbourville?
The median monthly rent in Barbourville, KY is $604, which is 48% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Barbourville?
The unemployment rate in Barbourville, KY is 4.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Barbourville, KY a good place to live?
Barbourville offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,181 and a median age of 34.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Barbourville, KY?
22.4% of residents in Barbourville aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Barbourville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Barbourville, KY: median home value is $190,200 (22% below national), median rent is $604/month, and median household income is $20,971. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Barbourville?
The poverty rate in Barbourville, KY is 48.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Barbourville, KY?
Barbourville's population is 1.8% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 2.9% two or more races. 0.4% of residents are foreign-born.