Bardstown, KY
Population 13,673 · Kentucky
About Bardstown, KY
Bardstown is a mid-sized city located in Kentucky with a population of 13,673 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,781 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bardstown features a median home value of $190,800, which is 22% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Bardstown in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $917, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,059 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (3,415 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (2,415 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bardstown shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 11.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Bardstown have an average one-way commute time of 20.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
24.7% of Bardstown residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 3.6% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 4.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bardstown Ranks in Kentucky
Cost of Living in Bardstown, KY
Compared to national averages, Bardstown has a median household income of $49,781 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $190,800, which is 22% below the national median. Monthly rent at $917 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Bardstown's income is 25% below the state average of $66,273, and home values are 5% above the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Bardstown, KY?
Bardstown offers affordable housing with a median home value of $190,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $917/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.1%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 20.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,781) that falls below the national average. However, Bardstown’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bardstown has a population of 13,673 with a median age of 39.2 years. Compare Bardstown with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Bardstown
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newport | 14,039 | $58,422 | $221,100 | Compare |
| Shepherdsville | 14,351 | $71,250 | $202,300 | Compare |
| Glasgow | 15,141 | $42,417 | $147,700 | Compare |
| Somerset | 12,108 | $32,910 | $140,900 | Compare |
| Lawrenceburg | 11,838 | $63,690 | $185,400 | Compare |
| Shively | 15,556 | $46,522 | $139,200 | Compare |
| Berea | 15,557 | $56,484 | $178,000 | Compare |
| Campbellsville | 11,523 | $49,389 | $162,900 | 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 Bardstown With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bardstown
What is the population of Bardstown, KY?
The population of Bardstown, KY is 13,673 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Kentucky.
What is the median household income in Bardstown?
The median household income in Bardstown, KY is $49,781 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bardstown?
The median home value in Bardstown, KY is $190,800, which is 22% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bardstown?
The median monthly rent in Bardstown, KY is $917, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bardstown?
The unemployment rate in Bardstown, KY is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bardstown, KY a good place to live?
Bardstown offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 13,673 and a median age of 39.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bardstown, KY?
24.7% of residents in Bardstown 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 Bardstown?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bardstown, KY: median home value is $190,800 (22% below national), median rent is $917/month, and median household income is $49,781. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Bardstown?
The poverty rate in Bardstown, KY is 11.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Bardstown, KY?
Bardstown's population is 3.6% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 13.3% two or more races. 4.8% of residents are foreign-born.