Berea, KY
Population 15,557 · Kentucky
About Berea, KY
Berea is a mid-sized city in Kentucky with a population of 15,557 residents. The median household income is $56,484 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Berea is 34.1 years.
Housing in Berea has a median home value of $178,000 and median monthly rent of $806. Of the 6,218 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 3,265 owner-occupied and 2,429 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Berea is 3.7% and the poverty rate is 19.5%. 27.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 24.6 minutes.
How Berea Ranks in Kentucky
Cost of Living in Berea, KY
Compared to national averages, Berea has a median household income of $56,484 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $178,000, which is 27% below the national median. Monthly rent at $806 is 31% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Berea's income is 15% below the state average of $66,273, and home values are 2% below the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Berea, KY?
Berea offers affordable housing with a median home value of $178,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $806/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,484) that falls below the national average. However, Berea’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Berea has a population of 15,557 with a median age of 34.1 years. Compare Berea with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Berea
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shively | 15,556 | $46,522 | $139,200 | Compare |
| Glasgow | 15,141 | $42,417 | $147,700 | Compare |
| Shepherdsville | 14,351 | $71,250 | $202,300 | Compare |
| Newport | 14,039 | $58,422 | $221,100 | Compare |
| Danville | 17,235 | $53,370 | $202,200 | Compare |
| Fort Thomas | 17,242 | $100,819 | $301,400 | Compare |
| Shelbyville | 17,436 | $73,733 | $238,600 | Compare |
| Bardstown | 13,673 | $49,781 | $190,800 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Berea
What is the population of Berea, KY?
The population of Berea, KY is 15,557 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Berea?
The median household income in Berea, KY is $56,484 per year.
What is the median home value in Berea?
The median home value in Berea, KY is $178,000.
What is the average rent in Berea?
The median monthly rent in Berea, KY is $806.
What is the unemployment rate in Berea?
The unemployment rate in Berea, KY is 3.7%.