Carlisle, KY
Population 2,356 · Kentucky
About Carlisle, KY
Carlisle is a small town located in Kentucky with a population of 2,356 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,292 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Carlisle features a median home value of $103,300, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Carlisle one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $620, 47% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,213 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (520 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (445 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Carlisle shows an unemployment rate of 4.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 14.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Carlisle have an average one-way commute time of 31 minutes.
Education & Demographics
8.5% of Carlisle 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 2.4% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 1.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Carlisle, KY
Compared to national averages, Carlisle has a median household income of $46,292 (38% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $103,300, which is 58% below the national median. Monthly rent at $620 is 47% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Carlisle's income is 30% below the state average of $66,273, and home values are 43% below the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Carlisle, KY?
Carlisle offers affordable housing with a median home value of $103,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $620/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,292) that falls below the national average. However, Carlisle’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Carlisle has a population of 2,356 with a median age of 47.1 years. Compare Carlisle with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Carlisle
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horse Cave | 2,348 | $51,927 | $93,600 | Compare |
| Fulton | 2,345 | $36,037 | $61,200 | Compare |
| Elk Creek | 2,344 | $127,487 | $358,600 | Compare |
| Hardinsburg | 2,404 | $56,774 | $128,400 | Compare |
| Harlan | 2,304 | $30,365 | $112,500 | Compare |
| Anchorage | 2,421 | $215,156 | $827,000 | Compare |
| Junction City | 2,441 | $40,917 | $111,800 | Compare |
| Mount Vernon | 2,259 | $38,639 | $100,500 | 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 Carlisle With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Carlisle
What is the population of Carlisle, KY?
The population of Carlisle, KY is 2,356 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 Carlisle?
The median household income in Carlisle, KY is $46,292 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Carlisle?
The median home value in Carlisle, KY is $103,300, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Carlisle?
The median monthly rent in Carlisle, KY is $620, which is 47% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Carlisle?
The unemployment rate in Carlisle, KY is 4.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Carlisle, KY a good place to live?
Carlisle offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,356 and a median age of 47.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Carlisle, KY?
8.5% of residents in Carlisle 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 Carlisle?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Carlisle, KY: median home value is $103,300 (58% below national), median rent is $620/month, and median household income is $46,292. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Carlisle?
The poverty rate in Carlisle, KY is 14.8%, 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 Carlisle, KY?
Carlisle's population is 2.4% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 3.2% two or more races. 1.2% of residents are foreign-born.