Central City, KY
Population 5,736 · Kentucky
About Central City, KY
Central City is a small town located in Kentucky with a population of 5,736 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,025 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Central City features a median home value of $140,700, which is 43% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Central City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $755, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,186 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (1,258 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (646 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Central City shows an unemployment rate of 6.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Central City have an average one-way commute time of 20 minutes.
Education & Demographics
9.6% of Central City 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 0.6% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 1.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Central City, KY
Compared to national averages, Central City has a median household income of $49,025 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $140,700, which is 43% below the national median. Monthly rent at $755 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Central City's income is 26% below the state average of $66,273, and home values are 23% below the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Central City, KY?
Central City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $140,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $755/month, and short commute times averaging just 20 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,025) that falls below the national average. However, Central City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Central City has a population of 5,736 with a median age of 36 years. Compare Central City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Central City
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monticello | 5,741 | $37,733 | $125,800 | Compare |
| Dayton | 5,703 | $62,500 | $144,100 | Compare |
| Bellevue | 5,598 | $67,143 | $186,200 | Compare |
| Fort Wright | 5,882 | $100,647 | $305,500 | Compare |
| Walton | 5,513 | $76,375 | $226,200 | Compare |
| Wilmore | 6,031 | $64,245 | $210,700 | Compare |
| Douglass Hills | 5,437 | $92,826 | $331,500 | Compare |
| Princeton | 6,242 | $51,875 | $89,700 | 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 Central City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Central City
What is the population of Central City, KY?
The population of Central City, KY is 5,736 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 Central City?
The median household income in Central City, KY is $49,025 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Central City?
The median home value in Central City, KY is $140,700, which is 43% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Central City?
The median monthly rent in Central City, KY is $755, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Central City?
The unemployment rate in Central City, KY is 6.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Central City, KY a good place to live?
Central City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,736 and a median age of 36, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Central City, KY?
9.6% of residents in Central City 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 Central City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Central City, KY: median home value is $140,700 (43% below national), median rent is $755/month, and median household income is $49,025. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Central City?
The poverty rate in Central City, KY is 24.7%, 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 Central City, KY?
Central City's population is 0.6% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 4.1% two or more races. 1.3% of residents are foreign-born.