Dayton, KY
Population 5,703 · Kentucky
About Dayton, KY
Dayton is a small town located in Kentucky with a population of 5,703 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,500 per year, which is 17% 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 Dayton features a median home value of $144,100, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Dayton one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,086, 7% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,699 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (1,512 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (954 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Dayton shows an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 18.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Dayton have an average one-way commute time of 20.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
24.4% of Dayton 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 0.9% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Dayton, KY
Compared to national averages, Dayton has a median household income of $62,500 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $144,100, which is 41% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,086 is 7% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Dayton's income is 6% below the state average of $66,273, and home values are 21% below the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Dayton, KY?
Dayton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $144,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,086/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,500) that falls below the national average. However, Dayton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Dayton has a population of 5,703 with a median age of 39.2 years. Compare Dayton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Dayton
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central City | 5,736 | $49,025 | $140,700 | Compare |
| Monticello | 5,741 | $37,733 | $125,800 | 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 |
| Douglass Hills | 5,437 | $92,826 | $331,500 | Compare |
| Wilmore | 6,031 | $64,245 | $210,700 | Compare |
| Williamsburg | 5,226 | $32,431 | $108,800 | 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.
Compare Dayton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Dayton
What is the population of Dayton, KY?
The population of Dayton, KY is 5,703 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 Dayton?
The median household income in Dayton, KY is $62,500 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dayton?
The median home value in Dayton, KY is $144,100, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Dayton?
The median monthly rent in Dayton, KY is $1,086, which is 7% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dayton?
The unemployment rate in Dayton, 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 Dayton, KY a good place to live?
Dayton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,703 and a median age of 39.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Dayton, KY?
24.4% of residents in Dayton 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 Dayton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Dayton, KY: median home value is $144,100 (41% below national), median rent is $1,086/month, and median household income is $62,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Dayton?
The poverty rate in Dayton, KY is 18.3%, 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 Dayton, KY?
Dayton's population is 0.9% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 1.4% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.