Elsmere, KY
Population 9,151 · Kentucky
About Elsmere, KY
Elsmere is a small town located in Kentucky with a population of 9,151 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,427 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.6 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Elsmere features a median home value of $157,200, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Elsmere in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,303, 12% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,538 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (2,316 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (977 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Elsmere shows an unemployment rate of 6.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Elsmere have an average one-way commute time of 18.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
24.2% of Elsmere 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 3.5% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 6.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Elsmere Ranks in Kentucky
Cost of Living in Elsmere, KY
Compared to national averages, Elsmere has a median household income of $61,427 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $157,200, which is 36% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,303 is 12% above the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Elsmere's income is 7% below the state average of $66,273, and home values are 14% below the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Elsmere, KY?
Elsmere offers affordable housing with a median home value of $157,200, below the US average of $244,900, and short commute times averaging just 18.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,427) that falls below the national average. However, Elsmere’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Elsmere has a population of 9,151 with a median age of 31.6 years. Compare Elsmere with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Elsmere
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harrodsburg | 9,126 | $46,821 | $145,100 | Compare |
| Middlesborough | 9,258 | $34,349 | $88,700 | Compare |
| Oakbrook | 9,459 | $90,147 | $250,900 | Compare |
| Maysville | 8,778 | $41,923 | $152,100 | Compare |
| Hillview | 8,735 | $65,732 | $180,300 | Compare |
| Fort Knox | 8,715 | $74,224 | $0 | Compare |
| Middletown | 9,622 | $74,129 | $298,900 | Compare |
| Fort Mitchell | 8,676 | $80,814 | $354,700 | 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 Elsmere With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Elsmere
What is the population of Elsmere, KY?
The population of Elsmere, KY is 9,151 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 Elsmere?
The median household income in Elsmere, KY is $61,427 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Elsmere?
The median home value in Elsmere, KY is $157,200, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Elsmere?
The median monthly rent in Elsmere, KY is $1,303, which is 12% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Elsmere?
The unemployment rate in Elsmere, KY is 6.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Elsmere, KY a good place to live?
Elsmere offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 9,151 and a median age of 31.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Elsmere, KY?
24.2% of residents in Elsmere 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 Elsmere?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Elsmere, KY: median home value is $157,200 (36% below national), median rent is $1,303/month, and median household income is $61,427. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Elsmere?
The poverty rate in Elsmere, KY is 14.7%, 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 Elsmere, KY?
Elsmere's population is 3.5% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 6.2% two or more races. 6.4% of residents are foreign-born.