Hartford, KY
Population 2,653 · Kentucky
About Hartford, KY
Hartford is a small town located in Kentucky with a population of 2,653 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,313 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Hartford features a median home value of $103,800, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Hartford one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $587, 50% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 991 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (577 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (366 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hartford shows an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Hartford have an average one-way commute time of 20 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.8% of Hartford 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 0.8% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 2.0% Asian residents, with 2.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Hartford Ranks in Kentucky
Cost of Living in Hartford, KY
Compared to national averages, Hartford has a median household income of $61,313 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $103,800, which is 58% below the national median. Monthly rent at $587 is 50% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Hartford's income is 7% below the state average of $66,273, and home values are 43% below the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Hartford, KY?
Hartford offers affordable housing with a median home value of $103,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $587/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 12.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 20 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,313) that falls below the national average. However, Hartford’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hartford has a population of 2,653 with a median age of 36.9 years. Compare Hartford with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Hartford
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadiz | 2,649 | $40,186 | $120,800 | Compare |
| Louisa | 2,645 | $41,250 | $144,900 | Compare |
| Masonville | 2,634 | $89,102 | $228,600 | Compare |
| Tompkinsville | 2,672 | $37,405 | $86,100 | Compare |
| Thruston | 2,675 | $83,707 | $160,300 | Compare |
| Pioneer Village | 2,690 | $79,566 | $233,400 | Compare |
| Eminence | 2,710 | $44,655 | $171,300 | Compare |
| Falmouth | 2,577 | $38,177 | $111,300 | 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 Hartford With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hartford
What is the population of Hartford, KY?
The population of Hartford, KY is 2,653 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 Hartford?
The median household income in Hartford, KY is $61,313 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hartford?
The median home value in Hartford, KY is $103,800, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hartford?
The median monthly rent in Hartford, KY is $587, which is 50% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hartford?
The unemployment rate in Hartford, KY is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Hartford, KY a good place to live?
Hartford offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,653 and a median age of 36.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Hartford, KY?
18.8% of residents in Hartford 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 Hartford?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hartford, KY: median home value is $103,800 (58% below national), median rent is $587/month, and median household income is $61,313. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Hartford?
The poverty rate in Hartford, KY is 12.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Hartford, KY?
Hartford's population is 0.8% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 2.0% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 2.7% of residents are foreign-born.