Hazard, KY
Population 5,105 · Kentucky
About Hazard, KY
Hazard is a small town located in Kentucky with a population of 5,105 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $68,582 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.5 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 Hazard features a median home value of $146,100, which is 40% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Hazard one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $718, 38% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,211 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (1,064 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (906 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hazard shows an unemployment rate of 8.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 32.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Hazard have an average one-way commute time of 14.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
25.4% of Hazard 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 0.0% White, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 2.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Hazard, KY
Compared to national averages, Hazard has a median household income of $68,582 (9% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $146,100, which is 40% below the national median. Monthly rent at $718 is 38% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Hazard's income is 3% above the state average of $66,273, and home values are 20% below the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Hazard, KY?
Hazard offers affordable housing with a median home value of $146,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $718/month, and short commute times averaging just 14.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($68,582) that falls below the national average. However, Hazard’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hazard has a population of 5,105 with a median age of 42.5 years. Compare Hazard with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Hazard
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williamsburg | 5,226 | $32,431 | $108,800 | Compare |
| Massac | 4,937 | $75,103 | $215,000 | Compare |
| Reidland | 4,887 | $83,764 | $214,600 | Compare |
| Columbia | 4,842 | $45,221 | $123,500 | Compare |
| Hendron | 4,840 | $64,777 | $197,900 | Compare |
| Benton | 4,774 | $63,368 | $159,600 | Compare |
| Douglass Hills | 5,437 | $92,826 | $331,500 | Compare |
| Walton | 5,513 | $76,375 | $226,200 | 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 Hazard With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hazard
What is the population of Hazard, KY?
The population of Hazard, KY is 5,105 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 Hazard?
The median household income in Hazard, KY is $68,582 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hazard?
The median home value in Hazard, KY is $146,100, which is 40% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hazard?
The median monthly rent in Hazard, KY is $718, which is 38% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hazard?
The unemployment rate in Hazard, KY is 8.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Hazard, KY a good place to live?
Hazard offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,105 and a median age of 42.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Hazard, KY?
25.4% of residents in Hazard 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 Hazard?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hazard, KY: median home value is $146,100 (40% below national), median rent is $718/month, and median household income is $68,582. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Hazard?
The poverty rate in Hazard, KY is 32.6%, 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 Hazard, KY?
Hazard's population is 0.0% White, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 1.4% two or more races. 2.0% of residents are foreign-born.