Horse Cave, KY
Population 2,348 · Kentucky
About Horse Cave, KY
Horse Cave is a small town located in Kentucky with a population of 2,348 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,927 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.1 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 Horse Cave features a median home value of $93,600, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Horse Cave one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $646, 44% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,229 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (673 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (380 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Horse Cave shows an unemployment rate of 7.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 27.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Horse Cave have an average one-way commute time of 17.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
9.4% of Horse Cave 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 0.0% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Horse Cave, KY
Compared to national averages, Horse Cave has a median household income of $51,927 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $93,600, which is 62% below the national median. Monthly rent at $646 is 44% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Horse Cave's income is 22% below the state average of $66,273, and home values are 49% below the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Horse Cave, KY?
Horse Cave offers affordable housing with a median home value of $93,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $646/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,927) that falls below the national average. However, Horse Cave’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Horse Cave has a population of 2,348 with a median age of 47.1 years. Compare Horse Cave with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Horse Cave
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fulton | 2,345 | $36,037 | $61,200 | Compare |
| Elk Creek | 2,344 | $127,487 | $358,600 | Compare |
| Carlisle | 2,356 | $46,292 | $103,300 | Compare |
| Harlan | 2,304 | $30,365 | $112,500 | Compare |
| Hardinsburg | 2,404 | $56,774 | $128,400 | Compare |
| Anchorage | 2,421 | $215,156 | $827,000 | Compare |
| Mount Vernon | 2,259 | $38,639 | $100,500 | Compare |
| Junction City | 2,441 | $40,917 | $111,800 | 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 Horse Cave With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Horse Cave
What is the population of Horse Cave, KY?
The population of Horse Cave, KY is 2,348 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 Horse Cave?
The median household income in Horse Cave, KY is $51,927 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Horse Cave?
The median home value in Horse Cave, KY is $93,600, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Horse Cave?
The median monthly rent in Horse Cave, KY is $646, which is 44% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Horse Cave?
The unemployment rate in Horse Cave, KY is 7.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Horse Cave, KY a good place to live?
Horse Cave offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,348 and a median age of 47.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Horse Cave, KY?
9.4% of residents in Horse Cave 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 Horse Cave?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Horse Cave, KY: median home value is $93,600 (62% below national), median rent is $646/month, and median household income is $51,927. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Horse Cave?
The poverty rate in Horse Cave, KY is 27.2%, 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 Horse Cave, KY?
Horse Cave's population is 0.0% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 22.1% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.