Mount Sterling, KY
Population 7,549 · Kentucky
About Mount Sterling, KY
Mount Sterling is a small town located in Kentucky with a population of 7,549 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,843 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Mount Sterling features a median home value of $178,200, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Mount Sterling in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $564, 52% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,536 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (1,590 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (1,540 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mount Sterling shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 19.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Mount Sterling have an average one-way commute time of 22.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.7% of Mount Sterling 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 0.9% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 0.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Mount Sterling Ranks in Kentucky
Cost of Living in Mount Sterling, KY
Compared to national averages, Mount Sterling has a median household income of $50,843 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $178,200, which is 27% below the national median. Monthly rent at $564 is 52% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Mount Sterling's income is 23% below the state average of $66,273, and home values are 2% below the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Mount Sterling, KY?
Mount Sterling offers affordable housing with a median home value of $178,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $564/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,843) that falls below the national average. However, Mount Sterling’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mount Sterling has a population of 7,549 with a median age of 39.1 years. Compare Mount Sterling with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Mount Sterling
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pikeville | 7,560 | $39,216 | $301,300 | Compare |
| London | 7,576 | $45,850 | $155,500 | Compare |
| Union | 7,494 | $139,013 | $382,900 | Compare |
| Villa Hills | 7,378 | $108,750 | $339,800 | Compare |
| Flatwoods | 7,281 | $60,467 | $112,200 | Compare |
| Russellville | 7,244 | $47,875 | $156,000 | Compare |
| Oak Grove | 7,945 | $47,886 | $143,500 | Compare |
| Morehead | 6,924 | $35,000 | $176,300 | 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 Mount Sterling With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mount Sterling
What is the population of Mount Sterling, KY?
The population of Mount Sterling, KY is 7,549 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 Mount Sterling?
The median household income in Mount Sterling, KY is $50,843 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mount Sterling?
The median home value in Mount Sterling, KY is $178,200, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mount Sterling?
The median monthly rent in Mount Sterling, KY is $564, which is 52% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mount Sterling?
The unemployment rate in Mount Sterling, KY is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Mount Sterling, KY a good place to live?
Mount Sterling offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 7,549 and a median age of 39.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Mount Sterling, KY?
22.7% of residents in Mount Sterling 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 Mount Sterling?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mount Sterling, KY: median home value is $178,200 (27% below national), median rent is $564/month, and median household income is $50,843. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Mount Sterling?
The poverty rate in Mount Sterling, KY is 19.9%, 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 Mount Sterling, KY?
Mount Sterling's population is 0.9% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 4.8% two or more races. 0.5% of residents are foreign-born.