Murray, KY
Population 17,888 · Kentucky
About Murray, KY
Murray is a mid-sized city located in Kentucky with a population of 17,888 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $40,348 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 25.7 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 Murray features a median home value of $193,300, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Murray in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $835, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,772 total housing units, 41% are owner-occupied (2,752 units) and 59% are renter-occupied (3,922 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Murray shows an unemployment rate of 4.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 24.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Murray have an average one-way commute time of 11.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
37.0% of Murray 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 2.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 4.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Murray Ranks in Kentucky
Cost of Living in Murray, KY
Compared to national averages, Murray has a median household income of $40,348 (46% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $193,300, which is 21% below the national median. Monthly rent at $835 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Murray's income is 39% below the state average of $66,273, and home values are 6% above the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Murray, KY?
Murray offers affordable housing with a median home value of $193,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $835/month, and a well-educated community where 37.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 11.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($40,348) that falls below the national average. However, Murray’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Murray has a population of 17,888 with a median age of 25.7 years. Compare Murray with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Murray
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington | 18,090 | $101,550 | $229,700 | Compare |
| Mount Washington | 18,228 | $93,852 | $253,700 | Compare |
| St. Matthews | 17,491 | $80,716 | $325,700 | Compare |
| Shelbyville | 17,436 | $73,733 | $238,600 | Compare |
| Fort Thomas | 17,242 | $100,819 | $301,400 | Compare |
| Danville | 17,235 | $53,370 | $202,200 | Compare |
| Winchester | 19,133 | $57,653 | $180,400 | Compare |
| Madisonville | 19,442 | $56,902 | $152,300 | 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 Murray With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Murray
What is the population of Murray, KY?
The population of Murray, KY is 17,888 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Kentucky.
What is the median household income in Murray?
The median household income in Murray, KY is $40,348 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Murray?
The median home value in Murray, KY is $193,300, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Murray?
The median monthly rent in Murray, KY is $835, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Murray?
The unemployment rate in Murray, KY is 4.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Murray, KY a good place to live?
Murray offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,888 and a median age of 25.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Murray, KY?
37.0% of residents in Murray aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Murray?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Murray, KY: median home value is $193,300 (21% below national), median rent is $835/month, and median household income is $40,348. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Murray?
The poverty rate in Murray, KY is 24.9%, 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 Murray, KY?
Murray's population is 2.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 6.7% two or more races. 4.5% of residents are foreign-born.