Murray, KY
Population 17,888 · Kentucky
About Murray, KY
Murray is a mid-sized city in Kentucky with a population of 17,888 residents. The median household income is $40,348 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Murray is 25.7 years.
Housing in Murray has a median home value of $193,300 and median monthly rent of $835. Of the 7,772 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 2,752 owner-occupied and 3,922 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Murray is 4.9% and the poverty rate is 24.9%. 37.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 11.7 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Murray
What is the population of Murray, KY?
The population of Murray, KY is 17,888 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Murray?
The median household income in Murray, KY is $40,348 per year.
What is the median home value in Murray?
The median home value in Murray, KY is $193,300.
What is the average rent in Murray?
The median monthly rent in Murray, KY is $835.
What is the unemployment rate in Murray?
The unemployment rate in Murray, KY is 4.9%.