Paducah, KY
Population 26,894 · Kentucky
About Paducah, KY
Paducah is a mid-sized city in Kentucky with a population of 26,894 residents. The median household income is $51,243 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Paducah is 43.2 years.
Housing in Paducah has a median home value of $164,600 and median monthly rent of $817. Of the 13,955 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 6,282 owner-occupied and 5,327 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Paducah is 3.5% and the poverty rate is 21.5%. 28.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 15.7 minutes.
How Paducah Ranks in Kentucky
Cost of Living in Paducah, KY
Compared to national averages, Paducah has a median household income of $51,243 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $164,600, which is 33% below the national median. Monthly rent at $817 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Paducah's income is 23% below the state average of $66,273, and home values are 10% below the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Paducah, KY?
Paducah offers affordable housing with a median home value of $164,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $817/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 15.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,243) that falls below the national average. However, Paducah’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Paducah has a population of 26,894 with a median age of 43.2 years. Compare Paducah with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Paducah
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Henderson | 27,994 | $47,176 | $151,400 | Compare |
| Frankfort | 28,452 | $54,438 | $171,600 | Compare |
| Jeffersontown | 28,988 | $78,185 | $236,800 | Compare |
| Independence | 29,024 | $98,653 | $240,500 | Compare |
| Radcliff | 22,967 | $60,976 | $163,300 | Compare |
| Hopkinsville | 31,011 | $47,428 | $140,200 | Compare |
| Nicholasville | 31,625 | $67,514 | $210,700 | Compare |
| Elizabethtown | 31,870 | $56,250 | $223,200 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Paducah
What is the population of Paducah, KY?
The population of Paducah, KY is 26,894 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Paducah?
The median household income in Paducah, KY is $51,243 per year.
What is the median home value in Paducah?
The median home value in Paducah, KY is $164,600.
What is the average rent in Paducah?
The median monthly rent in Paducah, KY is $817.
What is the unemployment rate in Paducah?
The unemployment rate in Paducah, KY is 3.5%.