Paducah, KY
Population 26,894 · Kentucky
About Paducah, KY
Paducah is a mid-sized city located in Kentucky with a population of 26,894 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,243 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.2 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 Paducah features a median home value of $164,600, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Paducah in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $817, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 13,955 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (6,282 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (5,327 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Paducah shows an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 21.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Paducah have an average one-way commute time of 15.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
28.4% of Paducah 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 1.9% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 2.7% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Paducah With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Paducah
What is the population of Paducah, KY?
The population of Paducah, KY is 26,894 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 Paducah?
The median household income in Paducah, KY is $51,243 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Paducah?
The median home value in Paducah, KY is $164,600, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Paducah?
The median monthly rent in Paducah, KY is $817, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Paducah?
The unemployment rate in Paducah, KY is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Paducah, KY a good place to live?
Paducah offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 26,894 and a median age of 43.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Paducah, KY?
28.4% of residents in Paducah 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 Paducah?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Paducah, KY: median home value is $164,600 (33% below national), median rent is $817/month, and median household income is $51,243. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Paducah?
The poverty rate in Paducah, KY is 21.5%, 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 Paducah, KY?
Paducah's population is 1.9% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 20.1% two or more races. 2.7% of residents are foreign-born.