Paintsville, KY
Population 4,256 · Kentucky
About Paintsville, KY
Paintsville is a small town located in Kentucky with a population of 4,256 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $26,713 per year, which is 64% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Paintsville features a median home value of $110,800, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Paintsville one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $631, 46% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,157 total housing units, 37% are owner-occupied (621 units) and 63% are renter-occupied (1,072 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 Paintsville shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 34.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Paintsville have an average one-way commute time of 17.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.2% of Paintsville 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 0.0% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Paintsville, KY
Compared to national averages, Paintsville has a median household income of $26,713 (64% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $110,800, which is 55% below the national median. Monthly rent at $631 is 46% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Paintsville's income is 60% below the state average of $66,273, and home values are 39% below the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Paintsville, KY?
Paintsville offers affordable housing with a median home value of $110,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $631/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($26,713) that falls below the national average. However, Paintsville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Paintsville has a population of 4,256 with a median age of 41.9 years. Compare Paintsville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Paintsville
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ludlow | 4,378 | $58,295 | $154,700 | Compare |
| Scottsville | 4,391 | $36,259 | $140,600 | Compare |
| Crescent Springs | 4,402 | $76,530 | $289,300 | Compare |
| Farley | 4,402 | $45,676 | $82,400 | Compare |
| Greenville | 4,435 | $70,401 | $118,500 | Compare |
| Crittenden | 4,058 | $51,336 | $168,300 | Compare |
| Prospect | 4,518 | $172,361 | $494,000 | Compare |
| Lancaster | 3,960 | $45,795 | $134,700 | 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 Paintsville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Paintsville
What is the population of Paintsville, KY?
The population of Paintsville, KY is 4,256 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 Paintsville?
The median household income in Paintsville, KY is $26,713 per year, which is 64% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Paintsville?
The median home value in Paintsville, KY is $110,800, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Paintsville?
The median monthly rent in Paintsville, KY is $631, which is 46% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Paintsville?
The unemployment rate in Paintsville, 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 Paintsville, KY a good place to live?
Paintsville offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,256 and a median age of 41.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Paintsville, KY?
17.2% of residents in Paintsville 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 Paintsville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Paintsville, KY: median home value is $110,800 (55% below national), median rent is $631/month, and median household income is $26,713. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Paintsville?
The poverty rate in Paintsville, KY is 34.7%, 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 Paintsville, KY?
Paintsville's population is 0.0% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 1.3% of residents are foreign-born.