Prestonsburg, KY
Population 3,823 · Kentucky
About Prestonsburg, KY
Prestonsburg is a small town located in Kentucky with a population of 3,823 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $27,265 per year, which is 64% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35 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 Prestonsburg features a median home value of $157,200, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Prestonsburg in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $456, 61% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,633 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (684 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (787 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 Prestonsburg shows an unemployment rate of 15.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 44.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Prestonsburg have an average one-way commute time of 17.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.4% of Prestonsburg 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, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Prestonsburg Ranks in Kentucky
Cost of Living in Prestonsburg, KY
Compared to national averages, Prestonsburg has a median household income of $27,265 (64% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $157,200, which is 36% below the national median. Monthly rent at $456 is 61% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Prestonsburg's income is 59% below the state average of $66,273, and home values are 14% below the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Prestonsburg, KY?
Prestonsburg offers affordable housing with a median home value of $157,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $456/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($27,265) that falls below the national average. However, Prestonsburg’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Prestonsburg has a population of 3,823 with a median age of 35 years. Compare Prestonsburg with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Prestonsburg
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grayson | 3,820 | $28,548 | $125,600 | Compare |
| Buckner | 3,786 | $149,700 | $389,900 | Compare |
| Carrollton | 3,894 | $58,788 | $122,400 | Compare |
| Williamstown | 3,929 | $71,761 | $159,100 | Compare |
| Russell | 3,696 | $76,389 | $207,900 | Compare |
| Lancaster | 3,960 | $45,795 | $134,700 | Compare |
| Southgate | 3,680 | $55,469 | $175,700 | Compare |
| Stanford | 3,662 | $55,000 | $154,000 | 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 Prestonsburg With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Prestonsburg
What is the population of Prestonsburg, KY?
The population of Prestonsburg, KY is 3,823 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 Prestonsburg?
The median household income in Prestonsburg, KY is $27,265 per year, which is 64% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Prestonsburg?
The median home value in Prestonsburg, KY is $157,200, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Prestonsburg?
The median monthly rent in Prestonsburg, KY is $456, which is 61% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Prestonsburg?
The unemployment rate in Prestonsburg, KY is 15.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Prestonsburg, KY a good place to live?
Prestonsburg offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,823 and a median age of 35, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Prestonsburg, KY?
17.4% of residents in Prestonsburg 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 Prestonsburg?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Prestonsburg, KY: median home value is $157,200 (36% below national), median rent is $456/month, and median household income is $27,265. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Prestonsburg?
The poverty rate in Prestonsburg, KY is 44.0%, 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 Prestonsburg, KY?
Prestonsburg's population is 0.0% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 2.4% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.