Somerset, KY
Population 12,108 · Kentucky
About Somerset, KY
Somerset is a mid-sized city located in Kentucky with a population of 12,108 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $32,910 per year, which is 56% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Somerset features a median home value of $140,900, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Somerset one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $830, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,255 total housing units, 43% are owner-occupied (2,019 units) and 57% are renter-occupied (2,689 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 Somerset shows an unemployment rate of 8.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 28.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Somerset have an average one-way commute time of 24 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.9% of Somerset 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 4.8% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 3.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Somerset Ranks in Kentucky
Cost of Living in Somerset, KY
Compared to national averages, Somerset has a median household income of $32,910 (56% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $140,900, which is 42% below the national median. Monthly rent at $830 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Somerset's income is 50% below the state average of $66,273, and home values are 23% below the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Somerset, KY?
Somerset offers affordable housing with a median home value of $140,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $830/month, and short commute times averaging just 24 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($32,910) that falls below the national average. However, Somerset’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Somerset has a population of 12,108 with a median age of 39.1 years. Compare Somerset with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Somerset
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrenceburg | 11,838 | $63,690 | $185,400 | Compare |
| Campbellsville | 11,523 | $49,389 | $162,900 | Compare |
| Fort Campbell North | 11,483 | $58,403 | $0 | Compare |
| Lyndon | 10,956 | $65,392 | $273,300 | Compare |
| Bardstown | 13,673 | $49,781 | $190,800 | Compare |
| Alexandria | 10,430 | $103,750 | $253,400 | Compare |
| Versailles | 10,382 | $58,834 | $257,600 | Compare |
| Francisville | 10,313 | $146,280 | $374,100 | 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 Somerset With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Somerset
What is the population of Somerset, KY?
The population of Somerset, KY is 12,108 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 Somerset?
The median household income in Somerset, KY is $32,910 per year, which is 56% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Somerset?
The median home value in Somerset, KY is $140,900, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Somerset?
The median monthly rent in Somerset, KY is $830, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Somerset?
The unemployment rate in Somerset, KY is 8.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Somerset, KY a good place to live?
Somerset offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,108 and a median age of 39.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Somerset, KY?
16.9% of residents in Somerset 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 Somerset?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Somerset, KY: median home value is $140,900 (42% below national), median rent is $830/month, and median household income is $32,910. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Somerset?
The poverty rate in Somerset, KY is 28.7%, 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 Somerset, KY?
Somerset's population is 4.8% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 3.6% two or more races. 3.2% of residents are foreign-born.