South Shore, KY
Population 1,561 · Kentucky
About South Shore, KY
South Shore is a small town located in Kentucky with a population of 1,561 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $29,000 per year, which is 61% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in South Shore features a median home value of $85,900, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. This makes South Shore one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $638, 45% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 656 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (307 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (299 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in South Shore shows an unemployment rate of 23.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in South Shore have an average one-way commute time of 16 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
7.4% of South Shore 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, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in South Shore, KY
Compared to national averages, South Shore has a median household income of $29,000 (61% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $85,900, which is 65% below the national median. Monthly rent at $638 is 45% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, South Shore's income is 56% below the state average of $66,273, and home values are 53% below the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in South Shore, KY?
South Shore offers affordable housing with a median home value of $85,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $638/month, and short commute times averaging just 16 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($29,000) that falls below the national average. However, South Shore’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
South Shore has a population of 1,561 with a median age of 41.1 years. Compare South Shore with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near South Shore
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taylorsville | 1,566 | $41,917 | $148,500 | Compare |
| Jenkins | 1,569 | $34,400 | $65,600 | Compare |
| Breckinridge Center | 1,592 | $62,269 | $0 | Compare |
| Owenton | 1,600 | $52,121 | $124,300 | Compare |
| Augusta | 1,514 | $43,854 | $100,700 | Compare |
| Stearns | 1,509 | $36,964 | $0 | Compare |
| West Buechel | 1,624 | $47,066 | $152,600 | Compare |
| Ledbetter | 1,630 | $62,798 | $115,000 | 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 South Shore With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about South Shore
What is the population of South Shore, KY?
The population of South Shore, KY is 1,561 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 South Shore?
The median household income in South Shore, KY is $29,000 per year, which is 61% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in South Shore?
The median home value in South Shore, KY is $85,900, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in South Shore?
The median monthly rent in South Shore, KY is $638, which is 45% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in South Shore?
The unemployment rate in South Shore, KY is 23.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is South Shore, KY a good place to live?
South Shore offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,561 and a median age of 41.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is South Shore, KY?
7.4% of residents in South Shore 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 South Shore?
Key cost-of-living indicators for South Shore, KY: median home value is $85,900 (65% below national), median rent is $638/month, and median household income is $29,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in South Shore?
The poverty rate in South Shore, KY is 20.9%, 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 South Shore, KY?
South Shore's population is 0.0% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.4% of residents are foreign-born.