St. Matthews, KY
Population 17,491 · Kentucky
About St. Matthews, KY
St. Matthews is a mid-sized city located in Kentucky with a population of 17,491 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $80,716 per year, which is 7% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in St. Matthews features a median home value of $325,700, which is 33% above the national median of $244,900. This positions St. Matthews in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,253, 8% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,219 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (4,621 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (4,107 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in St. Matthews shows an unemployment rate of 4.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 8.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in St. Matthews have an average one-way commute time of 19.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
56.4% of St. Matthews residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.2% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 5.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How St. Matthews Ranks in Kentucky
Cost of Living in St. Matthews, KY
Compared to national averages, St. Matthews has a median household income of $80,716 (7% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $325,700, which is 33% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,253 is 8% above the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, St. Matthews's income is 22% above the state average of $66,273, and home values are 78% above the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in St. Matthews, KY?
St. Matthews offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $80,716, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 56.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 8.0%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19.4 minutes.
St. Matthews has a population of 17,491 with a median age of 37.9 years. Compare St. Matthews with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near St. Matthews
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shelbyville | 17,436 | $73,733 | $238,600 | Compare |
| Fort Thomas | 17,242 | $100,819 | $301,400 | Compare |
| Danville | 17,235 | $53,370 | $202,200 | Compare |
| Murray | 17,888 | $40,348 | $193,300 | Compare |
| Burlington | 18,090 | $101,550 | $229,700 | Compare |
| Mount Washington | 18,228 | $93,852 | $253,700 | Compare |
| Winchester | 19,133 | $57,653 | $180,400 | Compare |
| Berea | 15,557 | $56,484 | $178,000 | 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 St. Matthews With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about St. Matthews
What is the population of St. Matthews, KY?
The population of St. Matthews, KY is 17,491 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 St. Matthews?
The median household income in St. Matthews, KY is $80,716 per year, which is 7% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in St. Matthews?
The median home value in St. Matthews, KY is $325,700, which is 33% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in St. Matthews?
The median monthly rent in St. Matthews, KY is $1,253, which is 8% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in St. Matthews?
The unemployment rate in St. Matthews, KY is 4.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is St. Matthews, KY a good place to live?
St. Matthews offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,491 and a median age of 37.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is St. Matthews, KY?
56.4% of residents in St. Matthews aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in St. Matthews?
Key cost-of-living indicators for St. Matthews, KY: median home value is $325,700 (33% above national), median rent is $1,253/month, and median household income is $80,716. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in St. Matthews?
The poverty rate in St. Matthews, KY is 8.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is St. Matthews, KY?
St. Matthews's population is 1.2% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 5.6% two or more races. 5.3% of residents are foreign-born.