Van Lear, KY
Population 520 · Kentucky
About Van Lear, KY
Van Lear is a small community located in Kentucky with a population of 520 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $32,895 per year, which is 56% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Van Lear features a median home value of $77,500, which is 68% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Van Lear one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 410 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (184 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (68 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Van Lear shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 29.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Van Lear have an average one-way commute time of 21.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.4% of Van Lear 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, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Van Lear, KY
Compared to national averages, Van Lear has a median household income of $32,895 (56% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $77,500, which is 68% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Van Lear's income is 50% below the state average of $66,273, and home values are 58% below the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Van Lear, KY?
Van Lear offers affordable housing with a median home value of $77,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 21.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($32,895) that falls below the national average. However, Van Lear’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Van Lear has a population of 520 with a median age of 42.5 years. Compare Van Lear with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Van Lear
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riverwood | 525 | $250,001 | $615,500 | Compare |
| Butler | 513 | $43,309 | $136,500 | Compare |
| Emlyn | 527 | $59,911 | $152,700 | Compare |
| Moorland | 528 | $69,375 | $215,000 | Compare |
| River Bluff | 529 | $139,375 | $415,800 | Compare |
| Yelvington | 511 | $50,038 | $149,000 | Compare |
| Barlow | 508 | $30,069 | $80,700 | Compare |
| Petersburg | 532 | $123,669 | $219,300 | 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 Van Lear With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Van Lear
What is the population of Van Lear, KY?
The population of Van Lear, KY is 520 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Kentucky.
What is the median household income in Van Lear?
The median household income in Van Lear, KY is $32,895 per year, which is 56% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Van Lear?
The median home value in Van Lear, KY is $77,500, which is 68% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Van Lear?
The median monthly rent in Van Lear, KY is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Van Lear?
The unemployment rate in Van Lear, KY is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Van Lear, KY a good place to live?
Van Lear offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 520 and a median age of 42.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Van Lear, KY?
21.4% of residents in Van Lear 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 Van Lear?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Van Lear, KY: median home value is $77,500 (68% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $32,895. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Van Lear?
The poverty rate in Van Lear, KY is 29.4%, 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 Van Lear, KY?
Van Lear's population is 0.0% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 8.5% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.