Whitesburg, KY
Population 1,998 · Kentucky
About Whitesburg, KY
Whitesburg is a small town located in Kentucky with a population of 1,998 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $31,875 per year, which is 58% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Whitesburg features a median home value of $111,300, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Whitesburg one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $619, 47% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 868 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (399 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (388 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Whitesburg shows an unemployment rate of 10.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 34.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Whitesburg have an average one-way commute time of 18.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.9% of Whitesburg 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, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Whitesburg, KY
Compared to national averages, Whitesburg has a median household income of $31,875 (58% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $111,300, which is 55% below the national median. Monthly rent at $619 is 47% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Whitesburg's income is 52% below the state average of $66,273, and home values are 39% below the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Whitesburg, KY?
Whitesburg offers affordable housing with a median home value of $111,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $619/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($31,875) that falls below the national average. However, Whitesburg’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Whitesburg has a population of 1,998 with a median age of 41.3 years. Compare Whitesburg with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Whitesburg
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orchard Grass Hills | 2,008 | $105,417 | $261,100 | Compare |
| Hurstbourne Acres | 1,984 | $68,229 | $292,900 | Compare |
| Owingsville | 1,977 | $40,150 | $92,700 | Compare |
| Jamestown | 2,021 | $25,602 | $119,200 | Compare |
| Dawson Springs | 1,973 | $31,607 | $73,500 | Compare |
| Albany | 1,972 | $40,301 | $102,500 | Compare |
| Hickman | 2,033 | $0 | $68,700 | Compare |
| Manchester | 2,041 | $30,291 | $109,100 | 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 Whitesburg With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Whitesburg
What is the population of Whitesburg, KY?
The population of Whitesburg, KY is 1,998 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 Whitesburg?
The median household income in Whitesburg, KY is $31,875 per year, which is 58% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Whitesburg?
The median home value in Whitesburg, KY is $111,300, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Whitesburg?
The median monthly rent in Whitesburg, KY is $619, which is 47% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Whitesburg?
The unemployment rate in Whitesburg, KY is 10.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Whitesburg, KY a good place to live?
Whitesburg offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,998 and a median age of 41.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Whitesburg, KY?
21.9% of residents in Whitesburg 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 Whitesburg?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Whitesburg, KY: median home value is $111,300 (55% below national), median rent is $619/month, and median household income is $31,875. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Whitesburg?
The poverty rate in Whitesburg, KY is 34.9%, 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 Whitesburg, KY?
Whitesburg's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 1.2% of residents are foreign-born.