Whitley City, KY
Population 782 · Kentucky
About Whitley City, KY
Whitley City is a small community located in Kentucky with a population of 782 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $31,250 per year, which is 58% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Whitley City features a median home value of $61,900, which is 75% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Whitley City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $942, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 473 total housing units, 40% are owner-occupied (111 units) and 60% are renter-occupied (165 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 Whitley City 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 42.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Whitley City have an average one-way commute time of 0 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
5.7% of Whitley City 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 1.3% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 0.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Whitley City Ranks in Kentucky
Cost of Living in Whitley City, KY
Compared to national averages, Whitley City has a median household income of $31,250 (58% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $61,900, which is 75% below the national median. Monthly rent at $942 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Whitley City's income is 53% below the state average of $66,273, and home values are 66% below the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Whitley City, KY?
Whitley City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $61,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $942/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 0 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($31,250) that falls below the national average. However, Whitley City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Whitley City has a population of 782 with a median age of 37.5 years. Compare Whitley City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Whitley City
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salem | 782 | $61,250 | $100,000 | Compare |
| Calhoun | 783 | $51,071 | $106,500 | Compare |
| Science Hill | 790 | $53,542 | $129,300 | Compare |
| Woodlawn Park | 790 | $98,661 | $289,800 | Compare |
| Frenchburg | 773 | $26,375 | $123,000 | Compare |
| Auxier | 795 | $113,565 | $116,000 | Compare |
| New Haven | 798 | $68,977 | $143,100 | Compare |
| Crab Orchard | 762 | $31,397 | $97,700 | 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 Whitley City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Whitley City
What is the population of Whitley City, KY?
The population of Whitley City, KY is 782 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 Whitley City?
The median household income in Whitley City, KY is $31,250 per year, which is 58% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Whitley City?
The median home value in Whitley City, KY is $61,900, which is 75% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Whitley City?
The median monthly rent in Whitley City, KY is $942, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Whitley City?
The unemployment rate in Whitley City, 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 Whitley City, KY a good place to live?
Whitley City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 782 and a median age of 37.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Whitley City, KY?
5.7% of residents in Whitley City 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 Whitley City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Whitley City, KY: median home value is $61,900 (75% below national), median rent is $942/month, and median household income is $31,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Whitley City?
The poverty rate in Whitley City, KY is 42.5%, 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 Whitley City, KY?
Whitley City's population is 1.3% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 2.7% two or more races. 0.9% of residents are foreign-born.