Wilder, KY
Population 3,148 · Kentucky
About Wilder, KY
Wilder is a small town located in Kentucky with a population of 3,148 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $71,567 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wilder features a median home value of $137,600, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Wilder one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,376, 18% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,747 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (1,297 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (389 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wilder shows an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 15.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wilder have an average one-way commute time of 18.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
59.2% of Wilder 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 0.0% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Wilder Ranks in Kentucky
Cost of Living in Wilder, KY
Compared to national averages, Wilder has a median household income of $71,567 (5% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $137,600, which is 44% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,376 is 18% above the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Wilder's income is 8% above the state average of $66,273, and home values are 25% below the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Wilder, KY?
Wilder offers affordable housing with a median home value of $137,600, below the US average of $244,900, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.2%, and a well-educated community where 59.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($71,567) that falls below the national average. However, Wilder’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wilder has a population of 3,148 with a median age of 38.8 years. Compare Wilder with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Wilder
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Hills | 3,155 | $102,112 | $274,200 | Compare |
| Barbourville | 3,181 | $20,971 | $190,200 | Compare |
| Morganfield | 3,208 | $63,546 | $116,100 | Compare |
| Stanton | 3,211 | $29,141 | $127,200 | Compare |
| Crestview Hills | 3,226 | $106,375 | $263,000 | Compare |
| Hodgenville | 3,262 | $58,750 | $137,100 | Compare |
| West Liberty | 3,280 | $57,411 | $202,100 | Compare |
| Simpsonville | 3,006 | $91,221 | $255,400 | 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 Wilder With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wilder
What is the population of Wilder, KY?
The population of Wilder, KY is 3,148 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 Wilder?
The median household income in Wilder, KY is $71,567 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wilder?
The median home value in Wilder, KY is $137,600, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wilder?
The median monthly rent in Wilder, KY is $1,376, which is 18% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wilder?
The unemployment rate in Wilder, KY is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Wilder, KY a good place to live?
Wilder offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,148 and a median age of 38.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wilder, KY?
59.2% of residents in Wilder 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 Wilder?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wilder, KY: median home value is $137,600 (44% below national), median rent is $1,376/month, and median household income is $71,567. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wilder?
The poverty rate in Wilder, KY is 15.8%, 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 Wilder, KY?
Wilder's population is 0.0% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 0.1% of residents are foreign-born.