| ZIP Code | 42085 |
|---|---|
| City | Water Valley |
| State | Kentucky (KY) |
| County | Graves County |
| Area Code | 270/364 |
| Elevation | 374 ft |
| Latitude | 36.569596 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -88.800966 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 21083 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 36.7 yrs ↓ 5% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.76 |
| Below Poverty | 31.2% ▲ 212% above avg |
| College Grads | 11.1% ▼ 71% below avg |
| Unemployment | 2.0% ▼ 60% below avg |
| HS Graduate | 215 (43.4%) |
| Some College | 171 (34.5%) |
| Associates | 54 (10.9%) |
| Bachelors | 32 (6.5%) |
| Graduate Degree | 23 (4.6%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $55,662 ▼ 27% below avg ↑ 29% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $101,800 ▼ 63% below avg ↑ 15% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 1.8x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $743/mo ↑ 75% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 361 |
| Vacant Units | 28 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.76 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 361 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 28 |
| Owner Occupied | 74.8% |
| Renter Occupied | 25.2% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.76 |
ZIP code 42085 is located in Water Valley, Kentucky, within Graves County. With a population of 918, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a relatively young community — the median age is 36.7 years. Economically, 42085 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $55,662 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 42085 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $101,800 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $743 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 74.8% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 15% since 2019.
The population of 42085 is primarily White (94.44%). Residents are less-educated — 11.1% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is well below the national average. Poverty affects a significant share of residents at 31.2%. Household income has grown by 29% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 42085 stands at 2.0%, which is well below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 97%.
Overall, ZIP code 42085 in Water Valley, KY is characterized as solidly middle-class, less-educated, a relatively young community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 918 residents, a median household income of $55,662, and a median home value of $101,800, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Kentucky.