| ZIP Code | 42321 |
|---|---|
| City | Beech Creek |
| State | Kentucky (KY) |
| County | Muhlenberg County |
| Area Code | 270/364 |
| Elevation | 420 ft |
| Latitude | 37.181837 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -87.05036 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 21177 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 35.2 yrs ↓ 55% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.65 |
| Below Poverty | 17.7% ▲ 77% above avg |
| College Grads | 39.6% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 4.2% ▼ 14% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 17 (4.4%) |
| HS Graduate | 163 (42.4%) |
| Some College | 23 (6%) |
| Associates | 29 (7.6%) |
| Bachelors | 131 (34.1%) |
| Graduate Degree | 21 (5.5%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $50,926 ▼ 33% below avg ↑ 216% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $85,000 ▼ 70% below avg |
| Home/Income Ratio | 1.7x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Total Units | 235 |
| Vacant Units | 17 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.65 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 235 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 17 |
| Owner Occupied | 88.5% |
| Renter Occupied | 11.5% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.65 |
ZIP code 42321 is located in Beech Creek, Kentucky, within Muhlenberg County. With a population of 578, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a relatively young community — the median age is 35.2 years. Economically, 42321 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $50,926 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 42321 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $85,000 is well below the national average. Homeownership is strong here — 88.5% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community.
The population of 42321 is primarily White (95.67%). Residents are moderately educated — 39.6% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 17.7%. Household income has grown by 216% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 42321 stands at 4.2%, which is near the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 94%.
Overall, ZIP code 42321 in Beech Creek, KY is characterized as working-class, moderately educated, a relatively young community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 578 residents, a median household income of $50,926, and a median home value of $85,000, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Kentucky.