| ZIP Code | 42553 |
|---|---|
| City | Science Hill |
| State | Kentucky (KY) |
| County | Pulaski County |
| Area Code | 606 |
| Elevation | 1,012 ft |
| Latitude | 37.1803 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -84.697071 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 21199 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 37.1 yrs ↓ 10% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.65 |
| Below Poverty | 17.0% ▲ 70% above avg |
| College Grads | 23.6% ▼ 39% below avg |
| Unemployment | 8.3% ▲ 69% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 99 (2.8%) |
| HS Graduate | 1,310 (36.9%) |
| Some College | 808 (22.8%) |
| Associates | 495 (13.9%) |
| Bachelors | 449 (12.6%) |
| Graduate Degree | 389 (11%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $52,031 ▼ 32% below avg ↑ 30% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $138,400 ▼ 50% below avg ↑ 19% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.7x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $906/mo ↑ 42% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 2,426 |
| Vacant Units | 175 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.65 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 2,426 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 175 |
| Owner Occupied | 81.7% |
| Renter Occupied | 18.3% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.65 |
ZIP code 42553 is located in Science Hill, Kentucky, within Pulaski County. With a population of 5,962, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with a relatively young community — the median age is 37.1 years. Economically, 42553 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $52,031 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 42553 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $138,400 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $906 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 81.7% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 19% since 2019.
The population of 42553 is primarily White (97.30%). Residents are less-educated — 23.6% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 17.0%. Household income has grown by 30% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 42553 stands at 8.3%, which is significantly above the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 85%.
Overall, ZIP code 42553 in Science Hill, KY is characterized as working-class, less-educated, a relatively young community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 5,962 residents, a median household income of $52,031, and a median home value of $138,400, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Kentucky.