| ZIP Code | 42653 |
|---|---|
| City | Whitley City |
| State | Kentucky (KY) |
| County | McCreary County |
| Area Code | 606 |
| Elevation | 1,224 ft |
| Latitude | 36.782112 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -84.454722 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 21147 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 37.2 yrs ↓ 14% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 3.16 |
| Below Poverty | 27.0% ▲ 170% above avg |
| College Grads | 24.2% ▼ 38% below avg |
| Unemployment | 1.9% ▼ 61% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 26 (1.2%) |
| HS Graduate | 639 (30.6%) |
| Some College | 515 (24.6%) |
| Associates | 405 (19.4%) |
| Bachelors | 294 (14.1%) |
| Graduate Degree | 212 (10.1%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $45,841 ▼ 40% below avg ↑ 101% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $104,600 ▼ 62% below avg ↑ 47% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.3x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $830/mo ↑ 55% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 1,728 |
| Vacant Units | 521 |
| Avg HH Size | 3.16 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 1,728 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 521 |
| Owner Occupied | 75.2% |
| Renter Occupied | 24.8% |
| Avg HH Size | 3.16 |
ZIP code 42653 is located in Whitley City, Kentucky, within McCreary County. With a population of 3,911, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a relatively young community — the median age is 37.2 years. Economically, 42653 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $45,841 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 42653 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $104,600 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $830 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 75.2% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 47% since 2019.
The population of 42653 is primarily White (92.15%). Residents are less-educated — 24.2% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects a significant share of residents at 27.0%. Household income has grown by 101% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 42653 stands at 1.9%, which is well below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 80%.
Overall, ZIP code 42653 in Whitley City, KY is characterized as working-class, less-educated, a relatively young community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 3,911 residents, a median household income of $45,841, and a median home value of $104,600, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Kentucky.