County

Harlan County, KY

26 ZIP codes  ·  26 cities  ·  Kentucky

👥26,259Population
💰$38,761Median HH Income▼ 49% below avg
🎂40.0Median Age
🏠$78,419Median Home Value▼ 72% below avg
🎓28.6%College Grads▼ 26% below avg
📊10.9%Unemployment▲ 123% above avg
People & Population (ACS 2023 — weighted avg)
♂ Male 48.1% Female 51.9% ♀

Race & Ethnicity

White: 94.3%Hispanic: 0.4%Black: 2.3%Asian: 0.5%Other: 3.8%Race
White94.3%
Hispanic0.4%
Black2.3%
Asian0.5%
Other3.8%

Age Breakdown

Under 5
6%
5–17
18%
18–24
6%
25–44
24%
45–64
27%
65+
10%

Key Indicators

Median Age40.0 yrs
Avg HH Size2.37
Below Poverty26.9% ▲ 169% above avg
College Grads28.6% ▼ 26% below avg
Unemployment10.9% ▲ 123% above avg
No HS Diploma182 (1.2%)
HS Graduate5,328 (35.6%)
Some College2,623 (17.5%)
Associates2,593 (17.3%)
Bachelors1,972 (13.2%)
Graduate Degree2,264 (15.1%)

Education

No HS: 1.2%HS Grad: 35.6%Some College: 17.5%Associates: 17.3%Bachelors: 13.2%Graduate: 15.1%Edu
No HS1.2%
HS Grad35.6%
Some College17.5%
Associates17.3%
Bachelors13.2%
Graduate15.1%
Housing & Income

Housing Tenure

Owner: 70.9%Renter: 29.1%Tenure
Owner70.9%
Renter29.1%

Home Value Distribution

Under $50k
28%
$50k–$100k
36%
$100k–$150k
13%
$150k–$200k
11%
$200k–$300k
8%
$300k–$500k
2%
Over $500k
1%

Financials

Median HH Income$38,761 ▼ 49% below avg
Median Home Value$78,418 ▼ 72% below avg
Home/Income Ratio2.0x (nat avg ~3.5x)
Median Rent$682/mo
Total Housing Units13,098
Vacant Units2,555

Income Distribution

Under $25k
38%
$25k–$50k
20%
$50k–$75k
19%
$75k–$100k
9%
$100k–$150k
11%
$150k–$200k
1%
Over $200k
2%
Employment & Commute

How People Get to Work

Drove Alone
91%
Public Transit
1%
Walked
2%
Work From Home
7%

Commute Time

Under 15 min
41%
15–30 min
30%
30–45 min
12%
Over 45 min
16%
Housing Stock

Year Built

Before 1940
4%
1940s–1950s
8%
1960s–1970s
18%
1980s–1990s
14%
2000+
56%
About Harlan County, KY

Harlan County is located in Kentucky and encompasses 26 ZIP codes spanning 26 cities and communities. The county has an estimated population of 26,259 residents. With a median age of 40, it is a middle-aged county.

Harlan County has a lower-income economic profile. The median household income of $38,760 is below the national average. Unemployment stands at 10.9%, more than double the national average. The poverty rate of 26.9% is significantly above the national average, indicating economic challenges.

Housing in Harlan County is one of the more affordable housing markets in the country, with a median home value of $78,418 — well below the national average. Monthly median rent is approximately $681. Homeownership rates are high at 70.9%, reflecting a largely residential, stable population.

The residents of Harlan County are primarily White (94.25%). Educational attainment is moderately educated — 28.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average.

Harlan County, KY is a lower-income area in Kentucky. The 26 ZIP codes within the county each have their own character — browse the full list below to find the right community, whether you're looking for affordable housing, strong schools, or economic opportunity.

ZIP Codes in Harlan County
ZIPCityPopulationMedian IncomeMedian HomeMedian RentUnemp.College
40806 Baxter 1,827 $57,135 $111,600 $696 12.1% 29.8%
40807 Benham 535 $53,171 $55,500 $723 10.1% 38.3%
40810 Bledsoe 1,403 $38,214 $63,600 $491 4.3% 17.5%
40815 Cawood 815 $44,453 $65,900 0.0% 47.1%
40927 Closplint 728 $52,279 $63,100 $618 6.4% 34.3%
40818 Coalgood 148 $36,797 24.1% 6.8%
40819 Coldiron 632 $31,321 $91,600 5.1% 7.7%
40820 Cranks 55 $18,200 $22,000 0.0%
40823 Cumberland 3,907 $35,704 $75,800 $637 17.5% 33.1%
40824 Dayhoit 720 $36,063 $44,800 $599 5.3% 19.1%
40828 Evarts 4,431 $39,340 $53,500 $821 12.3% 24.9%
40830 Gulston 255 $25,536 $52,100 0.0% 52.4%
40831 Harlan 4,719 $35,417 $106,500 $567 11.4% 34.1%
40847 Kenvir 97 $2,499 0.0% 0.0%
40854 Loyall 853 $33,077 $74,500 $640 14.3% 22.0%
40855 Lynch 782 $27,102 $55,700 $775 6.5% 34.5%
40863 Pathfork 801 $45,575 $52,500 7.2% 39.7%
40865 Putney 365 $54,052 $69,000 0.0% 10.5%
40870 Totz 635 $46,961 $128,800 $648 20.5% 15.1%
40873 Wallins Creek 2,329 $31,389 $87,400 $863 10.9% 25.0%