County

McCreary County, KY

7 ZIP codes  ·  7 cities  ·  Kentucky

👥16,497Population
💰$37,211Median HH Income▼ 51% below avg
🎂37.7Median Age
🏠$86,169Median Home Value▼ 69% below avg
🎓23.5%College Grads▼ 39% below avg
📊2.5%Unemployment▼ 50% below avg
People & Population (ACS 2023 — weighted avg)
♂ Male 54.6% Female 45.4% ♀

Race & Ethnicity

White: 88.7%Hispanic: 2.8%Black: 10.6%Asian: 0.5%Other: 2.8%Race
White88.7%
Hispanic2.8%
Black10.6%
Asian0.5%
Other2.8%

Age Breakdown

Under 5
5%
5–17
16%
18–24
8%
25–44
28%
45–64
27%
65+
7%

Key Indicators

Median Age37.7 yrs
Avg HH Size2.69
Below Poverty32.5% ▲ 225% above avg
College Grads23.5% ▼ 39% below avg
Unemployment2.5% ▼ 50% below avg
No HS Diploma165 (1.8%)
HS Graduate3,142 (34.2%)
Some College2,121 (23.1%)
Associates1,607 (17.5%)
Bachelors1,098 (12%)
Graduate Degree1,048 (11.4%)

Education

No HS: 1.8%HS Grad: 34.2%Some College: 23.1%Associates: 17.5%Bachelors: 12%Graduate: 11.4%Edu
No HS1.8%
HS Grad34.2%
Some College23.1%
Associates17.5%
Bachelors12.0%
Graduate11.4%
Housing & Income

Housing Tenure

Owner: 74.5%Renter: 25.5%Tenure
Owner74.5%
Renter25.5%

Home Value Distribution

Under $50k
32%
$50k–$100k
25%
$100k–$150k
25%
$150k–$200k
9%
$200k–$300k
5%
$300k–$500k
2%
Over $500k
2%

Financials

Median HH Income$37,211 ▼ 51% below avg
Median Home Value$86,169 ▼ 69% below avg
Home/Income Ratio2.3x (nat avg ~3.5x)
Median Rent$603/mo
Total Housing Units6,703
Vacant Units1,252

Income Distribution

Under $25k
42%
$25k–$50k
20%
$50k–$75k
20%
$75k–$100k
9%
$100k–$150k
6%
$150k–$200k
2%
Over $200k
1%
Employment & Commute

How People Get to Work

Drove Alone
92%
Public Transit
0%
Walked
0%
Work From Home
8%

Commute Time

Under 15 min
26%
15–30 min
23%
30–45 min
21%
Over 45 min
30%
Housing Stock

Year Built

Before 1940
3%
1940s–1950s
7%
1960s–1970s
16%
1980s–1990s
19%
2000+
55%
About McCreary County, KY

McCreary County is located in Kentucky and encompasses 7 ZIP codes spanning 7 cities and communities. The county has an estimated population of 16,497 residents. With a median age of 37.71, it is a relatively young county.

McCreary County has a lower-income economic profile. The median household income of $37,210 is well below the national average. Unemployment stands at 2.5%, below the national average. The poverty rate of 32.5% is significantly above the national average, indicating economic challenges.

Housing in McCreary County is one of the more affordable housing markets in the country, with a median home value of $86,169 — well below the national average. Monthly median rent is approximately $602. Homeownership rates are high at 74.5%, reflecting a largely residential, stable population.

The residents of McCreary County are primarily White (88.71%). Educational attainment is less-educated — 23.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average.

McCreary County, KY is a lower-income area in Kentucky. The 7 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 McCreary County
ZIPCityPopulationMedian IncomeMedian HomeMedian RentUnemp.College
42634 Parkers Lake 1,840 $24,835 $54,800 — 3.2% 15.9%
42635 Pine Knot 4,789 $36,506 $102,300 $421 2.4% 17.4%
42647 Stearns 3,743 $35,179 $66,300 $598 4.0% 31.8%
42653 Whitley City 3,911 $45,841 $104,600 $830 1.9% 24.2%

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