Median Income
$20,971
72% lower than US avg
Home Value
$190,200
33% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
259/100K
32% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.4%
34% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$604
48% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
45.6%
268% higher than US avg
How Barbourville Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,181
Median Age34.5 yrs
Density1,196/mi²
Male / Female38% / 63%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans3.7%
Economy
C
Median Income$20,971
Per Capita$19,044
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty45.6%
County GDP$837M
Commute20 min
Housing
D
Home Value$190,200
Rent$604
Ownership44.8%
Zillow$148,745
Housing Units1,782
Rent Burden30.9%
Crime
F
Violent259/100K
Property2,168/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault194/100K
Burglary1,068/100K
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain53.8 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation980 ft (299 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.4%
High School+75.8%
Graduate+16.0%
School Score5.25
Community
2024 VoteR 85% / D 14%
Commute20 min
Broadband79.7%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Barbourville a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Barbourville receives an overall livability score of 1.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Barbourville faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Barbourville is $20,971, 72% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. The poverty rate of 45.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Barbourville is $190,200, 33% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $604 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. With a home price-to-income ratio of 9.1x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Barbourville is below the national average at 259 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,168 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
22.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Barbourville enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 53.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Barbourville has a population of 3,181 with a density of 1,196 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age is 34.5 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 62.5% female and 37.5% male. The city is predominantly White (93.6%), with 2.3% Hispanic, 2.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 3.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 33.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.5yrs
Median Age
11% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Barbourville vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Barbourville vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Barbourville is $20,971, which is 72% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,044 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $835, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 45.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 622 business establishments, including 39 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Barbourville vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $20,971 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,044 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $835 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $46,610 |
| Gini Index | 0.519 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 45.6% |
| 268% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 622 |
| County GDP | $837M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 39 |
| Healthcare | 77 |
| Retail | 118 |
| Manufacturing | 23 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,376 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.25% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 8.5% |
The median home value in Barbourville is $190,200, 33% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,745, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $604 (48% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 44.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,782 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $2,376 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 30.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 9.1x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $190,200 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $148,745 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $604 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 44.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 44.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 55.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,782 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,376 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.25% |
In Barbourville, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,739. The dentist ratio is 1:3,310. 33.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Barbourville vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.7% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:3,739 |
| Dentists | 1:3,310 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,064 |
| Dental Visits | 55.9% |
| Premature Death | 15,275/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 33.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 77 |
Barbourville has a violent crime rate of 259 per 100,000 residents, 32% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 194.2 per 100,000, robbery at 64.7, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,168 per 100,000, 11% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 809, burglary at 1,068, vehicle theft at 291 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Barbourville receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Barbourville vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 258.9/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 64.7/100K |
| Assault | 194.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,168.3/100K |
| 11% above US avg |
| Burglary | 1,068.0/100K |
| Theft | 809.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 291.3/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Barbourville enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 299 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 53.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 980 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (2°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 56.0°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 980 ft (299 m) |
| Area | 2.7 sq mi (6.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,196/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.8657°N, 83.8832°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Knox County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lake Cumberland Regional (SME)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
53.8"
42% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.04"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 74.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 96.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 15.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
111 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 19, 2025.
| Nov 10, 2012 |
6 km W of Blackey, Kentucky |
M4.2 |
80 km |
| May 10, 2025 |
21 km SE of Greenback, Tennessee |
M4.1 |
147 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
45 km |
| Jan 20, 2020 |
2 km NE of Fincastle, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
50 km |
| Jul 30, 1997 |
6 km NNE of Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
50 km |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
8 km ESE of Corbin, Kentucky |
M3.7 |
13 km |
| Jun 17, 1998 |
9 km SSE of Coalfield, Tennessee |
M3.6 |
112 km |
| Mar 5, 2019 |
7 km NE of Maynardville, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
65 km |
| Sep 8, 1990 |
5 km N of Owingsville, Kentucky |
M3.3 |
148 km |
| Apr 20, 2010 |
4 km SW of Maryville, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
127 km |
| Aug 31, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Friendsville, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
123 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km N of Sevierville, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
104 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km S of New Market, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
101 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
80 km |
| Jan 27, 2009 |
4 km NE of Williamsburg, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
24 km |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
7 km NNW of Flat Lick, Kentucky |
M3.1 |
8 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
10 km WSW of Bean Station, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
77 km |
| Nov 24, 2012 |
7 km NE of Sevierville, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
111 km |
| Nov 10, 1992 |
4 km ESE of Greenback, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
138 km |
| Apr 13, 2001 |
11 km W of Sneedville, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
61 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
176 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 23 fatalities, 392 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2014 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Feb 21, 1993 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1988 |
EF3 |
32 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
49 km |
7 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
73 km |
2 |
| Jun 29, 1973 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1967 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1967 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1961 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Apr 8, 2021 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 2021 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF2 |
47 km |
6 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2010 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (66,145 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,145 |
80 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
18,013 |
85 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
15,138 |
76 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
11,817 |
12 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
11,663 |
84 km |
| 2016 |
STINKING CREEK |
10,768 |
54 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
10,327 |
44 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
9,084 |
41 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
8,099 |
80 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
8,064 |
74 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
8,047 |
99 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
7,907 |
26 km |
| 2001 |
CRANE CREEK |
7,555 |
41 km |
| 2001 |
COOL SPRINGS |
7,477 |
22 km |
| 2016 |
LITTLE SHEPHERD TRAIL |
6,751 |
69 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
6,628 |
79 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
6,590 |
27 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
6,456 |
72 km |
| 1987 |
K-T FIRE |
6,372 |
53 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
6,067 |
27 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (2°C) |
3.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
5.0 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| December |
38°F (4°C) |
4.2 in |
|
Barbourville has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 35°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 49.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.0") and October the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Barbourville. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$226 ($135–$361) |
| Specialist Visit |
$316 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$316) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,984 ($722–$4,510) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$226 ($135–$361) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($361–$902) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$316) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$361 ($135–$722) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,314 ($3,608–$10,824) |
| Roof Repair |
$902 ($361–$1,804) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,118 ($4,961–$13,530) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,353 ($451–$3,157) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,530 ($4,510–$27,060) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,510 ($1,804–$9,020) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,353 ($722–$2,706) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$902) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,255 ($902–$4,510) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$226) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.70 ($2.71–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.16 ($2.26–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.43 ($2.26–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.06 ($2.71–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.61–$6.77) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$226) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,804 ($1,082–$3,157) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.22–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$226) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,082 ($541–$2,255) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$902 ($451–$1,804) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$361 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$902 ($361–$2,255) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,275 ($4,510–$27,060) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$361) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $435 |
| Toddler | $404 |
| Preschool | $404 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $484 |
| Toddler | $351 |
| Preschool | $351 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Barbourville
What is the population of Barbourville?
Barbourville has a population of 3,181 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 1,196 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 62.5% female and 37.5% male.
Is Barbourville expensive to live in?
Barbourville is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $20,971, 72% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $190,200 (33% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $604 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 9.1x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Barbourville safe?
Barbourville is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 259 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,168 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Barbourville receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Barbourville?
Barbourville enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 53.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Barbourville?
The job market in Barbourville is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $835. There are 622 business establishments in the area, including 39 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 8.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Barbourville?
The median home value in Barbourville is $190,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,745. For renters, the median monthly rent is $604. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 44.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,376.
How are the schools in Barbourville?
Schools in Barbourville score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.4% of adults in Barbourville hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.8% have completed high school. 16.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Barbourville?
The obesity rate in Barbourville is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 33.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,739.
What is transportation like in Barbourville?
The average commute in Barbourville is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Barbourville?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Barbourville is 93.6% White, 2.9% Black or African American, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 3.7% of the population are military veterans. 33.2% of residents have a disability. 91.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
