Median Income
$68,582
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$146,100
48% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
284/100K
25% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.4%
25% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$718
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
3.6%
0% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
34.0%
174% higher than US avg
How Hazard Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,105
Median Age42.5 yrs
Density684/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans7.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$68,582
Per Capita$51,906
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty34.0%
County GDP$1,295M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$146,100
Rent$718
Ownership54.0%
Zillow$94,907
Housing Units2,130
Rent Burden33.9%
Crime
F
Violent284/100K
Property2,916/100K
Murder20.3/100K
Assault182/100K
Burglary405/100K
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain51.5 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation934 ft (285 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.4%
High School+82.0%
Graduate+15.3%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 20%
Commute15 min
Broadband90.1%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Hazard a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hazard receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Hazard offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hazard is $68,582, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 34.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hazard is $146,100, 48% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $718 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Hazard is below the national average at 284 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,916 per 100,000, 49% above the national average.
Education
25.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Hazard enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 34°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 51.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Hazard has a population of 5,105 with a density of 684 people per square mile, spread across 5.3 square miles. The median age is 42.5 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.4% female and 46.6% male. The city is predominantly White (90%), with 4.3% Hispanic, 1.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.9% of residents, while 6.1% speak Spanish. 7.0% of the population are veterans. 25.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.5yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.9%
20% above US avg
Spanish
6.1%
54% below US avg
The median household income in Hazard is $68,582, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $51,906 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $998, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 34.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 948 business establishments, including 41 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,582 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $51,906 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $998 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,964 |
| Gini Index | 0.532 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 34.0% |
| 174% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 948 |
| County GDP | $1,295M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 133 |
| Retail | 117 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,319 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.27% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.3% |
The median home value in Hazard is $146,100, 48% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $94,907, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $718 (38% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 54.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,130 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $3,319. 33.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $146,100 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $94,907 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $718 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 54.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 54.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 46.0% |
| Housing Units | 2,130 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,319 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.27% |
In Hazard, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:873. The dentist ratio is 1:1,368. 32.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hazard vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.9% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:873 |
| Dentists | 1:1,368 |
| Mental Health | 1:121 |
| Dental Visits | 48.9% |
| Premature Death | 21,360/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 32.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 133 |
Hazard has a violent crime rate of 284 per 100,000 residents, 25% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 182.3 per 100,000, robbery at 20.3, rape at 60.8. The murder rate is 20.3 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,916 per 100,000, 49% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,228, burglary at 405, vehicle theft at 284 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hazard receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hazard vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 283.5/100K |
| 25% below US avg |
| Murder | 20.3/100K |
| 221% above US avg |
| Rape | 60.8/100K |
| Robbery | 20.3/100K |
| Assault | 182.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,916.2/100K |
| 49% above US avg |
| Burglary | 405.0/100K |
| Theft | 2,227.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 283.5/100K |
| Arson | 60.8/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hazard enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 34°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 51.5 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 934 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 56.0°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 934 ft (285 m) |
| Area | 5.3 sq mi (13.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 684/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.2605°N, 83.1982°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Perry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lake Cumberland Regional (SME)
79 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
51.5"
35% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.96"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0414 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 73.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 61.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 38.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
70 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.8 on May 11, 2025.
| Nov 10, 2012 |
6 km W of Blackey, Kentucky |
M4.2 |
19 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
40 km |
| Jul 30, 1997 |
6 km NNE of Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
89 km |
| Jan 20, 2020 |
2 km NE of Fincastle, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
118 km |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
8 km ESE of Corbin, Kentucky |
M3.7 |
80 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
118 km |
| Mar 5, 2019 |
7 km NE of Maynardville, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
118 km |
| Sep 8, 1990 |
5 km N of Owingsville, Kentucky |
M3.3 |
115 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
23 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km N of Sevierville, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
147 km |
| Jan 27, 2009 |
4 km NE of Williamsburg, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
99 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km S of New Market, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
144 km |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
7 km NNW of Flat Lick, Kentucky |
M3.1 |
67 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
10 km WSW of Bean Station, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
109 km |
| Apr 13, 2001 |
11 km W of Sneedville, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
83 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
148 km |
| Jul 17, 2019 |
7 km SW of New Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
105 km |
| Aug 14, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Nickelsville, Virginia |
M2.9 |
92 km |
| Apr 5, 2005 |
1 km SE of Blaine, Tennessee |
M2.9 |
132 km |
| May 26, 2021 |
8 km NW of Fincastle, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
120 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
119 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 22 fatalities, 365 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
50 km |
2 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
81 km |
10 |
| May 9, 1988 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1973 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1961 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF2 |
90 km |
6 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 2001 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1984 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1980 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1978 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1977 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1977 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (66,345 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,345 |
45 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,145 |
27 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
38,312 |
83 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
32,565 |
81 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
22,282 |
93 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
21,562 |
83 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
20,994 |
63 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
18,013 |
18 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,759 |
33 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
17,406 |
35 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,328 |
36 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
15,526 |
48 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
15,138 |
45 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,264 |
84 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
13,124 |
49 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
11,817 |
63 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
11,117 |
93 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
10,990 |
60 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
10,817 |
47 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
10,183 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
3.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
5.0 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| December |
38°F (3°C) |
4.0 in |
|
Hazard has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 34°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.0") and October the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Hazard. 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 | $491 |
| Toddler | $489 |
| Preschool | $489 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $362 |
| Toddler | $362 |
| Preschool | $362 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazard
What is the population of Hazard?
Hazard has a population of 5,105 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 684 people per square mile, spread across 5.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.4% female and 46.6% male.
Is Hazard expensive to live in?
Hazard 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 $68,582, 9% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $146,100 (48% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $718 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hazard safe?
Hazard is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 284 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,916 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Hazard receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hazard?
Hazard enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 34°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 51.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Hazard?
Hazard has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $998. There are 948 business establishments in the area, including 41 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 9.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hazard?
The median home value in Hazard is $146,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $94,907. For renters, the median monthly rent is $718. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 54.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,319.
How are the schools in Hazard?
Schools in Hazard score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.4% of adults in Hazard hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.0% have completed high school. 15.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hazard?
The obesity rate in Hazard is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 32.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:873.
What is transportation like in Hazard?
The average commute in Hazard is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hazard?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hazard is 90% White, 1.4% Black or African American, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino. 93.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.1% speak Spanish. 7.0% of the population are military veterans. 25.1% of residents have a disability. 98.9% have health insurance coverage.
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