Kentucky · Metropolitan Area
La Center is a small town in Kentucky with a population of 752. Residents earn $53,056 per year, which is 29% below the national average.
Based on current data, La Center receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. La Center offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in La Center is $53,056, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. The poverty rate of 20.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in La Center is $88,600, 69% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $928 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
La Center is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 784 per 100,000, 60% below the national average.
18.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
La Center enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 50.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
| English Only | 97.0% |
| 24% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 3.0% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $53,056 |
| 29% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $22,653 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,108 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,819 |
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 20.9% |
| 69% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 2,900 |
| County GDP | $6,989M |
| Restaurants | 227 |
| Healthcare | 284 |
| Retail | 379 |
| Manufacturing | 52 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,983 |
| 14% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.50% |
| Commute Time | 18.8 min |
| Work from Home | 3.7% |
| Census Median | $88,600 |
| 69% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $119,853 |
| Median List Price | $210,000 |
| Median List Price | $210,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $114 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 101.3% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
| Census Median Rent | $928 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.0% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,983 |
| 14% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 4.50% |
| Insurance Rate | 95.9% |
| Premature Death | 11,387/100K |
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 284 |
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
| Total Property | 783.6/100K |
| 60% below US avg | |
| Burglary | 195.9/100K |
| Theft | 391.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 195.9/100K |
| Arson | 97.9/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 58.2°F |
| 8% above US avg | |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 50.8 inches |
| 34% above US avg |
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 368 ft (112 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,233/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.0749°N, 88.9751°W |
| County FIPS | 21145 |
Winner: Republican by 34.9 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 18.5% |
| 45% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 86.1% |
| School Test Score | 5.50 |
| RUCC Code 3 | Metro — under 250K |
| Population Density | 1,233/sq mi |
| Total Area | 0.6 sq mi |
| Public Libraries | 2 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 284 |
| Restaurants | 227 |
| Retail Stores | 379 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Commute | 18.8 min |
| Work from Home | 3.7% |