Median Income
$33,833
55% lower than US avg
Home Value
$151,500
46% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
40/100K
90% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.6%
48% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$704
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.6%
15% lower than US avg
How New Castle Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population865
Median Age49.4 yrs
Density2,110/mi²
Male / Female40% / 60%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans7.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$33,833
Per Capita$24,493
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty10.6%
County GDP$476M
Commute25 min
Housing
A
Home Value$151,500
Rent$704
Ownership55.0%
Zillow$214,838
Housing Units479
Rent Burden38.1%
Crime
F
Violent40/100K
Property874/100K
Health
Obesity34.5%
Smoking23.3%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain52.9 in/yr
Sunny Days290/yr
Elevation841 ft (256 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.6%
High School+82.7%
Graduate+10.0%
School Score4.95
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute25 min
Broadband75.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is New Castle a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, New Castle receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. New Castle has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in New Castle is $33,833, 55% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. 10.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in New Castle is $151,500, 46% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $704 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
New Castle is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 40 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 874 per 100,000, 55% below the national average.
Education
17.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
New Castle experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 290 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 52.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
New Castle has a population of 865 with a density of 2,110 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 49.4 years, 27% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 59.7% female and 40.3% male. The city is predominantly White (96.5%), with 1.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.7% of residents. 7.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 30.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.4yrs
Median Age
27% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
New Castle vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.7%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.3%
75% below US avg
Social Characteristics
New Castle vs U.S. Average
The median household income in New Castle is $33,833, which is 55% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,493 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $957, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 404 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 6.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: New Castle vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $33,833 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,493 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $957 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,623 |
| Gini Index | 0.447 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.6% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 404 |
| County GDP | $476M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 21 |
| Retail | 41 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,344 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.1% |
The median home value in New Castle is $151,500, 46% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $214,838, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $704 (39% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 55.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 479 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. The average annual property tax is $3,344. 38.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $151,500 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $214,838 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $704 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 38.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 55.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 55.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 45.0% |
| Housing Units | 479 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,344 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.21% |
In New Castle, 34.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 38.0% have high blood pressure. 23.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.6% report binge drinking. 33.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 14.9% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,740. The dentist ratio is 1:2,629. 21.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: New Castle vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.0% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 9.3% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Kidney Disease | 3.2% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.3% |
| 66% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.1% |
| Mental Distress | 14.9% |
| Physical Distress | 15.1% |
| Short Sleep | 38.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.9% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,740 |
| Dentists | 1:2,629 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,775 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 62.7% |
| Premature Death | 12,702/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 21.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 21 |
New Castle has a violent crime rate of 40 per 100,000 residents, 90% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 874 per 100,000, 55% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, New Castle receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: New Castle vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 39.7/100K |
| 90% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 874.1/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
New Castle experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 290 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 52.9 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 841 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 55.2°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 290 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 841 ft (256 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,110/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.4336°N, 85.1692°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Henry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Louisville Muhammad Ali International (SDF) 36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
52.9"
39% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.92"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 37.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
17 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.8 on May 11, 2025.
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
120 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
113 km |
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
137 km |
| Sep 8, 1990 |
5 km N of Owingsville, Kentucky |
M3.3 |
125 km |
| Aug 20, 2015 |
6 km SE of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
56 km |
| Mar 17, 1999 |
2 km NNE of Ripley, Ohio |
M2.8 |
122 km |
| May 11, 2025 |
11 km SE of High Bridge, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
89 km |
| Mar 9, 1990 |
8 km ENE of New Amsterdam, Indiana |
M2.7 |
95 km |
| Mar 21, 1990 |
1 km W of Spring Mill, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
53 km |
| Jan 12, 2023 |
4 km E of Burgin, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
85 km |
| Aug 4, 2023 |
11 km ENE of Lancaster, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
105 km |
| May 11, 2015 |
5 km ESE of Maysville, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
131 km |
| Jan 29, 1990 |
11 km S of Paoli, Indiana |
M2.6 |
112 km |
| Jul 23, 2013 |
6 km NNE of Germantown, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
111 km |
| Jan 21, 2018 |
8 km SSE of High Bridge, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
87 km |
| Jan 28, 2024 |
3 km SW of Old Washington, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
118 km |
| Jan 4, 1999 |
9 km WNW of Mount Sterling, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
106 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
474 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 69 fatalities, 1,769 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
65 km |
3 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF4 |
89 km |
11 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF4 |
61 km |
4 |
| May 28, 1996 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF4 |
20 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
91 km |
4 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
57 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
44 km |
4 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
99 km |
7 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
52 km |
11 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF4 |
74 km |
6 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
73 km |
3 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
84 km |
3 |
| Feb 28, 2011 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2004 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 1999 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 1999 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: JPG 09 1 (6,113 ac, 1998).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1998 |
JPG 09 1 |
6,113 |
54 km |
| 2005 |
RX BURNPLAN AREA 2-06 |
5,054 |
53 km |
| 2007 |
UNITS 8-9 2008 |
4,316 |
53 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 19 06 WUI |
3,412 |
52 km |
| 2003 |
WUI 3 03 |
3,372 |
64 km |
| 2010 |
WUI UNIT 28K |
3,230 |
66 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,122 |
64 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 8 |
2,753 |
53 km |
| 2005 |
UNIT 3 05 |
2,511 |
64 km |
| 2001 |
01 UNIT 16 |
2,361 |
52 km |
| 2011 |
WUI UNITS 0 AND 1 2011 |
2,215 |
53 km |
| 2004 |
UNIT 19 |
2,004 |
52 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 8 03 |
1,971 |
55 km |
| 2008 |
FY 09 UNIT 42 RX FALL 2008 |
1,942 |
59 km |
| 2000 |
JPG 14 |
1,908 |
52 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 16 03 |
1,809 |
52 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 9 |
1,485 |
52 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,462 |
58 km |
| 2010 |
TRACER |
1,408 |
66 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
55 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (-0°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
4.0 in |
|
New Castle has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 32°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.9") and October the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in New Castle. 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 | $689 |
| Toddler | $601 |
| Preschool | $601 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $535 |
| Toddler | $533 |
| Preschool | $533 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About New Castle
What is the population of New Castle?
New Castle has a population of 865 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 2,110 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 59.7% female and 40.3% male.
Is New Castle expensive to live in?
New Castle 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 $33,833, 55% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $151,500 (46% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $704 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is New Castle safe?
New Castle is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 40 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 874 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, New Castle receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in New Castle?
New Castle has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 290 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 52.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in New Castle?
The job market in New Castle is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $957. There are 404 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 6.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in New Castle?
The median home value in New Castle is $151,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $214,838. For renters, the median monthly rent is $704. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 55.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,344.
How are the schools in New Castle?
Schools in New Castle have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 17.6% of adults in New Castle hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.7% have completed high school. 10.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is New Castle?
The obesity rate in New Castle is 34.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.3% of adults are smokers. 33.1% are physically inactive. 21.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,740.
What is transportation like in New Castle?
The average commute in New Castle is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of New Castle?
The racial and ethnic makeup of New Castle is 96.5% White, 1.7% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 96.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.3% speak Spanish. 7.4% of the population are military veterans. 30.2% of residents have a disability. 92.9% have health insurance coverage.