Median Income
$26,713
64% lower than US avg
Home Value
$110,800
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
100/100K
74% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.2%
49% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$631
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
34.1%
175% higher than US avg
How Paintsville Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,256
Median Age41.9 yrs
Density642/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans4.0%
Economy
C
Median Income$26,713
Per Capita$21,439
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty34.1%
County GDP$619M
Commute18 min
Housing
A
Home Value$110,800
Rent$631
Ownership36.7%
Zillow$133,522
Housing Units2,120
Rent Burden31.7%
Crime
F
Violent100/100K
Property772/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault75/100K
Burglary100/100K
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain46.2 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation780 ft (238 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.2%
High School+82.2%
Graduate+7.3%
School Score6.21
Community
2024 VoteR 85% / D 14%
Commute18 min
Broadband82.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Paintsville a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Paintsville receives an overall livability score of 2.5 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 an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Paintsville has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Paintsville is $26,713, 64% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. The poverty rate of 34.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Paintsville is $110,800, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $631 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Paintsville is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 100 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 772 per 100,000, 61% below the national average.
Education
17.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Paintsville experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Paintsville has a population of 4,256 with a density of 642 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age is 41.9 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.8% female and 42.2% male. The city is predominantly White (94.5%), with 2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.3% of residents. 4.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 25.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.9yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Paintsville vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.3%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.7%
72% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Paintsville vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Paintsville is $26,713, which is 64% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,439 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $825, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 34.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 640 business establishments, including 34 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 15.4% of workers work from home.
Income: Paintsville vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $26,713 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,439 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $825 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,978 |
| Gini Index | 0.463 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 34.1% |
| 175% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 640 |
| County GDP | $619M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 47 |
| Retail | 84 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,914 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.63% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 15.4% |
The median home value in Paintsville is $110,800, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $133,522, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $631 (46% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 36.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,120 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $2,914 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 31.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $110,800 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $133,522 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $631 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 36.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 36.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 63.3% |
| Housing Units | 2,120 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,914 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.63% |
In Paintsville, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,735. The dentist ratio is 1:7,415. 60.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Paintsville vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.5% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,735 |
| Dentists | 1:7,415 |
| Mental Health | 1:514 |
| Dental Visits | 47.4% |
| Premature Death | 16,084/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 47 |
Paintsville has a violent crime rate of 100 per 100,000 residents, 74% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 74.8 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 24.9. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 772 per 100,000, 61% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 449, burglary at 100, vehicle theft at 224 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Paintsville receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Paintsville vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 99.7/100K |
| 74% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 24.9/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 74.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 772.5/100K |
| 61% below US avg |
| Burglary | 99.7/100K |
| Theft | 448.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 224.3/100K |
| Arson | 24.9/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Paintsville experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 305 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 46.2 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 780 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 55.3°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 780 ft (238 m) |
| Area | 2.8 sq mi (7.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 642/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.8203°N, 82.8060°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Johnson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greater Portsmouth Regional (PMH)
71 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.2"
22% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.92"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 71.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 82.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 17.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively 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
41 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.1 on Feb 3, 2025.
| Nov 10, 2012 |
6 km W of Blackey, Kentucky |
M4.2 |
79 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
111 km |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
8 km ESE of Corbin, Kentucky |
M3.7 |
145 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
134 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
128 km |
| Sep 8, 1990 |
5 km N of Owingsville, Kentucky |
M3.3 |
94 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
82 km |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
7 km NNW of Flat Lick, Kentucky |
M3.1 |
135 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
124 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
137 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
99 km |
| Aug 14, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Nickelsville, Virginia |
M2.9 |
124 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
149 km |
| Mar 17, 1999 |
2 km NNE of Ripley, Ohio |
M2.8 |
138 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
105 km |
| May 22, 2024 |
18 km SSE of Hyden, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
100 km |
| Oct 30, 2017 |
2 km N of Artemus, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
141 km |
| Jan 22, 2018 |
13 km ENE of Flat Lick, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
127 km |
| Jun 21, 2017 |
1 km SW of Pratt, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
130 km |
| Feb 8, 2005 |
15 km E of Vansant, Virginia |
M2.7 |
102 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
91 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 344 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF5 |
98 km |
7 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
72 km |
10 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
43 km |
2 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1961 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2016 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1982 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1980 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1978 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1977 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 1972 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
70 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 |
42 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,145 |
64 km |
| 1987 |
BRUSHY |
61,231 |
60 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
63 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
38,312 |
25 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
32,565 |
59 km |
| 1991 |
JENNINGS CREEK |
29,308 |
41 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
50 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
22,282 |
71 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
21,562 |
12 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
20,994 |
11 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
61 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
18,013 |
58 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,759 |
40 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
17,406 |
55 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,328 |
56 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
15,526 |
58 km |
| 1991 |
HUFF CREEK |
15,190 |
91 km |
| 1987 |
RUCKERS BRANCH |
14,744 |
96 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
14,554 |
46 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
3.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
3.7 in |
|
Paintsville has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 34°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.9") and October the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Paintsville. 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 | $348 |
| Toddler | $355 |
| Preschool | $355 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Paintsville
What is the population of Paintsville?
Paintsville has a population of 4,256 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 642 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.8% female and 42.2% male.
Is Paintsville expensive to live in?
Paintsville 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 $26,713, 64% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $110,800 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $631 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Paintsville safe?
Paintsville is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 100 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 772 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Paintsville receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Paintsville?
Paintsville has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Paintsville?
The job market in Paintsville is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $825. There are 640 business establishments in the area, including 34 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 15.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Paintsville?
The median home value in Paintsville is $110,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $133,522. For renters, the median monthly rent is $631. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 36.7%. The average annual property tax is $2,914.
How are the schools in Paintsville?
Schools in Paintsville score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.2% of adults in Paintsville hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.2% have completed high school. 7.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Paintsville?
The obesity rate in Paintsville is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 60.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,735.
What is transportation like in Paintsville?
The average commute in Paintsville is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 15.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Paintsville?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Paintsville is 94.5% White, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 96.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.7% speak Spanish. 4.0% of the population are military veterans. 25.5% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
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