Phelps, KY

Kentucky

Phelps is a small town in Kentucky with a population of 387. Residents earn $28,542 per year, which is 62% below the national average.

2.7 /5.0
C+ Fair
387 Population 48/sq mi density
$28,542 Median Income $13,468 per capita
$111,600 Home Value $67,506 Zillow
N/A Median Rent
58°F Avg Temperature
C+
Overall
2.7 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C
Economy
2.2 / 5.0
$28,542 median income, 19.1% unemployment
A
Affordability
4.5 / 5.0
$111,600 home value
D
Education
1.5 / 5.0
6.7% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $28,542
62% lower than US avg
Home Value $111,600
60% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 6.7%
80% lower than US avg
Unemployment 19.1%
431% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 8.9%
28% lower than US avg

How Phelps Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population387
Median Age55.6 yrs
Density48/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 90%

Economy

C
Median Income$28,542
Per Capita$13,468
Unemployment19.1%
Poverty8.9%
County GDP$2,665M

Housing

A
Home Value$111,600
RentN/A
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$67,506

Crime

ViolentN/A
PropertyN/A

Health

ObesityN/A
UninsuredN/A

Climate

Avg Temp58°F
AQI41 (Good)
Rain48.3 in/yr
Elevation1,013 ft

Education

D
Bachelor's+6.7%
High School+74.2%
School Score5.50

Community

2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
CommuteN/A
Libraries6

Is Phelps a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Phelps receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Phelps has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Phelps is $28,542, 62% below the national average of $75,149. At 19.1%, unemployment is notably high. 8.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Phelps is $111,600, 60% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.9x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Education

6.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Phelps enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 48.3 inches, including 13.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Phelps has a population of 387 with a density of 48 people per square mile. The median age is 55.6 years, 43% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (90.2%), with 1.3% Hispanic.

Population

387
Total Population
48
People / sq mi
55.6yrs
Median Age
43% above US avg
8.0mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 51.4%
Female 48.6%

Race & Ethnicity

Phelps vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish0.0%
100% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Phelps vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Phelps is $28,542, which is 62% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 19.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.9% of residents live below the poverty line.

Income: Phelps vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$28,542
62% below US avg
Per Capita Income$13,468
Avg Weekly Wage$991
IRS Avg AGI$59,060

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment19.1%
431% above US avg
Poverty Rate8.9%
28% below US avg
Establishments (County)1,627
County GDP$2,665M

Business (County)

Restaurants102
Healthcare169
Retail247
Manufacturing22

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$4,330
24% above US avg
Effective Tax Rate3.88%

Commute & Transportation

Work from Home0.0%

Walkability

The median home value in Phelps is $111,600, 60% below the national average. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $67,506.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$111,600
60% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$67,506

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$719
1 Bedroom$794
2 Bedrooms$984
3 Bedrooms$1,277
4 Bedrooms$1,442

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied76.3%

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$4,330
24% above US avg
Effective Rate3.88%

Health Metrics: Phelps vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Behaviors & Mental Health

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate64.3%
Premature Death16,442/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment6.8/10
Exercise Access40.2%
Healthcare Facilities169

Crime Rates: Phelps vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Traffic Safety

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)12
FEMA Disasters91

Safety Score

Phelps has an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation is 48.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Temperature

36°F Jan (2°C) 78°F Jul (25°C)
Annual Average57.7°F
7% above US avg
January Average36°F (2°C)
July Average78°F (25°C)

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall48.3 inches
27% above US avg
Snowfall13.1 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation1,013 ft (309 m)
Area8.0 sq mi (20.7 km²)
Population Density48/sq mi
Coordinates37.5091°N, 82.1606°W
County FIPS21195
It is classified as Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K. 6.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher (80% below US avg). In the 2024 election, the county voted Republican by a 65.4-point margin.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 82.2%
D 16.8%

Winner: Republican by 65.4 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+6.7%
80% below US avg
High School+74.2%
School Test Score5.50
D Education Grade (1.5/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 7Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K
Population Density48/sq mi
Total Area8.0 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Public Libraries6
Healthcare Facilities169
Restaurants102
Retail Stores247

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)12
FEMA Disaster Declarations91

Commute & Transportation

Work from Home0.0%

Nearby Cities

Compare Phelps with another city: