Median Income
$27,265
64% lower than US avg
Home Value
$157,200
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
169/100K
56% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.4%
48% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$456
61% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
6.5%
81% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
36.6%
195% higher than US avg
How Prestonsburg Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,823
Median Age35.0 yrs
Density260/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans4.1%
Economy
D
Median Income$27,265
Per Capita$21,280
Unemployment6.5%
Poverty36.6%
County GDP$1,403M
Commute18 min
Housing
B
Home Value$157,200
Rent$456
Ownership46.5%
Zillow$126,319
Housing Units1,640
Rent Burden26.0%
Crime
F
Violent169/100K
Property901/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault141/100K
Burglary113/100K
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Sunny Days318/yr
Elevation873 ft (266 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.4%
High School+77.7%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score6.09
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 20%
Commute18 min
Broadband82.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Prestonsburg a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Prestonsburg receives an overall livability score of 2.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Prestonsburg has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Prestonsburg is $27,265, 64% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 36.6% 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 Prestonsburg is $157,200, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $456 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 5.8x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Prestonsburg is below the national average at 169 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 901 per 100,000, 54% below the national average.
Education
17.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Prestonsburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 318 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Prestonsburg has a population of 3,823 with a density of 260 people per square mile, spread across 14.7 square miles. The median age is 35.0 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.4% female and 49.6% male. The city is predominantly White (93.9%), with 2.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97% of residents. 4.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 24.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.0yrs
Median Age
10% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Prestonsburg vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.0%
24% above US avg
Spanish
3.0%
78% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Prestonsburg vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Prestonsburg is $27,265, which is 64% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,280 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $912, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 36.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,160 business establishments, including 43 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). 6.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Prestonsburg vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $27,265 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,280 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $912 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,428 |
| Gini Index | 0.474 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.5% |
| 81% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 36.6% |
| 195% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,160 |
| County GDP | $1,403M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 43 |
| Healthcare | 139 |
| Retail | 145 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,235 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.69% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.7% |
The median home value in Prestonsburg is $157,200, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $126,319, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $456 (61% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 46.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,640 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $4,235 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.8x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $157,200 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $126,319 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $456 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 46.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 46.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 53.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,640 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,235 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.69% |
In Prestonsburg, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,764. The dentist ratio is 1:1,345. 26.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Prestonsburg vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.7% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,764 |
| Dentists | 1:1,345 |
| Mental Health | 1:27 |
| Dental Visits | 46.4% |
| Premature Death | 19,361/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 26.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 139 |
Prestonsburg has a violent crime rate of 169 per 100,000 residents, 56% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 140.9 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 28.2. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 901 per 100,000, 54% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 592, burglary at 113, vehicle theft at 197 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Prestonsburg receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Prestonsburg vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 169.0/100K |
| 56% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 28.2/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 140.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 901.4/100K |
| 54% below US avg |
| Burglary | 112.7/100K |
| Theft | 591.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 197.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Prestonsburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 318 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 873 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (1°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 54.8°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 318 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 873 ft (266 m) |
| Area | 14.7 sq mi (38.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 260/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.6816°N, 82.7659°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Floyd County County |
| Nearest Airport | West Virginia International Yeager (CRW)
80 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.92"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 94.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 84.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 42.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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
39 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 |
66 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
100 km |
| Jul 30, 1997 |
6 km NNE of Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
147 km |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
8 km ESE of Corbin, Kentucky |
M3.7 |
138 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
142 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
119 km |
| Sep 8, 1990 |
5 km N of Owingsville, Kentucky |
M3.3 |
105 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
68 km |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
7 km NNW of Flat Lick, Kentucky |
M3.1 |
127 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
139 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
140 km |
| Apr 13, 2001 |
11 km W of Sneedville, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
138 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
115 km |
| Aug 14, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Nickelsville, Virginia |
M2.9 |
108 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
93 km |
| May 22, 2024 |
18 km SSE of Hyden, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
88 km |
| Oct 30, 2017 |
2 km N of Artemus, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
132 km |
| Jan 22, 2018 |
13 km ENE of Flat Lick, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
117 km |
| Feb 8, 2005 |
15 km E of Vansant, Virginia |
M2.7 |
90 km |
| Jun 21, 2017 |
1 km SW of Pratt, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
80 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 15 fatalities, 251 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
45 km |
2 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
79 km |
10 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1961 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2016 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1978 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1977 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 1972 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF1 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2022 |
EF1 |
97 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 |
26 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,145 |
59 km |
| 1987 |
BRUSHY |
61,231 |
61 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
56 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
38,312 |
24 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
32,565 |
47 km |
| 1991 |
JENNINGS CREEK |
29,308 |
43 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
47 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
22,282 |
59 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
21,562 |
24 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
20,994 |
18 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
54 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
18,013 |
50 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,759 |
28 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
17,406 |
40 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,328 |
41 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
15,526 |
43 km |
| 1991 |
HUFF CREEK |
15,190 |
87 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
15,138 |
92 km |
| 1987 |
RUCKERS BRANCH |
14,744 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°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 |
|
Prestonsburg has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 33°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 Prestonsburg. 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 Prestonsburg
What is the population of Prestonsburg?
Prestonsburg has a population of 3,823 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 260 people per square mile, spread across 14.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
Is Prestonsburg expensive to live in?
Prestonsburg 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 $27,265, 64% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $157,200 (44% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $456 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.8x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Prestonsburg safe?
Prestonsburg is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 169 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 901 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Prestonsburg receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Prestonsburg?
Prestonsburg has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 318 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Prestonsburg?
The unemployment rate in Prestonsburg is 6.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $912. There are 1,160 business establishments in the area, including 43 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 6.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Prestonsburg?
The median home value in Prestonsburg is $157,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $126,319. For renters, the median monthly rent is $456. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 46.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,235.
How are the schools in Prestonsburg?
Schools in Prestonsburg score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.4% of adults in Prestonsburg hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.7% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Prestonsburg?
The obesity rate in Prestonsburg is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 26.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,764.
What is transportation like in Prestonsburg?
The average commute in Prestonsburg is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Prestonsburg?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Prestonsburg is 93.9% White, 2.4% Black or African American. 97% of residents speak only English at home. 4.1% of the population are military veterans. 24.7% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
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