Median Income
$48,750
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$111,300
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.9%
56% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$693
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
22.2%
517% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
28.6%
131% higher than US avg
How Salt Lick Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population290
Median Age38.2 yrs
Density372/mi²
Male / Female38% / 62%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans11.3%
Economy
D
Median Income$48,750
Per Capita$20,760
Unemployment22.2%
Poverty28.6%
County GDP$261M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$111,300
Rent$693
Ownership59.1%
Zillow$169,627
Housing Units176
Rent Burden51.0%
Health
Obesity31.0%
Uninsured1.4%
Smoking20.7%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
Rain50.8 in/yr
Elevation666 ft (203 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.9%
High School+88.4%
Graduate+11.7%
School Score5.43
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute31 min
Broadband80.6%
EV Stations4
Libraries3
Is Salt Lick a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Salt Lick receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Salt Lick has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Salt Lick is $48,750, 35% below the national average of $75,149. At 22.2%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 28.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Salt Lick is $111,300, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $693 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
14.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Salt Lick experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 50.8 inches, including 12.3 inches of snow.
Salt Lick has a population of 290 with a density of 372 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 38.2 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 62.1% female and 37.9% male. The city is predominantly White (99.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 11.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 98.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
290
Total Population
2023 Census
38.2yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Salt Lick vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Salt Lick vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Salt Lick is $48,750, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,760 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $914, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 22.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 28.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 292 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 31 minutes. 12.2% of workers work from home.
Income: Salt Lick vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,750 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,760 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $914 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $48,260 |
| Gini Index | 0.519 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 22.2% |
| 517% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 28.6% |
| 131% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 292 |
| County GDP | $261M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 31 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,920 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.73% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.2% |
The median home value in Salt Lick is $111,300, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,627, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $693 (40% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 59.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 176 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $1,920 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $111,300 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $169,627 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $693 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 59.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.9% |
| Housing Units | 176 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,920 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.73% |
In Salt Lick, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 34.8% have high blood pressure. 20.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.5% report binge drinking. 29.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 14.3% experience frequent mental distress. 1.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,389. The dentist ratio is 1:12,829. 36.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Salt Lick vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.8% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 8.4% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Kidney Disease | 3.0% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.7% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.9% |
| Mental Distress | 14.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 39.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.6% |
| Uninsured | 1.4% |
| 84% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,389 |
| Dentists | 1:12,829 |
| Mental Health | 1:360 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.9% |
| Dental Visits | 65.4% |
| Premature Death | 16,750/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 36.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Salt Lick 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. Annual precipitation totals 50.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 12.3 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 666 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (0°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 54.8°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 666 ft (203 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 372/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.1195°N, 83.6157°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Bath County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greater Portsmouth Regional (PMH) 65 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
50.8"
34% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.92"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 13.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 56.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 23.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
34 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.8 on May 11, 2025.
| Nov 10, 2012 |
6 km W of Blackey, Kentucky |
M4.2 |
120 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
133 km |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
8 km ESE of Corbin, Kentucky |
M3.7 |
136 km |
| Feb 19, 1995 |
8 km SSE of Rocky Fork Point, Ohio |
M3.6 |
112 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
144 km |
| Sep 8, 1990 |
5 km N of Owingsville, Kentucky |
M3.3 |
16 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
124 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
127 km |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
7 km NNW of Flat Lick, Kentucky |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
88 km |
| Aug 20, 2015 |
6 km SE of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
108 km |
| Mar 17, 1999 |
2 km NNE of Ripley, Ohio |
M2.8 |
74 km |
| May 11, 2025 |
11 km SE of High Bridge, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
96 km |
| Oct 30, 2017 |
2 km N of Artemus, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
142 km |
| May 22, 2024 |
18 km SSE of Hyden, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
127 km |
| Jan 22, 2018 |
13 km ENE of Flat Lick, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
136 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
6 km WSW of Cumberland, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
139 km |
| Jan 12, 2023 |
4 km E of Burgin, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
105 km |
| Aug 4, 2023 |
11 km ENE of Lancaster, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
90 km |
| May 11, 2015 |
5 km ESE of Maysville, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
56 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
224 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 39 fatalities, 925 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF5 |
96 km |
7 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
89 km |
7 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF4 |
90 km |
6 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
24 km |
10 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
55 km |
2 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
91 km |
2 |
| May 27, 2004 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Apr 23, 1970 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1967 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1961 |
EF3 |
53 km |
1 |
| Mar 4, 1955 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2016 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (66,145 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,145 |
77 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
21,562 |
84 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
20,994 |
71 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
18,013 |
85 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,759 |
92 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
13,124 |
86 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
10,817 |
56 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
8,287 |
80 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
8,123 |
98 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
8,047 |
95 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
7,281 |
58 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
6,628 |
94 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
6,456 |
72 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
6,337 |
51 km |
| 1987 |
LOCUST GAP |
6,014 |
81 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
5,981 |
62 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
5,823 |
73 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
5,426 |
79 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
5,328 |
94 km |
| 1991 |
PRICHARD |
5,220 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (0°C) |
3.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
5.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
56°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
4.1 in |
|
Salt Lick has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 33°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 50.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.9") and November the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Salt Lick. 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 Salt Lick
What is the population of Salt Lick?
Salt Lick has a population of 290 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 372 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.2 years. The population is 62.1% female and 37.9% male.
Is Salt Lick expensive to live in?
Salt Lick 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 $48,750, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $111,300 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $693 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Salt Lick?
Salt Lick 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. Annual rainfall totals 50.8 inches, with 12.3 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Salt Lick?
The job market in Salt Lick faces challenges, with unemployment at 22.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $914. There are 292 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 12.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Salt Lick?
The median home value in Salt Lick is $111,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,627. For renters, the median monthly rent is $693. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.1%. The average annual property tax is $1,920.
How are the schools in Salt Lick?
Schools in Salt Lick score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.9% of adults in Salt Lick hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.4% have completed high school. 11.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Salt Lick?
The obesity rate in Salt Lick is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 20.7% of adults are smokers. 29.9% are physically inactive. 1.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 36.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,389.
What is transportation like in Salt Lick?
The average commute in Salt Lick is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Salt Lick?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Salt Lick is 99.7% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 11.3% of the population are military veterans. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 98.6% have health insurance coverage.