Median Income
$36,964
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
169/100K
55% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.0%
14% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$581
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
45.4%
266% higher than US avg
How Stearns Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,509
Median Age36.9 yrs
Density375/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans6.2%
Economy
C+
Median Income$36,964
Per Capita$20,415
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty45.4%
County GDP$349M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Rent$581
Ownership86.6%
Zillow$103,391
Housing Units540
Rent Burden28.0%
Crime
F
Violent169/100K
Property1,280/100K
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain56.1 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation1,313 ft (400 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.0%
High School+84.3%
Graduate+5.5%
School Score5.30
Community
2024 VoteR 89% / D 10%
Commute32 min
Broadband70.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Stearns a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Stearns receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Stearns offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Stearns is $36,964, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. The poverty rate of 45.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $581 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Stearns is below the national average at 169 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,280 per 100,000, 35% below the national average.
Education
29.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Stearns experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 56.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Stearns has a population of 1,509 with a density of 375 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age is 36.9 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.3% female and 52.7% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 6.2% of the population are veterans. 22.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.9yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Stearns is $36,964, which is 51% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,415 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $901, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 45.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 303 business establishments, including 17 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 10.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $36,964 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,415 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $901 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $42,488 |
| Gini Index | 0.475 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 45.4% |
| 266% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 303 |
| County GDP | $349M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 23 |
| Retail | 46 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,575 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.5% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $103,391. Monthly rent averages $581 (50% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 540 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $1,575 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 28.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $581 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.4% |
| Housing Units | 540 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,575 |
| 55% below US avg |
In Stearns, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:16,892. The dentist ratio is 1:8,351. 100.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Stearns vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.3% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:16,892 |
| Dentists | 1:8,351 |
| Mental Health | 1:775 |
| Dental Visits | 42.5% |
| Premature Death | 14,730/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 100.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 23 |
Stearns has a violent crime rate of 169 per 100,000 residents, 55% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,280 per 100,000, 35% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Stearns receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Stearns vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 169.4/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,279.6/100K |
| 35% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Stearns experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 299 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 56.1 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 1,313 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (1°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 54.9°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,313 ft (400 m) |
| Area | 4.1 sq mi (10.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 375/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.6943°N, 84.4745°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | McCreary County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lake Cumberland Regional (SME)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
56.1"
48% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.96"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 25.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 94.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 3.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
134 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 19, 2025.
| Nov 10, 2012 |
6 km W of Blackey, Kentucky |
M4.2 |
136 km |
| May 10, 2025 |
21 km SE of Greenback, Tennessee |
M4.1 |
135 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
101 km |
| Jan 20, 2020 |
2 km NE of Fincastle, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
50 km |
| Jul 30, 1997 |
6 km NNE of Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
85 km |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
8 km ESE of Corbin, Kentucky |
M3.7 |
50 km |
| Jun 17, 1998 |
9 km SSE of Coalfield, Tennessee |
M3.6 |
84 km |
| Jun 19, 2007 |
10 km ENE of Spencer, Tennessee |
M3.5 |
128 km |
| Mar 5, 2019 |
7 km NE of Maynardville, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
80 km |
| Apr 11, 2006 |
5 km NE of Etowah, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
148 km |
| Aug 31, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Friendsville, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
107 km |
| Mar 18, 1995 |
10 km SE of Dayton, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
148 km |
| Apr 20, 2010 |
4 km SW of Maryville, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
116 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
136 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km S of New Market, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
113 km |
| May 10, 2006 |
3 km WNW of Madisonville, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
129 km |
| Mar 7, 2001 |
5 km WNW of Decatur, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
134 km |
| Mar 7, 2001 |
6 km NW of Decatur, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
131 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km N of Sevierville, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
115 km |
| Jan 27, 2009 |
4 km NE of Williamsburg, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
32 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
250 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 61 fatalities, 1,015 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
80 km |
10 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
57 km |
5 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
73 km |
7 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1971 |
EF4 |
68 km |
2 |
| Jul 27, 2014 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
75 km |
7 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Feb 21, 1993 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| Feb 21, 1993 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1988 |
EF3 |
66 km |
1 |
| Apr 20, 1986 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
38 km |
7 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
22 km |
2 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
90 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (11,817 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
11,817 |
67 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
11,663 |
53 km |
| 2016 |
STINKING CREEK |
10,768 |
36 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
10,327 |
51 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
9,084 |
97 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
8,064 |
48 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
7,907 |
81 km |
| 2001 |
CRANE CREEK |
7,555 |
84 km |
| 2001 |
COOL SPRINGS |
7,477 |
75 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
6,590 |
44 km |
| 1987 |
K-T FIRE |
6,372 |
15 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
6,067 |
54 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
5,973 |
36 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
5,679 |
71 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
5,371 |
58 km |
| 1991 |
OTTER |
4,923 |
74 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
4,675 |
89 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
4,635 |
68 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
4,400 |
42 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
4,337 |
60 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (1°C) |
4.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
4.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
56°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
38°F (3°C) |
4.5 in |
|
Stearns has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 35°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 51.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.0") and October the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Stearns. 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 | $416 |
| Toddler | $383 |
| Preschool | $383 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $489 |
| Toddler | $362 |
| Preschool | $362 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Stearns
What is the population of Stearns?
Stearns has a population of 1,509 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 375 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.9 years. The population is 47.3% female and 52.7% male.
Is Stearns expensive to live in?
Stearns 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 $36,964, 51% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $581 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Stearns safe?
Stearns 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 1,280 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Stearns receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Stearns?
Stearns has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 56.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Stearns?
The job market in Stearns is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $901. There are 303 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 10.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Stearns?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $581. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.6%. The average annual property tax is $1,575.
How are the schools in Stearns?
Schools in Stearns score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.0% of adults in Stearns hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.3% have completed high school. 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Stearns?
The obesity rate in Stearns is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 100.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:16,892.
What is transportation like in Stearns?
The average commute in Stearns is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Stearns?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Stearns is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 6.2% of the population are military veterans. 22.5% of residents have a disability. 93.3% have health insurance coverage.
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