Median Income
$45,938
39% lower than US avg
Home Value
$131,300
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
60/100K
84% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.1%
34% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$809
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.0%
45% higher than US avg
How Upton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population631
Median Age37.6 yrs
Density464/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans9.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$45,938
Per Capita$28,608
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty18.0%
County GDP$843M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$131,300
Rent$809
Ownership68.8%
Zillow$202,309
Housing Units291
Rent Burden28.7%
Crime
F
Violent60/100K
Property1,506/100K
Health
Obesity34.5%
Smoking23.3%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain51.7 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation759 ft (231 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.1%
High School+87.5%
Graduate+2.1%
School Score5.55
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 20%
Commute29 min
Broadband86.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Upton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Upton 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, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Upton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Upton is $45,938, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 18.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Upton is $131,300, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $809 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Upton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 60 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,506 per 100,000, 23% below the national average.
Education
22.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Upton enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 51.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Upton has a population of 631 with a density of 464 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 37.6 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.9% female and 47.1% male. The city is predominantly White (90.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 9.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 27.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.6yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.7%
95% below US avg
The median household income in Upton is $45,938, which is 39% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,608 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,004, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 18.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 417 business establishments, including 19 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 3.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,938 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,608 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,004 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,926 |
| Gini Index | 0.463 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.0% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 417 |
| County GDP | $843M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 26 |
| Retail | 57 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,336 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.78% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.9% |
The median home value in Upton is $131,300, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $202,309, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.7% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $809 (30% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 291 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $2,336 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 28.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $131,300 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $202,309 |
| Median List Price | $218,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $218,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $133 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.7% |
| Price Drops | 14.3% |
| Inventory | 7 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $809 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.2% |
| Housing Units | 291 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,336 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.78% |
In Upton, 34.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 38.0% have high blood pressure. 23.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.6% report binge drinking. 33.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 14.9% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,892. The dentist ratio is 1:3,920. 33.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Upton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.0% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 9.3% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Kidney Disease | 3.2% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.3% |
| 66% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.1% |
| Mental Distress | 14.9% |
| Physical Distress | 15.1% |
| Short Sleep | 38.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.2% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:3,892 |
| Dentists | 1:3,920 |
| Mental Health | 1:822 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 62.7% |
| Premature Death | 10,750/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 33.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
Upton has a violent crime rate of 60 per 100,000 residents, 84% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,506 per 100,000, 23% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Upton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Upton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 60.2/100K |
| 84% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,506.0/100K |
| 23% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 17 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Upton enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 78°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 51.7 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 759 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (2°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 56.9°F |
| 5% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 759 ft (231 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 464/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.4587°N, 85.9002°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Hart County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bowling Green-Warren County Regional (BWG)
45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
51.7"
36% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.12"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 41.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 75.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 45.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
22 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.8 on May 11, 2025.
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
92 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
93 km |
| May 30, 2023 |
6 km W of Calhoun, Kentucky |
M3.0 |
127 km |
| Nov 28, 1998 |
6 km SW of Bremen, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
122 km |
| Aug 20, 2015 |
6 km SE of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
111 km |
| Jan 28, 1991 |
9 km SW of Sacramento, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
126 km |
| May 11, 2025 |
11 km SE of High Bridge, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
118 km |
| Mar 21, 1990 |
1 km W of Spring Mill, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
79 km |
| Mar 9, 1990 |
8 km ENE of New Amsterdam, Indiana |
M2.7 |
80 km |
| Aug 15, 2001 |
5 km SSE of Spottsville, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
137 km |
| Jan 12, 2023 |
4 km E of Burgin, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
109 km |
| Aug 4, 2023 |
11 km ENE of Lancaster, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
128 km |
| Feb 27, 2020 |
5 km SW of Bremen, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
121 km |
| Mar 22, 1990 |
9 km E of Rochester, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
84 km |
| Jan 29, 1990 |
11 km S of Paoli, Indiana |
M2.6 |
121 km |
| Jan 8, 1995 |
Kentucky |
M2.6 |
118 km |
| Aug 26, 2000 |
6 km N of Boonville, Indiana |
M2.6 |
141 km |
| Jan 21, 2018 |
8 km SSE of High Bridge, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
114 km |
| May 30, 2023 |
7 km W of Calhoun, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
128 km |
| May 2, 1998 |
6 km WNW of Nebo, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
123 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
406 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 88 fatalities, 1,425 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
63 km |
31 |
| May 28, 1996 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
29 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
98 km |
4 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
84 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1971 |
EF4 |
53 km |
6 |
| Apr 27, 1971 |
EF4 |
85 km |
2 |
| Dec 11, 2021 |
EF3 |
42 km |
1 |
| Dec 11, 2021 |
EF3 |
88 km |
16 |
| Feb 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
93 km |
4 |
| May 23, 2000 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
98 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1997 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1997 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1997 |
EF3 |
10 km |
1 |
| Apr 20, 1986 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 1979 |
EF3 |
51 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FLOATING MILL HOLLOW (2,422 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
FLOATING MILL HOLLOW |
2,422 |
32 km |
| 2008 |
BROOKS KNOB |
2,225 |
40 km |
| 2012 |
FY2012 CRYSTAL CAVE BROADCAST BURN |
2,221 |
31 km |
| 2010 |
JOPPA CHURCH |
2,037 |
38 km |
| 2004 |
JIM LEE |
1,770 |
37 km |
| 2009 |
TEMPLE HILL |
1,628 |
39 km |
| 2009 |
JIM LEE |
1,613 |
37 km |
| 2007 |
DEAD DEER |
1,557 |
95 km |
| 2007 |
Big Woods |
1,500 |
28 km |
| 2008 |
GOBLIN KNOB |
1,445 |
30 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,336 |
88 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,083 |
84 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
87 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,039 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
959 |
88 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
910 |
91 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
892 |
91 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
848 |
77 km |
| 2024 |
LONG RUN RX |
774 |
90 km |
| 2007 |
DENNISON FERRY RX |
655 |
30 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (2°C) |
3.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
5.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
5.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
38°F (3°C) |
4.7 in |
|
Upton has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 35°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 51.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.1") and October the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Upton. 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 | $615 |
| Toddler | $582 |
| Preschool | $582 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $533 |
| Toddler | $455 |
| Preschool | $455 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Upton
What is the population of Upton?
Upton has a population of 631 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 464 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.6 years. The population is 52.9% female and 47.1% male.
Is Upton expensive to live in?
Upton 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 $45,938, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $131,300 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $809 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Upton safe?
Upton is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 60 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,506 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Upton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Upton?
Upton enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 51.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Upton?
The job market in Upton is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,004. There are 417 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 3.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Upton?
The median home value in Upton is $131,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $202,309. For renters, the median monthly rent is $809. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,336.
How are the schools in Upton?
Schools in Upton score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.1% of adults in Upton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.5% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Upton?
The obesity rate in Upton is 34.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.3% of adults are smokers. 33.1% are physically inactive. 33.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,892.
What is transportation like in Upton?
The average commute in Upton is 29 minutes. 82.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Upton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Upton is 90.3% White. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 9.9% of the population are military veterans. 27.8% of residents have a disability. 97.2% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
