Median Income
$31,250
58% lower than US avg
Home Value
$61,900
78% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
169/100K
55% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.7%
83% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$942
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
57.1%
360% higher than US avg
How Whitley City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population782
Median Age37.5 yrs
Density339/mi²
Male / Female60% / 40%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans9.9%
Economy
C
Median Income$31,250
Per Capita$12,710
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty57.1%
County GDP$349M
Housing
A+
Home Value$61,900
Rent$942
Ownership40.2%
Zillow$103,391
Housing Units624
Rent Burden36.0%
Crime
F
Violent169/100K
Property1,280/100K
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain56.1 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation1,311 ft (400 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.7%
High School+83.7%
Graduate+0.4%
School Score5.30
Community
2024 VoteR 89% / D 10%
Broadband88.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Whitley City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Whitley City receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. 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. Whitley City has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Whitley City is $31,250, 58% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 57.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Whitley City is $61,900, 78% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $942 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Whitley City 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
5.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Whitley City 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.
Whitley City has a population of 782 with a density of 339 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 37.5 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 40.4% female and 59.6% male. The city is predominantly White (82.6%), with 2.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.6% of residents, while 5.4% speak Spanish. 9.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.5yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Whitley City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.6%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.4%
60% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Whitley City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Whitley City is $31,250, which is 58% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $12,710 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $901, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 57.1% 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. 20.7% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Whitley City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $31,250 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $12,710 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $901 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $42,488 |
| Gini Index | 0.475 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 57.1% |
| 360% 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) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.54% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 64.0% |
| Public Transit | 2.0% |
| Work from Home | 20.7% |
The median home value in Whitley City is $61,900, 78% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $103,391, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $942 (19% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $660 for a one-bedroom to $866 for a two-bedroom apartment. 40.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 624 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. The average annual property tax is $1,575 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 36.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $61,900 |
| 78% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $103,391 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $942 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 36.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $619 |
| 1 Bedroom | $660 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $866 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,038 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,157 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 40.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 40.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 59.8% |
| Housing Units | 624 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,575 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.54% |
In Whitley City, 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: Whitley City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.2% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:16,892 |
| Dentists | 1:8,351 |
| Mental Health | 1:775 |
| Dental Visits | 48.7% |
| Premature Death | 14,730/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 100.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 23 |
Whitley City 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, Whitley City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Whitley City 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 | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Whitley City 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 1,311 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 | 1,311 ft (400 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (6.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 339/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.7228°N, 84.4755°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | McCreary County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lake Cumberland Regional (SME) 24 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
132 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 |
135 km |
| May 10, 2025 |
21 km SE of Greenback, Tennessee |
M4.1 |
138 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
100 km |
| Jan 20, 2020 |
2 km NE of Fincastle, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
52 km |
| Jul 30, 1997 |
6 km NNE of Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
86 km |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
8 km ESE of Corbin, Kentucky |
M3.7 |
48 km |
| Jun 17, 1998 |
9 km SSE of Coalfield, Tennessee |
M3.6 |
87 km |
| Jun 19, 2007 |
10 km ENE of Spencer, Tennessee |
M3.5 |
130 km |
| Mar 5, 2019 |
7 km NE of Maynardville, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
81 km |
| Aug 31, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Friendsville, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
110 km |
| Apr 20, 2010 |
4 km SW of Maryville, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
119 km |
| May 10, 2006 |
3 km WNW of Madisonville, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
133 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km N of Sevierville, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
118 km |
| Mar 7, 2001 |
6 km NW of Decatur, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
135 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km S of New Market, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
115 km |
| Mar 7, 2001 |
5 km WNW of Decatur, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
137 km |
| Jan 27, 2009 |
4 km NE of Williamsburg, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
31 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
135 km |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
7 km NNW of Flat Lick, Kentucky |
M3.1 |
63 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
10 km WSW of Bean Station, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
108 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
246 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 67 fatalities, 1,083 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
59 km |
5 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
80 km |
10 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
75 km |
7 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
29 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1971 |
EF4 |
99 km |
6 |
| Apr 27, 1971 |
EF4 |
66 km |
2 |
| Jul 27, 2014 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
78 km |
7 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Feb 21, 1993 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Feb 21, 1993 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| May 9, 1988 |
EF3 |
66 km |
1 |
| Apr 20, 1986 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
35 km |
7 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
21 km |
2 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
91 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
55 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 |
65 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
11,663 |
56 km |
| 2016 |
STINKING CREEK |
10,768 |
39 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
10,327 |
53 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
9,084 |
96 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
8,064 |
51 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
7,907 |
80 km |
| 2001 |
CRANE CREEK |
7,555 |
82 km |
| 2001 |
COOL SPRINGS |
7,477 |
74 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
6,590 |
45 km |
| 1987 |
K-T FIRE |
6,372 |
18 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
6,067 |
55 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
5,973 |
39 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
5,679 |
70 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
5,371 |
61 km |
| 1991 |
OTTER |
4,923 |
72 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
4,675 |
92 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
4,635 |
70 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
4,400 |
43 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
4,337 |
61 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 |
|
Whitley City 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 Whitley City. 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 Whitley City
What is the population of Whitley City?
Whitley City has a population of 782 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 339 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.5 years. The population is 40.4% female and 59.6% male.
Is Whitley City expensive to live in?
Whitley City 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 $31,250, 58% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $61,900 (78% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $942 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Whitley City safe?
Whitley City 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, Whitley City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Whitley City?
Whitley City 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 Whitley City?
The job market in Whitley City is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / 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.
How much does housing cost in Whitley City?
The median home value in Whitley City is $61,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $103,391. For renters, the median monthly rent is $942. Fair market rent is $660 for a 1-bedroom and $866 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 40.2%. The average annual property tax is $1,575.
How are the schools in Whitley City?
Schools in Whitley City score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.7% of adults in Whitley City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.7% have completed high school. 0.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Whitley City?
The obesity rate in Whitley City 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 are the demographics of Whitley City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Whitley City is 82.6% White, 2.7% Black or African American, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 94.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.4% speak Spanish. 9.9% of the population are military veterans. 21.4% of residents have a disability. 98.2% have health insurance coverage.