Breathitt County, KY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
13,276
-1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$34,808/yr
-15.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,575
0.2% year-over-year change

Breathitt County population

How many people live in Breathitt County

Breathitt County is home to 13,276 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.3% of Breathitt County locals are male, and 50.7% are female.

Total population
13,276
-1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.3%
6,551
Female
50.7%
6,725
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,551 49.3% -2.7%
Female 6,725 50.7% 0.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Breathitt County is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 17% are children under 15, then 11% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25% of the population, while another 28.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
17%
15 to 24
11%
25 to 44
25%
45 to 64
28.4%
Over 65
18.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,259 17% -1.1%
15 to 24 1,458 11% 1.7%
25 to 44 3,313 25% -2.7%
45 to 64 3,765 28.4% -2.2%
Over 65 2,481 18.7% 0.7%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Breathitt County, 99.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 96.2% of locals are Caucasian, 0.6% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.4%
Non-citizens
0.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 13,188 99.3% -0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 57 0.4% -13.6%
Non-citizens 31 0.2% -61.7%
Racial breakdown
White
96.2%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.7%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 12,769 96.2%
Black or African American 77 0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 23 0.2%
Asian 40 0.3%
Two or more races 361 2.7%
Other 6 0%

Households in Breathitt County

A peek inside Breathitt County households

Breathitt County has 5,464 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.8% are families, while the remaining 37.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,464
-1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,032
Family households
3,432
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,032 37.2% 4.5%
Family households 3,432 62.8% -4.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Breathitt County

The housing landscape of Breathitt County

Breathitt County's housing consists of 6,575 units, with 49.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 41.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,575
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,269 49.7%
1 unit, attached 74 1.1%
2 units 61 0.9%
3 or 4 units 180 2.7%
5 to 9 units 129 2%
10 to 19 units 47 0.7%
20 to 49 units 37 0.6%
Mobile home 2,716 41.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 62 0.9%
Homes built since 2020
94
44.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Breathitt County

In Breathitt County, the median construction year is 1989. About 4.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 310 4.7% 2.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 143 2.2% 15.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 242 3.7% -0.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 497 7.6% 0.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 988 15% -3.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,259 19.2% 2.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,074 16.3% -6.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,137 17.3% -2.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 831 12.6% 9.2%
Built in 2020 or later 94 1.4% 44.6%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Breathitt County occupancy rates

Out of the 5,464 occupied housing units in Breathitt County, 76.6% are owner-occupied, while 23.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,464
-1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,279
Owner occupied
4,185
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,279 23.4% -9.9%
Owner occupied 4,185 76.6% 1.8%
Unoccupied housing units
16.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Breathitt County housing costs

Housing costs in Breathitt County come to a median of $466 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $548.

Median housing costs per month
$466/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Breathitt County
$548/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Breathitt County

Breathitt County education at a glance

About 55.1% of the population in Breathitt County went to high school, while 17.2% pursued college studies. Another 7.3% earned an associate degree and 7.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 637 6.1% -6.3%
High school diploma 5,762 55.1% 2.5%
College diploma 1,805 17.2% -1.1%
Associate degree 768 7.3% -11.0%
Bachelor's degree 762 7.3% -9.6%
Graduate degree 730 7% -8.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Breathitt County

How much people earn in Breathitt County

The average annual household income in Breathitt County was $51,653 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -4.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $34,808, reflecting a -15.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Breathitt County
$51,653/year
-4.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Breathitt County
$34,808/year
-15.3% year-over-year change

Breathitt County income by age

In Breathitt County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $56,368. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $27,591 overall. Overall, 66.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $56,368 -5.5%
45 - 64 $27,591 -30.8%
Over 65 $33,409 -3.5%
Above poverty level
8,624
Below poverty level
4,286
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 8,624 66.8% -8.2%
Below poverty level 4,286 33.2% 16.7%

Employment in Breathitt County

Workforce and job types in Breathitt County

The job market in Breathitt County is powered by 4,195 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.4% run their own businesses, 57.1% are employed by private companies, and 22.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,195
-8.2% year-over-year change
White collar
2,970
Blue collar
1,225
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,970 70.8% -7.9%
Blue collar 1,225 29.2% -8.9%
Employer type
Self employees
9.4%
Private companies
57.1%
Governmental workers
22.5%
Not for profit companies
10.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 396 9.4% 17.9%
Private companies 2,396 57.1% -11.0%
Governmental workers 945 22.5% -11.1%
Not for profit companies 458 10.9% -4.0%
Unemployment rate
9.3%
-8.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Breathitt County stands at 9.3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Breathitt County

How people get around in Breathitt County

Commuting methods vary: 88.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,682 88.7% -11.0%
Bus or trolleybus 3 0.1% -25.0%
Walk 139 3.4% -8.6%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Breathitt County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
41339 10,590 4,297 $34,764 $52,782
41348 1,190 475 $34,732 $43,679
41385 354 157 $0 $68,682
41390 225 86 $0 $31,445
41314 4,049 1,556 $25,911 $47,201
41317 371 169 $18,906 $24,618

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FAQs about Breathitt County demographics 

What is the total population of Breathitt County?

Breathitt County has a total population of 13,276 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -1.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Breathitt County?

The gender ratio in Breathitt County is as follows:
  • 49.3% males (6,551 residents)
  • 50.7% females (6,725 residents)

What is the median age in Breathitt County?

The median age in Breathitt County is 42.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Breathitt County?

The age distribution in Breathitt County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17% (2,259 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11% (1,458 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25% (3,313 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.4% (3,765 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.7% (2,481 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Breathitt County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Breathitt County is as follows:
  • White: 96.2% (12,769 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (77 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (23 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (40 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.7% (361 residents)
  • Other: 0% (6 residents)

What percentage of the population in Breathitt County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.3% of the population in Breathitt County.

How many housing units are there in Breathitt County?

There are 6,575 housing units in Breathitt County, reflecting a +0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Breathitt County and what is the average household size?

Breathitt County has a total of 5,464 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Breathitt County?

Breathitt County has a median household income of $34,808, representing a -15.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Breathitt County?

The employment rate is 90.7% in Breathitt County, with a workforce of 4,195 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.8% (2,970 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.2% (1,225 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.4% (396 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.1% (2,396 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22.5% (945 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.9% (458 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025