Hazard, KY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,008
-1.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$51,016/yr
-25.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,346
6.1% year-over-year change

Hazard population

How many people live in Hazard

Hazard is home to 5,008 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 43.4% of Hazard locals are male, and 56.6% are female.

Total population
5,008
-1.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
43.4%
2,173
Female
56.6%
2,835
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,173 43.4% -8.6%
Female 2,835 56.6% 4.0%
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 Hazard is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.6% are children under 15, then 7.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.4% of the population, while another 27.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.6%
15 to 24
7.2%
25 to 44
30.4%
45 to 64
27.1%
Over 65
18.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 830 16.6% -5.4%
15 to 24 362 7.2% -10.2%
25 to 44 1,525 30.4% 5.2%
45 to 64 1,357 27.1% -8.6%
Over 65 934 18.6% 4.7%
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 Hazard, 99.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. As for race, 88.4% of locals are Caucasian, 3.8% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.2%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,997 99.8% -0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 11 0.2% -88.2%
Racial breakdown
White
88.4%
Black or African American
3.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.4%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 4,425 88.4%
Black or African American 189 3.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 11 0.2%
Asian 11 0.2%
Two or more races 372 7.4%

Households in Hazard

A peek inside Hazard households

Hazard has 2,024 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 59% are families, while the remaining 41% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,024
2.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
829
Family households
1,195
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 829 41% 23.4%
Family households 1,195 59% -7.9%
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 Hazard

The housing landscape of Hazard

Hazard's housing consists of 2,346 units, with 66.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.6% 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 2.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,346
6.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,563 66.6%
1 unit, attached 15 0.6%
2 units 14 0.6%
3 or 4 units 250 10.7%
5 to 9 units 241 10.3%
10 to 19 units 61 2.6%
20 to 49 units 30 1.3%
50 or more units 105 4.5%
Mobile home 67 2.9%
Homes built since 2020
15
66.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Hazard

In Hazard, the median construction year is 1970. About 22.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 529 22.6% -9.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 76 3.2% 7.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 271 11.6% 20.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 305 13% 38.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 156 6.6% 2.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 269 11.5% 22.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 404 17.2% 3.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 196 8.4% -4.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 125 5.3% -4.6%
Built in 2020 or later 15 0.6% 66.7%
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.

Hazard occupancy rates

Out of the 2,024 occupied housing units in Hazard, 53.5% are owner-occupied, while 46.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,024
2.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
942
Owner occupied
1,082
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 942 46.5% 4.0%
Owner occupied 1,082 53.5% 1.7%
Unoccupied housing units
13.7%
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.

Hazard housing costs

Housing costs in Hazard come to a median of $864 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $720.

Median housing costs per month
$864/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 Hazard
$720/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 Hazard

Hazard education at a glance

About 38.3% of the population in Hazard went to high school, while 19.4% pursued college studies. Another 11.8% earned an associate degree and 6.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 15.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 323 8% -6.1%
High school diploma 1,550 38.3% 8.7%
College diploma 786 19.4% -9.3%
Associate degree 480 11.8% 5.7%
Bachelor's degree 280 6.9% -11.7%
Graduate degree 632 15.6% -5.8%
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 Hazard

How much people earn in Hazard

The average annual household income in Hazard was $132,149 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $51,016, reflecting a -25.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Hazard
$132,149/year
-1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Hazard
$51,016/year
-25.6% year-over-year change

Hazard income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $87,629 overall. Overall, 68.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $87,629 12.9%
Over 65 $37,426 -38.0%
Above poverty level
3,009
Below poverty level
1,381
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,009 68.5% -0.6%
Below poverty level 1,381 31.5% -5.7%

Average renter income in Hazard

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Hazard, their median household income was $18,262 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 47.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$18,262
Rent-to-income ratio
47.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Hazard

Workforce and job types in Hazard

The job market in Hazard is powered by 1,727 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 87.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 12.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.7% run their own businesses, 49.2% are employed by private companies, and 21.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,727
5.1% year-over-year change
White collar
1,509
Blue collar
218
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,509 87.4% -1.8%
Blue collar 218 12.6% 105.7%
Employer type
Self employees
8.7%
Private companies
49.2%
Governmental workers
21.2%
Not for profit companies
20.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 151 8.7% 147.5%
Private companies 849 49.2% -2.0%
Governmental workers 367 21.2% 46.2%
Not for profit companies 360 20.8% -22.6%
Unemployment rate
7.1%
-11.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Hazard stands at 7.1%, 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 Hazard

How people get around in Hazard

Commuting methods vary: 84.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 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 1,408 84.8% 6.3%
Walk 67 4% -50.0%
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 Hazard by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
41701 17,453 6,773 $39,439 $81,546

Explore more communities

FAQs about Hazard demographics 

What is the total population of Hazard?

Hazard has a total population of 5,008 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 -1.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Hazard?

The gender ratio in Hazard is as follows:
  • 43.4% males (2,173 residents)
  • 56.6% females (2,835 residents)

What is the median age in Hazard?

The median age in Hazard is 42.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Hazard?

The age distribution in Hazard is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.6% (830 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.2% (362 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.4% (1,525 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.1% (1,357 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.6% (934 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Hazard?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Hazard is as follows:
  • White: 88.4% (4,425 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.8% (189 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (11 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (11 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.4% (372 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.8% of the population in Hazard.

How many housing units are there in Hazard?

There are 2,346 housing units in Hazard, reflecting a +6.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Hazard has a total of 2,024 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Hazard?

Hazard has a median household income of $51,016, representing a -25.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Hazard?

The employment rate is 92.9% in Hazard, with a workforce of 1,727 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87.4% (1,509 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12.6% (218 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.7% (151 residents)
  • Private companies: 49.2% (849 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.2% (367 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 20.8% (360 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