Middlesboro, KY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
11,559
-1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$28,685/yr
-7.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,051
0.1% year-over-year change

Middlesboro population

How many people live in Middlesboro

Middlesboro is home to 11,559 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.9% of Middlesboro locals are male, and 50.1% are female.

Total population
11,559
-1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.9%
5,763
Female
50.1%
5,796
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,763 49.9% -3.6%
Female 5,796 50.1% 1.4%
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 Middlesboro is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.6% are children under 15, then 9.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.7% of the population, while another 24.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.6%
15 to 24
9.8%
25 to 44
27.7%
45 to 64
24.3%
Over 65
19.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,154 18.6% -1.8%
15 to 24 1,135 9.8% -10.3%
25 to 44 3,202 27.7% 8.5%
45 to 64 2,814 24.3% -10.1%
Over 65 2,256 19.5% 4.5%
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 Middlesboro, 99.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 89.4% of locals are Caucasian, 5% are African American and 0.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.3%
Non-citizens
0.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 11,492 99.4% -1.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 35 0.3% 12.9%
Non-citizens 32 0.3% 28.0%
Racial breakdown
White
89.4%
Black or African American
5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.6%
Other
0.2%
Value Percent
White 10,336 89.4%
Black or African American 578 5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 27 0.2%
Asian 61 0.5%
Two or more races 534 4.6%
Other 24 0.2%

Households in Middlesboro

A peek inside Middlesboro households

Middlesboro has 5,237 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53.8% are families, while the remaining 46.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,237
5.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,418
Family households
2,820
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,418 46.2% 13.3%
Family households 2,820 53.8% -0.6%
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 Middlesboro

The housing landscape of Middlesboro

Middlesboro's housing consists of 6,051 units, with 57.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.9% 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 20.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,051
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,498 57.8%
1 unit, attached 56 0.9%
2 units 255 4.2%
3 or 4 units 345 5.7%
5 to 9 units 285 4.7%
10 to 19 units 151 2.5%
20 to 49 units 46 0.8%
50 or more units 162 2.7%
Mobile home 1,253 20.7%
Homes built since 2020
73
217.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Middlesboro

In Middlesboro, the median construction year is 1976. About 8.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 532 8.8% 1.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 455 7.5% 2.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 657 10.9% -7.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 767 12.7% 0.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 961 15.9% 4.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 836 13.8% -8.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 643 10.6% 15.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 809 13.4% -5.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 319 5.3% -5.6%
Built in 2020 or later 73 1.2% 217.4%
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.

Middlesboro occupancy rates

Out of the 5,237 occupied housing units in Middlesboro, 54.1% are owner-occupied, while 45.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,237
5.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,406
Owner occupied
2,832
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,406 45.9% 12.4%
Owner occupied 2,832 54.1% -0.0%
Unoccupied housing units
13.5%
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.

Middlesboro housing costs

Housing costs in Middlesboro come to a median of $492 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $595.

Median housing costs per month
$492/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 Middlesboro
$595/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 Middlesboro

Middlesboro education at a glance

About 44.1% of the population in Middlesboro went to high school, while 23% pursued college studies. Another 8.8% earned an associate degree and 11.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 590 6.5% -0.3%
High school diploma 3,974 44.1% -3.9%
College diploma 2,076 23% -9.2%
Associate degree 795 8.8% -0.2%
Bachelor's degree 1,065 11.8% 17.7%
Graduate degree 515 5.7% 20.3%
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 Middlesboro

How much people earn in Middlesboro

The average annual household income in Middlesboro was $46,126 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $28,685, reflecting a -7.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Middlesboro
$46,126/year
-1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Middlesboro
$28,685/year
-7.4% year-over-year change

Middlesboro income by age

In Middlesboro, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $28,576. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $29,946 overall. Overall, 68.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $28,576 8.5%
45 - 64 $29,946 -7.1%
Over 65 $28,649 -13.0%
Above poverty level
7,707
Below poverty level
3,564
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,707 68.4% -4.6%
Below poverty level 3,564 31.6% 3.9%

Employment in Middlesboro

Workforce and job types in Middlesboro

71.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.4% run their own businesses, 61.9% are employed by private companies, and 17.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
2,591
Blue collar
1,012
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,591 71.9% 0.7%
Blue collar 1,012 28.1% 6.1%
Employer type
Self employees
8.4%
Private companies
61.9%
Governmental workers
17.1%
Not for profit companies
12.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 301 8.4% 8.7%
Private companies 2,231 61.9% 3.9%
Governmental workers 617 17.1% -14.7%
Not for profit companies 454 12.6% 19.8%

Transportation in Middlesboro

How people get around in Middlesboro

Commuting methods vary: 94.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.2% 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 3,105 94.3% 2.2%
Bicycle 18 0.6% -28.0%
Walk 171 5.2% 58.3%
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 Middlesboro by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
40965 11,561 5,238 $28,685 $46,145

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FAQs about Middlesboro demographics 

What is the total population of Middlesboro?

Middlesboro has a total population of 11,559 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 Middlesboro?

The gender ratio in Middlesboro is as follows:
  • 49.9% males (5,763 residents)
  • 50.1% females (5,796 residents)

What is the median age in Middlesboro?

The median age in Middlesboro is 40.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Middlesboro?

The age distribution in Middlesboro is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.6% (2,154 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.8% (1,135 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.7% (3,202 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.3% (2,814 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.5% (2,256 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Middlesboro?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Middlesboro is as follows:
  • White: 89.4% (10,336 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5% (578 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (27 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (61 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.6% (534 residents)
  • Other: 0.2% (24 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.4% of the population in Middlesboro.

How many housing units are there in Middlesboro?

There are 6,051 housing units in Middlesboro, reflecting a +0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Middlesboro has a total of 5,237 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Middlesboro?

Middlesboro has a median household income of $28,685, representing a -7.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Middlesboro?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.9% (2,591 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.1% (1,012 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.4% (301 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.9% (2,231 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.1% (617 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.6% (454 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