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

Total population
3,971
-1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$22,188/yr
-28.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,052
1.4% year-over-year change

Owsley County population

How many people live in Owsley County

Owsley County is home to 3,971 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.5% of Owsley County locals are male, and 49.5% are female.

Total population
3,971
-1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.5%
2,006
Female
49.5%
1,965
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,006 50.5% -2.3%
Female 1,965 49.5% -0.1%
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 Owsley County is 48, with the population distributed as follows: about 16% are children under 15, then 9.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.5% of the population, while another 33.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
47.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
16%
15 to 24
9.4%
25 to 44
20.5%
45 to 64
33.6%
Over 65
20.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 635 16% 1.1%
15 to 24 373 9.4% -11.4%
25 to 44 814 20.5% 3.2%
45 to 64 1,333 33.6% -0.1%
Over 65 816 20.6% -3.8%
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 Owsley County, 98.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 4.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.6%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,907 98.4% -1.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 64 1.6% 10.3%
Racial breakdown
White
95.5%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.3%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 3,794 95.5%
Asian 7 0.2%
Two or more races 170 4.3%

Households in Owsley County

A peek inside Owsley County households

Owsley County has 1,567 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53.9% are families, while the remaining 46.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,567
4.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
722
Family households
845
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 722 46.1% 24.9%
Family households 845 53.9% -8.9%
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 Owsley County

The housing landscape of Owsley County

Owsley County's housing consists of 2,052 units, with 63.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 28.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,052
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,311 63.9%
2 units 49 2.4%
3 or 4 units 64 3.1%
5 to 9 units 49 2.4%
Mobile home 579 28.2%
Homes built since 2020
11
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Owsley County

In Owsley County, the median construction year is 1990. About 4.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 16.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 87 4.2% -30.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 76 3.7% -8.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 152 7.4% 60.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 97 4.7% -4.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 341 16.6% -13.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 270 13.2% -12.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 393 19.2% 18.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 286 13.9% -18.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 339 16.5% 46.1%
Built in 2020 or later 11 0.5% N/A
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.

Owsley County occupancy rates

Out of the 1,567 occupied housing units in Owsley County, 70.1% are owner-occupied, while 29.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 23.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,567
4.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
468
Owner occupied
1,099
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 468 29.9% -2.1%
Owner occupied 1,099 70.1% 6.9%
Unoccupied housing units
23.6%
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.

Owsley County housing costs

Housing costs in Owsley County come to a median of $356 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $448.

Median housing costs per month
$356/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 Owsley County
$448/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 Owsley County

Owsley County education at a glance

About 53.4% of the population in Owsley County went to high school, while 18.2% pursued college studies. Another 2.6% earned an associate degree and 4.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 1.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 614 19.2% 26.3%
High school diploma 1,712 53.4% -1.4%
College diploma 585 18.2% -3.8%
Associate degree 83 2.6% -11.7%
Bachelor's degree 149 4.6% -25.9%
Graduate degree 62 1.9% -55.1%
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 Owsley County

How much people earn in Owsley County

The average annual household income in Owsley County was $42,014 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -17% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $22,188, reflecting a -28.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Owsley County
$42,014/year
-17.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Owsley County
$22,188/year
-28.6% year-over-year change

Owsley County income by age

In Owsley County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $47,083. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $25,139 overall. Overall, 63.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $47,083 -15.1%
45 - 64 $25,139 -37.5%
Over 65 $17,428 -22.8%
Above poverty level
2,416
Below poverty level
1,396
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,416 63.4% -15.6%
Below poverty level 1,396 36.6% 45.4%

Employment in Owsley County

Workforce and job types in Owsley County

The job market in Owsley County is powered by 1,133 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.8% run their own businesses, 58.6% are employed by private companies, and 26% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,133
-8.0% year-over-year change
White collar
806
Blue collar
327
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 806 71.1% -15.0%
Blue collar 327 28.9% 15.6%
Employer type
Self employees
11.8%
Private companies
58.6%
Governmental workers
26%
Not for profit companies
3.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 134 11.8% 11.7%
Private companies 664 58.6% -4.2%
Governmental workers 295 26% -22.2%
Not for profit companies 40 3.5% 2.6%
Unemployment rate
12.6%
3.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Owsley County stands at 12.6%, 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 Owsley County

How people get around in Owsley County

Commuting methods vary: 85.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.6% 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 926 85.4% -12.5%
Walk 28 2.6% 16.7%
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 Owsley County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
40983 241 107 $16,801 $33,242
41314 4,049 1,556 $25,911 $47,201
41721 390 219 $0 $39,770

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FAQs about Owsley County demographics 

What is the total population of Owsley County?

Owsley County has a total population of 3,971 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 Owsley County?

The gender ratio in Owsley County is as follows:
  • 50.5% males (2,006 residents)
  • 49.5% females (1,965 residents)

What is the median age in Owsley County?

The median age in Owsley County is 47.7.

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

The age distribution in Owsley County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16% (635 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.4% (373 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.5% (814 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 33.6% (1,333 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.6% (816 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Owsley County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Owsley County is as follows:
  • White: 95.5% (3,794 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (7 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.3% (170 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.4% of the population in Owsley County.

How many housing units are there in Owsley County?

There are 2,052 housing units in Owsley County, reflecting a +1.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Owsley County has a total of 1,567 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Owsley County?

Owsley County has a median household income of $22,188, representing a -28.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 87.4% in Owsley County, with a workforce of 1,133 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.1% (806 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.9% (327 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.8% (134 residents)
  • Private companies: 58.6% (664 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 26% (295 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.5% (40 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