Paintsville, KY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,203
-1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$28,257/yr
5.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,300
6.6% year-over-year change

Paintsville population

How many people live in Paintsville

Paintsville is home to 4,203 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 44.1% of Paintsville locals are male, and 55.9% are female.

Total population
4,203
-1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
44.1%
1,853
Female
55.9%
2,350
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,853 44.1% 3.1%
Female 2,350 55.9% -4.4%
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 Paintsville is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 17% are children under 15, then 13.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19.7% of the population, while another 34.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
17%
15 to 24
13.5%
25 to 44
19.7%
45 to 64
34.8%
Over 65
15%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 715 17% -18.9%
15 to 24 567 13.5% -7.3%
25 to 44 828 19.7% 10.7%
45 to 64 1,463 34.8% -3.3%
Over 65 630 15% 25.8%
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 Paintsville, 98.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 92.3% of locals are Caucasian, 0.3% are African American and 3.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.3%
Non-citizens
0.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,143 98.6% -1.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 54 1.3% 0.0%
Non-citizens 6 0.1% N/A
Racial breakdown
White
92.3%
Black or African American
0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
3.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.6%
Other
0.3%
Value Percent
White 3,878 92.3%
Black or African American 14 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 14 0.3%
Asian 132 3.1%
Two or more races 151 3.6%
Other 14 0.3%

Households in Paintsville

A peek inside Paintsville households

Paintsville has 1,779 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 56% are families, while the remaining 44% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,779
5.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
782
Family households
997
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 782 44% 8.0%
Family households 997 56% 2.9%
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 Paintsville

The housing landscape of Paintsville

Paintsville's housing consists of 2,300 units, with 51.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.9% 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 5.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,300
6.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,179 51.3%
1 unit, attached 44 1.9%
3 or 4 units 308 13.4%
5 to 9 units 273 11.9%
10 to 19 units 126 5.5%
20 to 49 units 93 4%
50 or more units 150 6.5%
Mobile home 127 5.5%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Paintsville

In Paintsville, the median construction year is 1975. About 11.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 16% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 268 11.6% 13.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 369 16% 31.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 144 6.3% -26.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 211 9.2% 95.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 339 14.7% -19.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 462 20.1% 6.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 133 5.8% 35.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 170 7.4% 37.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 204 8.9% -19.7%
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.

Paintsville occupancy rates

Out of the 1,779 occupied housing units in Paintsville, 42.9% are owner-occupied, while 57.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 22.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,779
5.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,016
Owner occupied
763
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,016 57.1% -5.2%
Owner occupied 763 42.9% 22.9%
Unoccupied housing units
22.7%
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.

Paintsville housing costs

Housing costs in Paintsville come to a median of $644 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $637.

Median housing costs per month
$644/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 Paintsville
$637/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 Paintsville

Paintsville education at a glance

About 50.6% of the population in Paintsville went to high school, while 22.6% pursued college studies. Another 5.2% earned an associate degree and 7.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 202 6.1% -4.3%
High school diploma 1,679 50.6% 1.4%
College diploma 751 22.6% 10.0%
Associate degree 172 5.2% 8.2%
Bachelor's degree 254 7.7% -1.6%
Graduate degree 259 7.8% 7.5%
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 Paintsville

How much people earn in Paintsville

The average annual household income in Paintsville was $54,298 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $28,257, reflecting a +5.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Paintsville
$54,298/year
4.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Paintsville
$28,257/year
5.8% year-over-year change

Paintsville income by age

In Paintsville, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $73,309. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $15,452 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $26,408, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $38,157 in earnings. Overall, 66.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $26,408 N/A
25 - 44 $73,309 -5.2%
45 - 64 $15,452 -25.4%
Over 65 $38,157 21.6%
Above poverty level
2,576
Below poverty level
1,276
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,576 66.9% 0.6%
Below poverty level 1,276 33.1% -2.1%

Average renter income in Paintsville

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Paintsville, their median household income was $17,443 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 43.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$17,443
Rent-to-income ratio
43.8%
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 Paintsville

Workforce and job types in Paintsville

The job market in Paintsville is powered by 1,529 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 3.7% run their own businesses, 58.5% are employed by private companies, and 21.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,529
3.5% year-over-year change
White collar
1,273
Blue collar
256
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,273 83.3% -1.2%
Blue collar 256 16.7% 35.5%
Employer type
Self employees
3.7%
Private companies
58.5%
Governmental workers
21.7%
Not for profit companies
16.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 56 3.7% -66.7%
Private companies 894 58.5% 7.6%
Governmental workers 332 21.7% 4.4%
Not for profit companies 247 16.2% 54.4%
Unemployment rate
3.0%
-26.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Paintsville stands at 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 Paintsville

How people get around in Paintsville

Commuting methods vary: 89% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% 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 1,322 89% 13.5%
Walk 18 1.2% -40.0%
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 Paintsville by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
41240 6,408 2,732 $38,041 $56,531

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FAQs about Paintsville demographics 

What is the total population of Paintsville?

Paintsville has a total population of 4,203 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 Paintsville?

The gender ratio in Paintsville is as follows:
  • 44.1% males (1,853 residents)
  • 55.9% females (2,350 residents)

What is the median age in Paintsville?

The median age in Paintsville is 44.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Paintsville?

The age distribution in Paintsville is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17% (715 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.5% (567 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19.7% (828 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 34.8% (1,463 residents)
  • Over 65: 15% (630 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Paintsville?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Paintsville is as follows:
  • White: 92.3% (3,878 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.3% (14 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (14 residents)
  • Asian: 3.1% (132 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.6% (151 residents)
  • Other: 0.3% (14 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.6% of the population in Paintsville.

How many housing units are there in Paintsville?

There are 2,300 housing units in Paintsville, reflecting a +6.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Paintsville has a total of 1,779 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Paintsville?

Paintsville has a median household income of $28,257, representing a +5.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97% in Paintsville, with a workforce of 1,529 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.3% (1,273 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.7% (256 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 3.7% (56 residents)
  • Private companies: 58.5% (894 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.7% (332 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 16.2% (247 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