Whitesburg, KY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,761
-11.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$29,189/yr
-8.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
835
-3.8% year-over-year change

Whitesburg population

How many people live in Whitesburg

Whitesburg is home to 1,761 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46% of Whitesburg locals are male, and 54% are female.

Total population
1,761
-11.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46%
810
Female
54%
951
Value Percent YoY change
Male 810 46% -8.6%
Female 951 54% -14.5%
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 Whitesburg is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 15% are children under 15, then 9.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.5% of the population, while another 19.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 28.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
15%
15 to 24
9.3%
25 to 44
27.5%
45 to 64
19.4%
Over 65
28.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 265 15% -19.9%
15 to 24 163 9.3% -25.9%
25 to 44 485 27.5% -11.2%
45 to 64 341 19.4% -19.8%
Over 65 507 28.8% 6.5%
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 Whitesburg, 98.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 97.2% of locals are Caucasian, 0.5% are African American and 1.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 0.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.6%
Non-citizens
0.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,739 98.8% -11.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 10 0.6% -9.1%
Non-citizens 12 0.7% -7.7%
Racial breakdown
White
97.2%
Black or African American
0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
0.7%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,712 97.2%
Black or African American 9 0.5%
Asian 28 1.6%
Two or more races 12 0.7%

Households in Whitesburg

A peek inside Whitesburg households

Whitesburg has 716 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 64.4% are families, while the remaining 35.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
716
-9.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
255
Family households
461
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 255 35.6% -4.8%
Family households 461 64.4% -11.2%
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 Whitesburg

The housing landscape of Whitesburg

Whitesburg's housing consists of 835 units, with 61.2% 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 16.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
835
-3.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 511 61.2%
2 units 72 8.6%
3 or 4 units 40 4.8%
5 to 9 units 48 5.8%
10 to 19 units 15 1.8%
20 to 49 units 8 1%
50 or more units 4 0.5%
Mobile home 137 16.4%
Homes built since 2020
31
40.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Whitesburg

In Whitesburg, the median construction year is 1965. About 18% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 16.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 150 18% -10.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 135 16.2% 10.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 54 6.5% -42.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 149 17.8% -0.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 134 16% 12.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 64 7.7% 8.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 66 7.9% -1.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 39 4.7% -35.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 13 1.6% 62.5%
Built in 2020 or later 31 3.7% 40.9%
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.

Whitesburg occupancy rates

Out of the 716 occupied housing units in Whitesburg, 52.6% are owner-occupied, while 47.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
716
-9.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
339
Owner occupied
377
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 339 47.4% -12.6%
Owner occupied 377 52.6% -5.5%
Unoccupied housing units
14.3%
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.

Whitesburg housing costs

Housing costs in Whitesburg come to a median of $625 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $640.

Median housing costs per month
$625/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 Whitesburg
$640/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 Whitesburg

Whitesburg education at a glance

About 40.9% of the population in Whitesburg went to high school, while 25.9% pursued college studies. Another 9.6% earned an associate degree and 6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 73 5.1% -9.9%
High school diploma 586 40.9% -5.5%
College diploma 371 25.9% -5.4%
Associate degree 138 9.6% -8.0%
Bachelor's degree 86 6% -49.1%
Graduate degree 180 12.6% 9.1%
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 Whitesburg

How much people earn in Whitesburg

The average annual household income in Whitesburg was $54,131 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $29,189, reflecting a -8.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Whitesburg
$54,131/year
-3.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Whitesburg
$29,189/year
-8.4% year-over-year change

Whitesburg income by age

In Whitesburg, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $20,268. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $51,563 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $2,499, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $40,625 in earnings. Overall, 62.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $2,499 N/A
25 - 44 $20,268 -9.9%
45 - 64 $51,563 N/A
Over 65 $40,625 1.9%
Above poverty level
963
Below poverty level
578
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 963 62.5% -16.3%
Below poverty level 578 37.5% -5.2%

Average renter income in Whitesburg

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Whitesburg, their median household income was $18,941 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 40.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$18,941
Rent-to-income ratio
40.5%
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 Whitesburg

Workforce and job types in Whitesburg

The job market in Whitesburg is powered by 482 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.8% run their own businesses, 57.9% are employed by private companies, and 23% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
482
-19.0% year-over-year change
White collar
400
Blue collar
82
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 400 83% -20.2%
Blue collar 82 17% -12.8%
Employer type
Self employees
5.8%
Private companies
57.9%
Governmental workers
23%
Not for profit companies
13.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 28 5.8% 27.3%
Private companies 279 57.9% -24.2%
Governmental workers 111 23% -25.0%
Not for profit companies 64 13.3% 12.3%
Unemployment rate
11.1%
-11.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Whitesburg stands at 11.1%, 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 Whitesburg

How people get around in Whitesburg

Commuting methods vary: 83.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.2% 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 400 83.7% -19.5%
Walk 20 4.2% -4.8%
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 Whitesburg by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
41858 7,031 2,728 $45,933 $56,836

Explore more communities

FAQs about Whitesburg demographics 

What is the total population of Whitesburg?

Whitesburg has a total population of 1,761 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 -11.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Whitesburg?

The gender ratio in Whitesburg is as follows:
  • 46% males (810 residents)
  • 54% females (951 residents)

What is the median age in Whitesburg?

The median age in Whitesburg is 43.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Whitesburg?

The age distribution in Whitesburg is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15% (265 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.3% (163 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.5% (485 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.4% (341 residents)
  • Over 65: 28.8% (507 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Whitesburg?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Whitesburg is as follows:
  • White: 97.2% (1,712 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.5% (9 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1.6% (28 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 0.7% (12 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.8% of the population in Whitesburg.

How many housing units are there in Whitesburg?

There are 835 housing units in Whitesburg, reflecting a -3.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Whitesburg has a total of 716 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Whitesburg?

Whitesburg has a median household income of $29,189, representing a -8.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 88.9% in Whitesburg, with a workforce of 482 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83% (400 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17% (82 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.8% (28 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.9% (279 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 23% (111 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.3% (64 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