Living in McDowell, Kentucky
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of McDowell · Census data 2020–2024
McDowell has 718 residents with a median age of 29. The median household income is $14,474 (77% lower than the Kentucky median), the median home value is $73,100, the median rent is $255/month.
McDowell is a small town, so Census survey estimates have wide margins of error. Treat percentages as approximate.
McDowell at a glance
- Population
- 718
- Median age
- 29State: 39.1
- Median household income
- $14,474State: $63,726
- Median home value
- $73,100State: $205,600
- Median rent
- $255/moState: $967
- Homeowners
- 60.4%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 17.5%
Is McDowell a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 64% lower than the state median.
Cons: Median household income 77% lower than the Kentucky median; unemployment of 60%; a poverty rate of 72.4%.
The weather is best in May and August to October.
Cost of living in McDowell
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In McDowell the median home value is $73,100, 78% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $255 per month, which is 31.3% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay — a month in housing costs.
McDowell median household income
The median household income in McDowell is $14,474 and the income per person is $9,664. 72.4% of residents live below the poverty line (Kentucky: 16.1%).
Housing in McDowell: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 397
- Owner-occupied
- 60.4%
- Renter-occupied
- 39.6%
- Vacant
- 19.9%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1977
- Average household size
- 2.24
McDowell demographics
- Population
- 718
- Median age
- 29
- Under 18
- 42.5%
- 65 and older
- 17.1%
- Households
- 318
- Foreign-born
- 0%
- Veterans
- 2.4%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of McDowell ›
Education in McDowell
17.5% of adults 25 and older in McDowell have a bachelor's degree or higher (Kentucky: 27.6%), and 12.5% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in McDowell
- Unemployment rate
- 60%State: 4.9%
- Average commute
- —State: 24 min
- Work from home
- 0%
- Drive alone
- 0%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 35.7%
- Homes with broadband
- 76.1%
McDowell vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McDowell | 718 | $14,474 | $73,100 | $255 |
| Wayland | 316 | $28,333 | $40,500 | $633 |
| Martin | 494 | $30,682 | — | $358 |
| Betsy Layne | 557 | $31,838 | — | $1,100 |
| Allen | 157 | $36,250 | $77,500 | $941 |
| Coal Run Village | 1,724 | $52,750 | $132,400 | $893 |
| Pikeville | 7,490 | $39,955 | $263,800 | $862 |
| Pippa Passes | 450 | $73,750 | — | $283 |
| Prestonsburg | 3,765 | $25,746 | $161,300 | $592 |
More for people moving to McDowell
McDowell ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in McDowell: FAQ
What is the median household income in McDowell, KY?
The median household income in McDowell is $14,474, 77% lower than the Kentucky median of $63,726 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in McDowell?
The median home value in McDowell is $73,100, compared with $205,600 in Kentucky.
How much is rent in McDowell?
The median gross rent in McDowell is $255 per month, about 31.3% of household income.
Is McDowell, KY a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 64% lower than the state median. Minuses: median household income 77% lower than the Kentucky median; unemployment of 60%; a poverty rate of 72.4%.
What is the median age in McDowell?
The median age in McDowell is 29 years (Kentucky: 39.1).
What is the unemployment rate in McDowell?
The unemployment rate in McDowell is 60% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is McDowell?
17.5% of adults in McDowell have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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