Barlow city, Kentucky Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Barlow city, Kentucky has a total population of 508, the 353rd largest city in Kentucky, with a median household income of $30,069, which is 52% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 31.7%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 52% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (31.7%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.4%.
Barlow city Quick Facts
How Barlow city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 31 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Barlow city Rankings in Kentucky
Explore Kentucky Rankings
Cities Similar to Barlow city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loyall city | 496 | $31,250 | $73,300 | 13.2% | 37.7% |
| Maceo CDP | 533 | N/A | $107,500 | 5.6% | 10.9% |
| Buffalo CDP | 533 | $30,660 | $215,500 | 6.4% | 31.5% |
| Sandy Hook city | 542 | N/A | $98,500 | 9.5% | 49.5% |
| Van Lear CDP | 520 | $32,895 | $77,500 | 21.4% | 29.4% |
Population Overview
Barlow city is a small community located in Kentucky. The total population is 508. It ranks as the 353rd most populous out of 552 cities and towns in Kentucky.
Age Demographics
The median age in Barlow city is 31.5 years. This is 19% lower than the state median of 39.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Barlow city is $30,069. This is 52% lower than the state median of $62,417. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 62% lower. The poverty rate stands at 31.7%. This is 96% higher than the state poverty rate of 16.1%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 1.4%. This is 71% lower than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $80,700. Housing costs are 58% lower than the state median of $192,300. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.7x, Barlow city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 54.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 20% lower than the state average of 68.3%.
Race & Ethnicity
Barlow city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 92.3% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 6.1%.
Education
10.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 63% lower than the state rate of 27.0%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 88.3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Barlow city, Kentucky is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Kentucky state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 552 Census-designated places in Kentucky. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Barlow city, Kentucky?
Barlow city, Kentucky has a population of 508 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Barlow city, KY?
The median household income in Barlow city is $30,069, which is 62% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Barlow city, KY?
The poverty rate in Barlow city is 31.7%. This means approximately 161 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Barlow city, Kentucky?
Barlow city's population is 92.3% White, 6.1% Black, 0.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Barlow city, KY?
The median home value in Barlow city is $80,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x.
How educated is Barlow city, Kentucky?
10.0% of adults (25+) in Barlow city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 4.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.