South Shore city, Kentucky Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, South Shore city, Kentucky has a total population of 1,561, the 201st largest city in Kentucky, with a median household income of $29,000, which is 54% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 20.9%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 54% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Only 7.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree, well below the national average of 35.0%.
- Unemployment rate of 23.8% is notably above the national average.
South Shore city Quick Facts
How South Shore 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+)
South Shore city Rankings in Kentucky
Explore Kentucky Rankings
Cities Similar to South Shore city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jenkins city | 1,569 | $34,400 | $65,600 | 15.7% | 23.4% |
| Vanceburg city | 1,443 | $26,369 | $78,100 | 8.3% | 41.7% |
| Pine Knot CDP | 1,358 | N/A | $111,300 | 14.4% | 48.3% |
| Stearns CDP | 1,509 | $36,964 | N/A | 29.0% | 38.3% |
| Catlettsburg city | 1,672 | $34,524 | $71,400 | 4.2% | 25.4% |
Population Overview
South Shore city is a small community located in Kentucky. The total population is 1,561. It ranks as the 201st most populous out of 552 cities and towns in Kentucky.
Age Demographics
The median age in South Shore city is 41.1 years. This is 5% higher than the state median of 39.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in South Shore city is $29,000. This is 54% lower than the state median of $62,417. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 63% lower. The poverty rate stands at 20.9%. This is 30% 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 23.8%. This is 393% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $85,900. Housing costs are 55% lower than the state median of $192,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x. 50.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 26% lower than the state average of 68.3%.
Race & Ethnicity
South Shore city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 97.1% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 0.1%. The Hispanic or Latino population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 4.7%.
Education
7.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 72% 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 85.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for South Shore 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 South Shore city, Kentucky?
South Shore city, Kentucky has a population of 1,561 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in South Shore city, KY?
The median household income in South Shore city is $29,000, which is 63% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in South Shore city, KY?
The poverty rate in South Shore city is 20.9%. This means approximately 315 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of South Shore city, Kentucky?
South Shore city's population is 97.1% White, 0.0% Black, 0.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in South Shore city, KY?
The median home value in South Shore city is $85,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x.
How educated is South Shore city, Kentucky?
7.4% of adults (25+) in South Shore city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 1.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.