1st Advantage MortgageMarshall County (31,743 residents) has a $65,831 median household income and $798 median rent, by the latest Census five-year survey. Use those as context only. A lender looks at your own documented income and debts; compare APR and total repaid on every Marshall County offer.
On this page
- Population and place: Marshall County
- The Marshall County job picture
- Marshall County income bands
- Renting and owning in Marshall County
- Where Marshall County differs from the rest of Kentucky
- Marshall County communities by population
- Regional comparison for Marshall County
- Local borrowing considerations for Marshall County
- Marshall County households compared
- Budget math at the Marshall County median
- Who licenses lenders for Marshall County residents
- Four steps for Marshall County borrowers
- Nearby and statewide guides
- Frequently asked questions
Population and place: Marshall County
Marshall County is home to about 31,743 people, according to the Census Bureau's 2020 to 2024 American Community Survey, which makes it the 32nd most populous of 120 county-level areas in Kentucky. Its 302 square miles average 105 people per square mile, by the 2024 Census Gazetteer. No metropolitan area includes Marshall County in the 2023 federal delineation, so its numbers stand on their own rather than as part of a metro. Benton is the biggest of its 4 Census places, at roughly 4,748 people (15% of the county total).
The Marshall County job picture
Education and health care (22%), manufacturing (14%) and retail trade (14%) lead Marshall County's job mix. Compared with Kentucky, the county leans toward construction (10% against 6%). ACS puts five-year average unemployment at 4.5% in Marshall County. Long commutes are the exception here: 11% of workers spend 45 minutes or longer getting to work.
| Industry (employed residents 16+) | Marshall County | Gap to Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Education and health care | 21.9% | -2.4 pts |
| Manufacturing | 14.1% | -0.2 pts |
| Retail trade | 13.9% | +2.4 pts |
| Construction | 9.5% | +3.2 pts |
| Arts, lodging and food service | 7.4% | -0.5 pts |
| Transportation, warehousing and utilities | 7.1% | +0.1 pts |
Self-employed in Marshall County? Two years of tax returns usually stand in for pay stubs.
Marshall County income bands
Marshall County households have a median income of $65,831 (ACS 2020 to 2024), which ranks 24th of 120 in Kentucky.
| Household income | Marshall County | vs Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 25.0% | -2.9 pts |
| $35,000 to $99,999 | 46.7% | +4.8 pts |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 22.5% | -0.4 pts |
| $200,000 or more | 5.8% | -1.4 pts |
About 25% of households earn under $35,000, while 28% clear $100,000. Census counts 12.3% of Marshall County residents in poverty, against 16.1% across Kentucky. Gini index for Marshall County: 0.429. If your income is irregular, as it often is with tips, gig work or seasonal jobs, plan around your leaner months rather than the Marshall County median.
Renting and owning in Marshall County
$798 a month is the median gross rent in Marshall County, 17% below the state. By the Census definition, 51% of Marshall County renters are cost-burdened. Home values center on $173,800, or 2.6 years of median income. 82% of Marshall County households own their home and 18% rent. The median year built is 1983. Nationally, Marshall County's $798 rent is 9% below the middle county.
| Measure | Marshall County | Kentucky | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median gross rent | $798/mo | $967/mo | 17% lower |
| Median home value | $173,800 | $205,600 | 15% lower |
| Owners | 82% | 68% | +13.2 pts |
| Rent-burdened renters | 51% | 45% | +6.0 pts |
| Burdened owners | 22% | 23% | -1.0 pts |
| Mobile homes | 15.2% | 10.7% | +4.5 pts |
| Vacant units | 20% | 10% | +10.0 pts |
Because most Marshall County households own, home repairs are a frequent reason to borrow. An unsecured personal loan leaves the house out of the deal, while a HELOC uses it as collateral. 51% of Marshall County renters are already past the 30% line; one more payment should leave room for a late paycheck.
Where Marshall County differs from the rest of Kentucky
The 4 Marshall County numbers that rank furthest from typical in Kentucky, and what each means for a borrower:
- Marshall County ranks 9th highest of 120 Kentucky counties for homeownership: 82%, against 68% statewide. Most households here own, so home equity is often an alternative to weigh.
- On median age, Marshall County sits near the top of Kentucky at 45.1, 10th highest of 120. Retirement income counts when documented; favor loans with no prepayment penalty.
- The housing vacancy rate: 20% in Marshall County. Only 14 of 120 Kentucky counties are higher. Many empty units can point to seasonal housing.
- The share of renters paying 30% or more of income for rent: 51% in Marshall County. Only 15 of 120 Kentucky counties are higher. Rent pressure leaves little room; stress-test any payment.
Marshall County communities by population
The table lists the 4 largest of 4 Census places in Marshall County, by population. Together all 4 hold about 8,153 people, so roughly 74% of residents live outside any named place. This guide covers each of the 4 places and the rural areas around them.
| Community | Type | Residents | Household income (median) | Rent (median) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benton | city | 4,748 | $66,827 | $787 | 3 mi |
| Calvert City | city | 2,526 | $48,906 | $992 | 12 mi |
| Hardin | city | 446 | $30,250 | $517 | 8 mi |
| Gilbertsville | CDP | 433 | $12,391 | $716 | 10 mi |
Regional comparison for Marshall County
Nearest neighbors first, measured between county centers (17 to 27 miles). Income ranges from $50,772 in Graves County to $65,066 in Lyon County; none of these neighbors top Marshall County's median.
| County | Miles | Median household income | Median rent | Homeownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marshall County | - | $65,831 | $798/mo | 82% |
| Lyon County, KY | 17 mi | $65,066 | $747/mo | 80% |
| Calloway County, KY | 18 mi | $52,706 | $870/mo | 64% |
| Graves County, KY | 21 mi | $50,772 | $775/mo | 76% |
| Livingston County, KY | 23 mi | $58,984 | $926/mo | 81% |
| McCracken County, KY | 24 mi | $64,373 | $898/mo | 69% |
| Trigg County, KY | 27 mi | $59,857 | $803/mo | 77% |
Local borrowing considerations for Marshall County
Based on the Marshall County data above, these borrowing questions are most likely to matter locally.
- Mobile home upkeep. 15% of units fall in this category; roof, skirting and HVAC jobs are common reasons to borrow.
- Fixed incomes. Marshall County's median age is 45.1. Social Security and pensions count as income when documented.
- 51% rent-burdened. A payment on top of high rent needs a cushion; size it with the calculator.
Marshall County households compared
In Marshall County, 21% of adults have at least a four-year degree (28% in Kentucky). The uninsured rate is 8.1%, against 6.0% for Kentucky.
| People and households | Marshall County | Compared with Kentucky | Compared with median county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's or higher | 21.2% | -6.3 pts | -0.9 pts |
| Median age | 45.1 | +6.0 yrs | +3.6 yrs |
| Poverty rate | 12.3% | -3.8 pts | -0.9 pts |
| No high school diploma | 8.6% | -2.5 pts | n/a |
| Work from home | 7.9% | -2.3 pts | -0.8 pts |
| No health insurance | 8.1% | +2.1 pts | +0.2 pts |
| No vehicle | 4.9% | -1.8 pts | -0.5 pts |
| Unemployment (ACS) | 4.5% | -0.4 pts | +0.1 pts |
| Minutes to work | Marshall County workers |
|---|---|
| Under 15 min | 28.7% |
| 15 to 29 min | 40.2% |
| 30 to 44 min | 20.5% |
| 45 to 59 min | 5.3% |
| 60+ min | 5.3% |
Budget math at the Marshall County median
Lenders compare monthly debt payments with gross monthly income, the debt-to-income ratio. For a Marshall County household at the medians it works out like this; treat it as an illustration only.
- Monthly gross at the median, Marshall County: $5,486
- Housing at the median rent of $798 uses 15%
- $1,396: what a 40% ratio leaves once rent is paid
A household below the $65,831 median has less room than this, often none.
Who licenses lenders for Marshall County residents
Before sharing details with a lender, a Marshall County resident can confirm its license with the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau accepts complaints nationwide. Statewide data and rules: Kentucky guide.
Four steps for Marshall County borrowers
A short checklist for Marshall County borrowers:
- Size the loan to the bill, not to the most a lender offers.
- Collect three written offers and compare APR and total repaid.
- Check the license, then the reviews, then the offer.
- Ask about early-payoff penalties.
Nearby and statewide guides
Next step up from Marshall County:
Frequently asked questions
Where does Marshall County rank on income in Kentucky?
24th of 120, with a median of $65,831. The state median is $63,726.
How does Marshall County rent compare with Kentucky?
$798 locally versus $967 for the state, 17% below.
How many towns are in Marshall County?
The Census Bureau counts 4 places mainly in the county, led by Benton, Calvert City, Hardin, Gilbertsville.
Does my county matter to the questionnaire?
Only your state does. Whether you live in Marshall County or elsewhere in Kentucky, the same rules apply.
Who do I complain to about a lender in Marshall County?
Start with the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions, then the CFPB complaint portal. Keep copies of every message.