1st Advantage MortgageMuhlenberg County households have a median income of $51,927 and median rent of $718 a month (ACS 2020 to 2024). Borrow only what the expense needs, pick the shortest affordable term, and walk away from any lender asking a Muhlenberg County applicant for an upfront fee.
On this page
- Muhlenberg County by the numbers
- Renting and owning in Muhlenberg County
- Income in Muhlenberg County compared with Kentucky
- Muhlenberg County against other Kentucky counties
- How Muhlenberg County residents earn a living
- Counties near Muhlenberg County
- Towns and communities in Muhlenberg County
- Age, degrees and coverage in Muhlenberg County
- Before borrowing in Muhlenberg County
- $4,327 a month: the Muhlenberg County median budget
- Lender oversight for Muhlenberg County
- Before you sign
- More guides for Muhlenberg County
- Frequently asked questions
Muhlenberg County by the numbers
With an estimated 30,591 residents (ACS 2020 to 2024), Muhlenberg County ranks 34th of 120 in Kentucky for population. Its 467 square miles average 65 people per square mile, by the 2024 Census Gazetteer. Under the July 2023 OMB definitions, Muhlenberg County is not part of any metropolitan area. Largest place: Central City, about 5,707 residents (19% of Muhlenberg County); 9 Census places in all.
Renting and owning in Muhlenberg County
Half of Muhlenberg County renters pay more than $718 a month and half pay less; the Kentucky midpoint is $967. By the Census definition, 40% of Muhlenberg County renters are cost-burdened. Median value $127,400; median income $51,927; ratio 2.5. The ownership rate is 79%. Half the housing stock was built before 1978.
| Housing | Muhlenberg County | Kentucky statewide | Muhlenberg County vs state |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owners | 79% | 68% | +10.5 pts |
| Rent-burdened renters | 40% | 45% | -5.7 pts |
| Median home value | $127,400 | $205,600 | 38% lower |
| Median gross rent | $718/mo | $967/mo | 26% lower |
| Burdened owners | 22% | 23% | -0.5 pts |
At a $127,400 median value, many Muhlenberg County owners hold equity. Using it lowers cost only if you can carry the risk (equity vs. unsecured).
Income in Muhlenberg County compared with Kentucky
Muhlenberg County households have a median income of $51,927 (ACS 2020 to 2024), which ranks 75th of 120 in Kentucky.
| Household income | Muhlenberg County | vs Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 33.0% | +5.1 pts |
| $35,000 to $99,999 | 42.5% | +0.6 pts |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 18.9% | -4.0 pts |
| $200,000 or more | 5.5% | -1.7 pts |
Six-figure households (24%) are outnumbered by those under $35,000 (33%) in Muhlenberg County. 18.4% of residents fall below the federal poverty line (statewide: 16.1%). For a borrower in Muhlenberg County, the county median is only context: a lender looks at the income you can document, so pay stubs, benefit letters or tax returns matter more than any average.
Muhlenberg County against other Kentucky counties
Ranked against the other 119 county-level areas in Kentucky, these are the Muhlenberg County figures furthest from the middle.
- On the share of workers who work from home, Muhlenberg County sits near the bottom of Kentucky at 4.0%, 17th lowest of 120. Few remote jobs means most pay stubs come from local employers.
- Median age: 43.2 in Muhlenberg County. Only 22 of 120 Kentucky counties are higher. Retirement income counts when documented; favor loans with no prepayment penalty.
- Muhlenberg County ranks 24th highest of 120 Kentucky counties for homeownership: 79%, against 68% statewide. An owner-heavy county means repairs are a common reason to borrow.
How Muhlenberg County residents earn a living
Education and health care (31%), manufacturing (16%) and retail trade (10%) lead Muhlenberg County's job mix. Muhlenberg County over-indexes on education and health care: 31% versus 24% in Kentucky. The survey's unemployment rate for Muhlenberg County averages 5.7% over 2020 to 2024 (state: 4.9%). About 86% drive to work alone and 21% have trips of 45 minutes or more.
| Industry (employed residents 16+) | Muhlenberg County | Gap to Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Education and health care | 30.5% | +6.2 pts |
| Manufacturing | 15.8% | +1.5 pts |
| Retail trade | 9.6% | -2.0 pts |
| Construction | 6.4% | +0.1 pts |
| Professional and administrative services | 6.3% | -2.7 pts |
| Transportation, warehousing and utilities | 6.1% | -0.9 pts |
Industry shapes paperwork. Salaried and public jobs are easy to verify, while hourly, tipped, commission or contract earners in Muhlenberg County should have bank statements and tax returns ready.
Counties near Muhlenberg County
The six counties whose centers lie closest to Muhlenberg County's, from 23 to 28 miles away. All of the six report a higher median household income than Muhlenberg County; McLean County is highest at $65,596 and Butler County lowest at $56,092.
| Neighbor | Distance | Income | Rent | Own |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muhlenberg County | - | $51,927 | $718/mo | 79% |
| McLean County, KY | 23 mi | $65,596 | $641/mo | 83% |
| Hopkins County, KY | 23 mi | $56,815 | $837/mo | 71% |
| Ohio County, KY | 24 mi | $57,798 | $739/mo | 77% |
| Butler County, KY | 25 mi | $56,092 | $679/mo | 74% |
| Todd County, KY | 26 mi | $61,103 | $851/mo | 76% |
| Logan County, KY | 28 mi | $60,382 | $751/mo | 74% |
Towns and communities in Muhlenberg County
12,828 of Muhlenberg County's 30,591 residents live in its 9 Census places (42%); the 9 largest are listed. Beechmont has the highest median household income on the list ($52,240) and Greenville the lowest ($46,054), counting places with at least 500 residents. Median rent ranges from $602 in Greenville to $754 in Powderly. Central City and every other Muhlenberg County community use this county guide.
| Place in county | Status | Population (ACS) | Median HH income | Monthly rent | Distance from center |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central City | city | 5,707 | $50,885 | $683 | 6 mi |
| Greenville | city | 4,410 | $46,054 | $602 | 2 mi |
| Powderly | city | 931 | $50,662 | $754 | 2 mi |
| Beechmont | CDP | 771 | $52,240 | n/a | 6 mi |
| Drakesboro | city | 320 | $34,375 | $964 | 5 mi |
| Bremen | city | 285 | $68,125 | $624 | 11 mi |
| Dunmor | CDP | 209 | $41,806 | n/a | 13 mi |
| South Carrollton | city | 157 | $41,307 | n/a | 8 mi |
| Cleaton | CDP | 38 | n/a | n/a | 4 mi |
Age, degrees and coverage in Muhlenberg County
In Muhlenberg County, 15% of adults have at least a four-year degree (28% in Kentucky). 4.8% of residents have no health coverage.
| People and households | Muhlenberg County | Compared with Kentucky | Compared with median county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's or higher | 14.7% | -12.9 pts | -7.5 pts |
| Work from home | 4.0% | -6.2 pts | -4.7 pts |
| No high school diploma | 15.7% | +4.5 pts | n/a |
| Median age | 43.2 | +4.1 yrs | +1.7 yrs |
| Poverty rate | 18.4% | +2.3 pts | +5.2 pts |
| No vehicle | 5.2% | -1.6 pts | -0.3 pts |
| No health insurance | 4.8% | -1.2 pts | -3.1 pts |
| Unemployment (ACS) | 5.7% | +0.8 pts | +1.2 pts |
| One-way commute | Share of Muhlenberg County workers |
|---|---|
| Under 15 min | 30.3% |
| 15 to 29 min | 33.3% |
| 30 to 44 min | 15.2% |
| 45 to 59 min | 10.4% |
| 60+ min | 10.7% |
Before borrowing in Muhlenberg County
- Keeping the car running. At 21% with long commutes, repairs are a frequent Muhlenberg County emergency; first decide if the car is worth fixing.
- Mobile homes in Muhlenberg County. At 18% of units, they are a big part of local housing; check whether yours is titled as real or personal property.
- Lower-cost alternatives. In a county with 18% in poverty, nonprofit credit counseling may beat a loan (options).
$4,327 a month: the Muhlenberg County median budget
The debt-to-income ratio is the main affordability test lenders use. Applied to Muhlenberg County's medians:
- $51,927 a year is $4,327 of gross monthly income
- Median rent: $718, or 17 cents of every gross dollar
- At 36%, room after rent is $840 a month
- With a 43% ceiling, about $1,143 remains for car, card, student and any new loan payments
Two-income households and single earners in Muhlenberg County land in very different places on this math, so run it for your own budget.
Lender oversight for Muhlenberg County
Before sharing details with a lender, a Muhlenberg County resident can confirm its license with the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions. Banks and credit unions have their own regulators, and the CFPB takes complaints about any lender. State-level detail for Muhlenberg County borrowers is in the Kentucky guide.
Before you sign
Four checks before you sign anything:
- Know the exact dollar figure you need before talking to a lender.
- Collect three written offers and compare APR and total repaid.
- Confirm the lender is licensed in Kentucky.
- Ask a Muhlenberg County credit union about member loans.
More guides for Muhlenberg County
Statewide:
Frequently asked questions
Where does Muhlenberg County rank on income in Kentucky?
75th of 120, with a median of $51,927. The state median is $63,726.
How much is rent in Muhlenberg County?
Median gross rent, utilities included, is $718 a month; 40% of renters spend 30% or more of income on it.
I own my home in Muhlenberg County. Personal loan or HELOC?
A HELOC uses the house as collateral; a personal loan usually does not. With 79% of homes owner-occupied here, many readers can compare both in writing.
Which towns does the Muhlenberg County guide cover?
Every community in the county, unincorporated areas included. The largest of its 9 Census places: Central City, Greenville, Powderly, Beechmont, Drakesboro.
Can Muhlenberg County residents use the questionnaire?
Yes. It asks the same questions in every Kentucky county, lists every requirement up front and does not affect your credit score.