KentuckyPop. 26,845Small cities
Is Paducah a Good Place to Live? Paducah, Kentucky: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Paducah ranks #1018 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #158 of 208 small cities and #16 of 20 in Kentucky. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($834/mo, #10 of 208) and short commutes (15.7 min, #23 of 208), and trails on low household income ($49,915, #180 of 208) and high poverty (22.3%, #177 of 208).
Paducah by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Paducah's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Paducah?
Paducah's cost of living index is 86.1, 14% below the US level of 100 and #69 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $834/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $194,069, 17% below the typical Kentucky home ($232,577).
| Measure | Paducah | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 86.1#69 of 1,308 | 90.2 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $194,069#103 of 1,187 | $232,577 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,153/mo#76 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $165,300#122 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $834/mo#41 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.3x#301 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 20.1%#458 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kentucky is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Paducah housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Paducah is in the Paducah, KY-IL metro.
Kentucky housing market →Is Paducah safe?
Paducah recorded 274 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 16% below the US rate of 328 and 29% above Kentucky's 212. That ranks #513 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #94 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Paducah Police Department. Property crime runs 2,387 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Paducah | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 274#513 of 1,085 | 212 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 2,387#833 of 1,085 | 1,262 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kentucky is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Paducah?
The median household in Paducah earns $49,915, 40% below the US figure of $83,163 and 23% below Kentucky ($64,526). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 22.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Paducah | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $49,915#1233 of 1,312 | $64,526 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4.4%#664 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 22.3%#1174 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.3%#853 of 1,132 | +0.5% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kentucky is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Paducah?
The median resident of Paducah is 41.5 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 28.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #843 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Paducah | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 41.5 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 28.8%#843 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 55% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Paducah's schools and health?
Paducah's 11 public schools graduate 91.2% of students in four years (Kentucky 90.1%), with 15.2 students per teacher and $14,155 spent per pupil. 44% of adults are obese and 16.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Paducah | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 91.2%#287 of 1,063 | 90.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 15.2#498 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $14,155#678 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 44%#1266 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 16.2%#1233 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 18%#857 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 7.7%#334 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kentucky is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 5,868 students are enrolled in Paducah's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Paducah?
The average commute in Paducah is 15.7 minutes (Kentucky 24.5); 1.3% of workers take transit and 7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Paducah scores 9.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #791 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 76.9°F and winters 36.6°F, with 49.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Paducah | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 15.7 min#86 of 1,312 | 24.5 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 2.8%#149 of 1,312 | 6.5% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 77.4% | 76.4% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 1.3% | 0.6% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 3.9% | 1.9% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 1.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 7% | 9.5% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.2#791 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kentucky is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 43 | 25.1 | 3.7 |
| Feb | 47.6 | 27.9 | 3.8 |
| Mar | 57.6 | 36.2 | 4.6 |
| Apr | 69 | 46.2 | 5.1 |
| May | 77.4 | 56 | 4.8 |
| Jun | 85.4 | 64.5 | 4.7 |
| Jul | 88.6 | 68.2 | 3.9 |
| Aug | 88 | 66.4 | 2.9 |
| Sep | 82 | 58.6 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 70.9 | 46.8 | 4.1 |
| Nov | 57.2 | 36 | 4 |
| Dec | 46.7 | 29 | 4.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Brookport Dam 52.
| Measure | Paducah | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 57.3°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 76.9°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 36.6°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 49.1 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Brookport Dam 52.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Paducah?
McCracken County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 75% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts McCracken County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, ice storm, and winter weather, with expected yearly losses of 0.29% of building value, higher than 87% of US counties.
| Measure | Paducah | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 41#404 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.29%#1078 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for McCracken County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, McCracken County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.12% | 98% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.007% | 90% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0016% | 88% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.11% | 76% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0052% | 71% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0039% | 68% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.01% | 55% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Paducah compare with similar-size cities?
Paducah is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #158 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 26,845.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paducah, KYPop. 26,845 | #1018 | 49.8 | $49,915 | $834/mo | 274 | 15.7 min |
| Conway, SCPop. 27,263 | #1072 | 48.5 | $56,650 | $866/mo | 324 | 24 min |
| Kuna, IDPop. 27,158 | #410 | 59.9 | $96,219 | $1,774/mo | no data | 28.9 min |
| Jenks, OKPop. 27,102 | #185 | 64.9 | $111,004 | $1,602/mo | 99 | 20.5 min |
| Mason City, IAPop. 27,050 | #577 | 57.0 | $64,804 | $882/mo | 354 | 13.5 min |
| Cabot, ARPop. 26,960 | #711 | 54.8 | $75,000 | $1,110/mo | 359 | 28.6 min |
| South Portland, MEPop. 26,930 | #80 | 69.1 | $86,838 | $1,812/mo | 55 | 17.1 min |
| Horn Lake, MSPop. 26,647 | #969 | 50.6 | $53,311 | $1,435/mo | 79 | 25.7 min |
| Ewa Gentry, HIPop. 26,563 | #205 | 64.4 | $135,684 | $2,580/mo | no data | 35.5 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Paducah compare with the rest of Kentucky?
Paducah ranks #16 of the 20 Kentucky cities we track, with a score of 49.8 against Kentucky's statewide 44.8. Its households earn 23% below the Kentucky median. Violent crime is 29% above the statewide rate. Homes are 17% below the typical Kentucky home.
| City | Rank in KY | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independence, KYPop. 29,392 | #1 | 64.4 | $102,361 | $1,250/mo | 49 |
| Jeffersontown, KYPop. 29,199 | #2 | 61.1 | $81,506 | $1,320/mo | 65 |
| Florence, KYPop. 32,803 | #3 | 60.5 | $71,003 | $1,329/mo | 199 |
| Georgetown, KYPop. 39,117 | #4 | 60.3 | $80,088 | $1,255/mo | 165 |
| Lexington, KYPop. 323,725 | #5 | 59.9 | $69,479 | $1,164/mo | 228 |
| Erlanger, KYPop. 19,875 | #6 | 58.4 | $75,840 | $970/mo | 69 |
| Nicholasville, KYPop. 32,197 | #7 | 58.0 | $68,503 | $1,147/mo | 197 |
| Covington, KYPop. 41,110 | #8 | 57.5 | $61,166 | $1,006/mo | 290 |
| Elizabethtown, KYPop. 32,576 | #9 | 57.4 | $60,760 | $909/mo | 110 |
| Richmond, KYPop. 37,111 | #10 | 55.5 | $50,870 | $917/mo | 243 |
| Frankfort, KYPop. 28,503 | #11 | 53.8 | $53,073 | $944/mo | 238 |
| Owensboro, KYPop. 60,302 | #12 | 51.6 | $56,357 | $905/mo | 413 |
| Bowling Green, KYPop. 75,388 | #13 | 50.8 | $48,873 | $998/mo | 187 |
| Ashland, KYPop. 21,295 | #14 | 50.8 | $52,715 | $872/mo | 244 |
| Louisville, KYPop. 631,818 | #15 | 50.0 | $66,849 | $1,120/mo | 674 |
| Paducah, KYPop. 26,845 | #16 | 49.8 | $49,915 | $834/mo | 274 |
| Henderson, KYPop. 27,852 | #17 | 49.6 | $48,186 | $771/mo | 278 |
| Madisonville, KYPop. 19,515 | #18 | 46.6 | $53,860 | $838/mo | 149 |
| Hopkinsville, KYPop. 30,906 | #19 | 45.9 | $49,139 | $902/mo | 300 |
| Radcliff, KYPop. 22,864 | #20 | 45.6 | $58,559 | $971/mo | 287 |
All 20 Kentucky cities we track, by overall score. Kentucky statewide: median income $64,526, violent crime 212.1 per 100,000.
How is Paducah's score calculated?
Paducah scores 49.8 out of 100, #1018 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Kentucky's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Paducah. Similar-size median 52.9.
39.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Paducah's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
72.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Paducah. Similar-size median 52.2.
29.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Paducah's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
62.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Paducah's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
88.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Paducah. Similar-size median 46.7.
20.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Paducah. Similar-size median 44.2.
36.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Paducah. Similar-size median 47.3.
51.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Paducah's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
43.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
35.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Paducah's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Paducah has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Paducah
Is Paducah, KY a good place to live?
Paducah ranks #1018 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #158 of 208 small cities and #16 of 20 in Kentucky. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($834/mo, #10 of 208) and short commutes (15.7 min, #23 of 208), and trails on low household income ($49,915, #180 of 208) and high poverty (22.3%, #177 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Paducah?
Paducah's cost of living index is 86.1, 14% below the US level of 100 and #69 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $834/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $194,069, 17% below the typical Kentucky home ($232,577).
What is the crime rate in Paducah?
Paducah recorded 274 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 16% below the US rate of 328 and 29% above Kentucky's 212. That ranks #513 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #94 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Paducah Police Department. Property crime runs 2,387 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Paducah?
The median household in Paducah earns $49,915, 40% below the US figure of $83,163 and 23% below Kentucky ($64,526). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 22.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Paducah?
Median rent in Paducah is $834/mo (Census), #41 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,153/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Paducah?
The typical home value in Paducah is $194,069, down 1.3% in a year, against $232,577 for Kentucky and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $165,300.
How are the public schools in Paducah?
Paducah's 11 public schools graduate 91.2% of students in four years (Kentucky 90.1%), with 15.2 students per teacher and $14,155 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Paducah?
The average commute is 15.7 minutes, #86 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.5 minutes across Kentucky. 2.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Paducah?
Paducah averages 57.3°F over the year, 76.9°F in summer and 36.6°F in winter, with 49.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Paducah walkable?
Paducah scores 9.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #791 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Paducah at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts McCracken County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, ice storm, and winter weather, with expected yearly losses of 0.29% of building value, higher than 87% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Paducah?
McCracken County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 75% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Paducah?
Paducah has 26,845 residents. The median resident of Paducah is 41.5 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 28.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #843 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Paducah compare with the rest of Kentucky?
Paducah ranks #16 of the 20 Kentucky cities we track, with a score of 49.8 against Kentucky's statewide 44.8. Its households earn 23% below the Kentucky median. Violent crime is 29% above the statewide rate. Homes are 17% below the typical Kentucky home.
What cities are similar in size to Paducah?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Paducah's population of 26,845 are Conway, SC (#1072 overall), Kuna, ID (#410 overall), Jenks, OK (#185 overall), Mason City, IA (#577 overall), and Cabot, AR (#711 overall). Paducah is #1018.