Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bear Branch, KY
Thinking of moving to Bear Branch, KY? With a small, close-knit population of about 350, Bear Branch offers affordable living—median home prices are just $82,500 and average rent is $670. Residents enjoy low crime rates, a relaxed rural lifestyle, and commutes averaging under 30 minutes. While education and income levels are modest, the area is known for its friendly community, beautiful Kentucky scenery, and a cost of living well below the national average.
Demographics - Bear Branch, KY
Demographics - Bear Branch, KY
Bear Branch is a small, close-knit community of around 350 residents, with a median age of 41.7 and a predominantly White population. The gender balance is nearly even, and most residents speak English as their primary language, reflecting a traditional rural Kentucky demographic.
Population:
350
Density:
45 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.7
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
97.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
2.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bear Branch, KY?
Living in Bear Branch is highly affordable, with a median home value of $82,500 and average rent of $670. The overall cost of living index is significantly below the U.S. average, making it an attractive option for budget-minded movers.
Median House Value:
$82,500
Gross Rent:
$670
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,170
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$940
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.5
Grocery:
90.2
Housing:
54.8
Utilities:
94.1
Transportation:
87.5
Health Care:
89.2
Miscellaneous:
83.0
Crime
Is Bear Branch, KY a safe place to live?
Bear Branch boasts a low crime rate, with violent crimes occurring far less frequently than the national average and property crimes also remaining uncommon. Residents enjoy a sense of security in this peaceful rural setting.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
85
Property Crimes Per 100k:
930
Crime Index:
1,015
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,175
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 108
Weather
What is the weather like in Bear Branch, KY year-round?
Bear Branch experiences four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging lows of 25°F and warm summers reaching up to 86°F. The area receives about 49 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 55% of the year.

Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
43°F

Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
71°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
The median household income in Bear Branch is $37,900, with a poverty rate of 23.1%. Most residents commute about 29 minutes to work, and the community is known for its friendly, tight-knit atmosphere despite modest economic indicators.
Median Income:
$28,600
Household Income:
$37,900
Family Income:
$44,200
Per Capita Income:
$18,700
Income Male:
$28,500
Income Female:
$21,900
Poverty Rate:
23.1%
Non English Speakers:
2.1%
Rent:
$670
Unemployment Rate:
6.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
28.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
73.5%
Bachelors or More:
8.6%
Education
How are the schools in Bear Branch, KY?
Education options in Bear Branch include public schools like Leslie County High School and Stinnett Elementary, offering small class sizes and a supportive environment. Higher education is accessible within a short drive at Hazard Community and Technical College.

Public Schools
Name:
Leslie County High School
Street:
25 Eagle Lane
Phone:
606-672-2337
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Name:
Stinnett Elementary School
Street:
275 Stinnett Lane
Phone:
606-374-3441
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.3

Colleges
Name:
Hazard Community and Technical College
City:
Hazard
State:
KY
Distance:
33 miles
Students:
3,900
Healthcare
Healthcare in Bear Branch is supported by facilities such as Manchester Memorial Hospital, and most residents have health insurance coverage. Access to physicians is moderate, supporting the needs of the small population.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Manchester Memorial Hospital
Address:
210 Marie Langdon Dr, Manchester, KY 40962
Phone:
(606) 598-5104
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.5%
Health Care Index:
67.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bear Branch, KY?
The housing market in Bear Branch is accessible, with a median home price of $82,500 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 76.5%. Homes see steady appreciation, and rental options are affordable with low vacancy rates.
Median Home Price:
$82,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$670
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, with resources available both in Frankfort and online. Residents can easily access driver licensing and vehicle services through the state’s official portal.
State:
Kentucky
Department:
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet - Division of Driver Licensing
Address:
200 Mero St, Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone:
502-564-1257
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.