Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Berea, KY
Considering a move to Berea, KY? With a friendly population of about 16,000 and a median home price of $189,000, Berea offers affordable living and small-town charm. Residents enjoy short average commutes of 20 minutes, mild seasons, and a cost of living well below the national average. The city features strong educational options like Berea College, access to quality healthcare, and plenty of sunny days—making it a great spot for families, students, and anyone seeking a vibrant, welcoming community.
Demographics - Berea, KY
Berea, KY is home to nearly 16,000 residents, featuring a youthful median age of 31.6 and a diverse community where about 87% identify as White and over 7% speak a language other than English. The city's moderate population density and balanced gender ratio contribute to its welcoming small-town atmosphere.
Population:
15,964
Density:
870 per sq mi
Median Age:
31.6
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
86.8%
Black:
4.5%
Asian:
1.7%
Others:
7.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Berea, KY?
Berea boasts an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $189,000 and average rent around $890. Essentials like groceries and utilities are generally less expensive than the U.S. average, making the city an attractive choice for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$189,000
Gross Rent:
$890
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$405
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.2
Grocery:
92.4
Housing:
61.3
Utilities:
99.1
Transportation:
88.2
Health Care:
91.6
Miscellaneous:
88.7
Crime
Is Berea, KY a safe place to live?
Berea experiences low crime rates compared to many cities its size, with a violent crime rate of 230 incidents per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 62 chance of property crime. This relatively safe environment enhances the city's appeal for families and newcomers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
230
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,620
Crime Index:
1,850
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 435
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 62
Weather
What is the weather like in Berea, KY year-round?
Residents in Berea enjoy four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging lows of 27°F and warm summers with highs near 86°F. The area receives about 49 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine over half the year, offering a comfortable and varied climate.

Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
44°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
69°F

Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Typical households in Berea earn a median income of $48,600, and the community is highly educated, with over 88% of adults holding a high school diploma or higher. Commuting is convenient with an average travel time of just 20 minutes, adding to the city’s livability.
Median Income:
$29,700
Household Income:
$48,600
Family Income:
$61,700
Per Capita Income:
$22,900
Income Male:
$38,700
Income Female:
$31,900
Poverty Rate:
20.1%
Non English Speakers:
7.1%
Rent:
$890
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
20.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
88.3%
Bachelors or More:
33.1%
Education
How are the schools in Berea, KY?
Berea offers a strong educational environment with well-rated public schools and the renowned Berea College at its heart. Students benefit from small class sizes, and higher education options are enhanced by the presence of Eastern Kentucky University nearby.

Public Schools
Name:
Berea Community Elementary School
Street:
3 Pirate Pkwy
Phone:
859-986-4911
Students:
620
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3
Name:
Berea Community High School
Street:
1 Pirate Pkwy
Phone:
859-986-8446
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7

Private Schools
Name:
St. Clare Catholic School
Street:
305 Chestnut St
Phone:
859-986-5045
Students:
120

Colleges
Name:
Berea College
City:
Berea
State:
KY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,600
Name:
Eastern Kentucky University
City:
Richmond
State:
KY
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
14,300
Healthcare
Berea provides access to quality healthcare through local facilities like Berea Hospital, with general and emergency services readily available. With 91% of residents covered by health insurance and a solid physician-to-resident ratio, healthcare needs are well-supported in the city.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Berea Hospital (Baptist Health Richmond – Berea)
Address:
305 Estill St, Berea, KY 40403
Phone:
(859) 986-3151
Type:
General & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Baptist Health Richmond
Address:
801 Eastern Bypass, Richmond, KY 40475
Phone:
(859) 623-3131
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
64.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Berea, KY?
The housing market in Berea is accessible, featuring a median home price of $189,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $890. A majority of residents own their homes, and property values have appreciated by over 6% in the past year, reflecting a stable and growing market.
Median Home Price:
$189,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$890
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents handle driver licensing and vehicle services through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, located in Frankfort with convenient online resources. The process is streamlined for both new arrivals and current residents, ensuring easy access to essential DMV services.
State:
Kentucky
Department:
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet – Division of Driver Licensing
Address:
200 Mero St, Frankfort, KY 40622
Phone:
1-502-564-1257
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.