Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dorton, KY
Considering a move to Dorton, KY? This small Appalachian community of about 650 offers affordable living, with a median home price around $82,500 and average rents of $635. Residents enjoy a relaxed pace, low violent crime rates (104 per 100k), and short commute times averaging 28 minutes. Dorton features a close-knit atmosphere, mild four-season climate, and basic educational options, while affordable cost of living and easy access to nature make it ideal for those seeking a quiet lifestyle.
Demographics - Dorton, KY
Demographics - Dorton, KY
Dorton is a small community of approximately 650 residents, with a median age of 41.5 and a population density of 120 people per square mile. The area is predominantly White (over 96%), and the gender distribution is nearly balanced. A low percentage of non-English speakers contributes to the town's close-knit, homogenous feel.
Population:
650
Density:
120 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.5
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.7%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.3%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
2.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dorton, KY?
Dorton offers a highly affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $82,500 and average rent at $635. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, and the overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making it attractive for budget-minded residents. State income taxes are moderate, ranging from 2% to 5%.
Median House Value:
$82,500
Gross Rent:
$635
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$124
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$820
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$285
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.1
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
58.3
Utilities:
104.7
Transportation:
85.6
Health Care:
89.2
Miscellaneous:
91.3
Crime
Is Dorton, KY a safe place to live?
Dorton experiences low crime rates, with only 104 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 960 chance of becoming a victim. Property crime is somewhat higher, but overall the area maintains a sense of safety and security for its small population.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
104
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,154
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 960
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Dorton, KY year-round?
Dorton enjoys a mild four-season climate, with winter lows around 26°F and summer highs reaching 86°F. The area receives about 48 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunshine about 60% of the year, making it pleasant for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
43°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Local residents in Dorton have a median household income of $36,700, with about 28.6% living below the poverty line. Most neighbors commute around 28 minutes to work and public transportation use is very low. The community is primarily working-class, with nearly 80% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$21,800
Household Income:
$36,700
Family Income:
$44,200
Per Capita Income:
$17,900
Income Male:
$35,100
Income Female:
$29,400
Poverty Rate:
28.6%
Non English Speakers:
2.7%
Rent:
$635
Unemployment Rate:
7.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
27.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
79.5%
Bachelors or More:
10.1%
Education
How are the schools in Dorton, KY?
Dorton is served by Dorton Elementary School, which maintains a student-teacher ratio of 16.2, supporting personalized attention for its 325 students. While the area has no private schools, higher education opportunities are available nearby at the University of Pikeville, just 12 miles away.

Public Schools
Name:
Dorton Elementary School
Street:
112 Dorton-Jenkins Hwy
Phone:
606-639-4322
Students:
325
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2

Colleges
Name:
University of Pikeville
City:
Pikeville
State:
KY
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
2,400
Healthcare
Residents have access to Pikeville Medical Center nearby, offering general and emergency services. With 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, basic healthcare needs are well-served. The healthcare index suggests reliable, though not extensive, medical resources for a town of this size.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Pikeville Medical Center
Address:
911 Bypass Rd, Pikeville, KY 41501
Phone:
(606) 218-3500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.3%
Health Care Index:
71.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dorton, KY?
Dorton's housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $82,500 and a strong owner-occupancy rate of over 74%. Rental vacancies are moderate at 9.8%, and the area has seen modest home appreciation in recent years. New construction remains limited, contributing to the town’s stable housing environment.
Median Home Price:
$82,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$635
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing services for Dorton are managed by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, located in Frankfort. Residents can access information and online services via the state’s official DMV website, making routine tasks convenient.
State:
Kentucky
Department:
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Address:
200 Mero St, Frankfort, KY 40622
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.