Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Drift, KY
Considering a move to Drift, KY? This small, close-knit community of about 550 residents features a very affordable cost of living, with median home prices around $72,000 and rents averaging just $610. Crime rates in Drift are well below national averages, and the area offers a peaceful lifestyle with beautiful Appalachian scenery and 57% sunny days per year. While local incomes and educational attainment are modest, residents enjoy low housing costs and a reasonable 28-minute average commute. Check below for more on housing, schools, and what life is like in Drift!
Demographics - Drift, KY
Drift, Kentucky is a small, close-knit community with a population of about 550, predominantly White, and a median age of 44.8. The town has a balanced gender ratio and a low percentage of non-English speakers, making it a welcoming place for those seeking a slower pace of life.
Population:
550
Density:
85 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.8
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.5%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
2.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Drift, KY?
Drift offers an exceptionally affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $72,000 and average rents at $610. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-minded individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$72,000
Gross Rent:
$610
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,110
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
2%
|
High:
5%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.7
Grocery:
93.6
Housing:
48.2
Utilities:
103.4
Transportation:
92.0
Health Care:
96.6
Miscellaneous:
90.5
Crime
Is Drift, KY a safe place to live?
Drift experiences notably low crime rates, with only 110 violent crimes and 980 property crimes per 100,000 people, resulting in a low overall crime index. Residents can feel secure, as the chance of being a victim of violent crime is just 1 in 910.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
980
Crime Index:
1,090
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 910
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 102
Weather
What is the weather like in Drift, KY year-round?
The area enjoys four distinct seasons, with mild winters, warm summers, and pleasant spring and fall temperatures. Drift receives about 45 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 57% sunny days, offering an inviting climate for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
42°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Local residents have a median household income of $32,800 and a poverty rate of 28.7%. Most neighbors have completed high school, and the average commute time is about 28 minutes, reflecting a rural but accessible community.
Median Income:
$23,400
Household Income:
$32,800
Family Income:
$41,100
Per Capita Income:
$17,200
Income Male:
$28,200
Income Female:
$21,300
Poverty Rate:
28.7%
Non English Speakers:
2.3%
Rent:
$610
Unemployment Rate:
6.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
28.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
75.6%
Bachelors or More:
8.1%
Education
How are the schools in Drift, KY?
Drift is home to South Floyd Elementary School, serving local students with a favorable student-teacher ratio. For higher education, Big Sandy Community and Technical College is just 11 miles away, providing additional educational opportunities in the region.
Public Schools
Name:
South Floyd Elementary School
Street:
299 South Floyd School Road
Phone:
606-377-2991
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.8
Colleges
Name:
Big Sandy Community and Technical College
City:
Prestonsburg
State:
KY
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
2,400
Healthcare
Drift is served by McDowell ARH Hospital, providing general and emergency care nearby. With 91.2% health insurance coverage and 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents, basic healthcare needs are accessible within the region.
Major Hospitals
Name:
McDowell ARH Hospital
Address:
9879 KY-122, McDowell, KY 41647
Phone:
(606) 377-3400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
67.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Drift, KY?
The housing market in Drift is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $72,000 and a 69% owner-occupied rate. Rental options are available, with average rents for a two-bedroom around $610, and home values appreciating modestly in recent years.
Median Home Price:
$72,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$610
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Driver services for Drift residents are managed by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Division of Driver Licensing in Frankfort. Information on licensing, registration, and more is available at drive.ky.gov or by calling 502-564-1257.
State:
Kentucky
Department:
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet – Division of Driver Licensing
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.