Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Hardshell, KY
Thinking of moving to Hardshell, KY? With a small, close-knit population of about 500 residents, Hardshell offers affordable living with median home prices around $72,000 and average rents at $590. The area boasts a low violent crime rate, a relaxed rural pace, and scenic surroundings. Commute times average about 29 minutes, and local schools and nearby healthcare ensure essential services are accessible. Its mild climate and low cost of living make Hardshell appealing for those wanting a quiet, budget-friendly lifestyle in eastern Kentucky.
Demographics - Hardshell, KY
Demographics - Hardshell, KY
Hardshell, KY is a small rural community of about 500 people, predominantly White, with a median age of 42.5 years. The population density is low at 80 per square mile, and the area has a balanced gender ratio and a very small percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to a tight-knit and familiar atmosphere.
Population:
Approx. 500
Density:
80 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.5
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
1.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
97.5%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
1.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Hardshell, KY?
Hardshell offers a very affordable cost of living, with a median house value around $72,000 and average rents at $590 per month. Utilities and groceries are also reasonably priced, and the overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making it budget-friendly for residents.
Median House Value:
$72,000
Gross Rent:
$590
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$780
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$265
State Taxes:
Low:
2%
|
High:
5%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.8
Grocery:
93.5
Housing:
38.2
Utilities:
99.3
Transportation:
86.1
Health Care:
89.7
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Hardshell, KY a safe place to live?
Residents of Hardshell enjoy a notably low violent crime rate, with only 55 incidents per 100,000 people, and a 1 in 1,800 chance of being affected. Property crime is higher but still moderate for a small town, contributing to a generally safe environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
55
Property Crimes Per 100k:
735
Crime Index:
790
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,800
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 135
Weather
What is the weather like in Hardshell, KY year-round?
Hardshell experiences mild seasonal changes, with winter lows around 24°F and summer highs reaching 85°F. The area gets about 49 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 56% of the year, creating a pleasant climate for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
45°F

Spring
Min:
47°F
Max:
72°F

Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
The local community has a modest median household income of $32,500 and a poverty rate of about 26%. Most adults have completed high school, and the area has a low rate of public transportation usage, reflecting its rural character and reliance on personal vehicles.
Median Income:
$27,000
Household Income:
$32,500
Family Income:
$39,000
Per Capita Income:
$16,400
Income Male:
$34,000
Income Female:
$22,000
Poverty Rate:
26.5%
Non English Speakers:
1.5%
Rent:
$590
Unemployment Rate:
7.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.1%
Commute Time:
29.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
76.8%
Bachelors or More:
8.2%
Education
How are the schools in Hardshell, KY?
Hardshell is served by Breathitt County public schools, offering small class sizes and a supportive learning environment. For higher education, Hazard Community and Technical College is located about 23 miles away, providing accessible options for further study.

Public Schools
Name:
Breathitt County High School
Street:
2307 Bobcat Lane, Jackson, KY 41339
Phone:
606-666-7511
Students:
540
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Name:
Highland-Turner Elementary School
Street:
10355 Highway 30 W, Turners Creek, KY 41339
Phone:
606-666-2351
Students:
310
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2

Colleges
Name:
Hazard Community and Technical College
City:
Hazard
State:
KY
Distance:
23 miles
Students:
3,400
Healthcare
Healthcare needs are served by facilities like Kentucky River Medical Center in nearby Jackson, and more than 90% of residents have health insurance coverage. Access to physicians is in line with rural standards, supporting basic healthcare needs for the community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Kentucky River Medical Center
Address:
540 Jett Dr, Jackson, KY 41339
Phone:
(606) 666-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.1%
Health Care Index:
68.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Hardshell, KY?
The housing market in Hardshell is accessible, with a median home price of $72,000 and nearly three-quarters of residents owning their homes. Rental options are available with a moderate vacancy rate, and home values have seen steady appreciation in recent years.
Median Home Price:
$72,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$590
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents can handle licensing and registration through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, with services primarily based in Frankfort. Information and online resources are available via the drive.ky.gov website, making DMV tasks convenient for locals.
State:
Kentucky
Department:
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet - Division of Driver Licensing
Address:
200 Mero Street, 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.