Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Paducah, KY
Considering a move to Paducah, KY? With a welcoming population of about 26,500 and affordable median home prices near $146,000, Paducah offers a cost of living well below the national average. Residents enjoy short 17-minute commutes, abundant sunshine (62% sunny days), and access to quality healthcare and schools. While property crime rates are higher than average, the city's tight-knit community, excellent access to the arts, and convenient amenities make it a friendly and budget-conscious place to call home.
Demographics - Paducah, KY
Demographics - Paducah, KY
Paducah is home to around 26,500 residents, featuring a diverse community where nearly 75% identify as White and about 19% as Black. With a median age of 41.8 and a moderate population density, the city offers a balanced mix of families and professionals in a welcoming environment.
Population:
26,568
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.8
Gender Ratio:
87 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
74.8%
Black:
18.6%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
5.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Paducah, KY?
Paducah boasts a cost of living index of 79.6, making it an affordable option compared to national averages. The median home value is approximately $146,000, and typical rents for a two-bedroom apartment are about $870, helping residents enjoy a budget-friendly lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$146,000
Gross Rent:
$870
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,215
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,165
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$400
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
79.6
Grocery:
91.2
Housing:
59.1
Utilities:
95.3
Transportation:
84.5
Health Care:
89.4
Miscellaneous:
92.1
Crime
Is Paducah, KY a safe place to live?
Paducah experiences higher property crime rates, with a resident’s chance of encountering property crime at about 1 in 31, while violent crime remains less common at 1 in 231. While it's important for newcomers to stay aware, the community remains proactive about safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
432
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,229
Crime Index:
3,661
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 231
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 31
Weather
What is the weather like in Paducah, KY year-round?
Paducah enjoys four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging lows of 27°F and warm summers peaking near 89°F. The area receives about 49 inches of rain annually and boasts 62% sunny days, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
45°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
71°F

Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Paducah’s neighborhoods have a median household income of $47,300 and a poverty rate of 19.3%. Most residents enjoy short commutes of under 17 minutes, and nearly 90% have at least a high school diploma, reflecting a solid sense of community and education.
Median Income:
$27,800
Household Income:
$47,300
Family Income:
$62,900
Per Capita Income:
$28,600
Income Male:
$36,400
Income Female:
$29,100
Poverty Rate:
19.3%
Non English Speakers:
6.2%
Rent:
$870
Unemployment Rate:
5.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
16.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.9%
Bachelors or More:
23.2%
Education
How are the schools in Paducah, KY?
Paducah offers a variety of educational options, including public and private schools with student-teacher ratios around 14–15, and higher education at West Kentucky Community and Technical College and a regional campus of Murray State University. These institutions support a strong local commitment to learning at all levels.

Public Schools
Name:
Paducah Tilghman High School
Street:
2400 Washington St
Phone:
270-444-5650
Students:
820
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Clark Elementary School
Street:
3401 Buckner Ln
Phone:
270-444-5730
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.1

Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary School System
Street:
1243 Elmdale Rd
Phone:
270-442-1681
Students:
600

Colleges
Name:
West Kentucky Community and Technical College
City:
Paducah
State:
KY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
6,200
Name:
Murray State University – Paducah Regional Campus
City:
Paducah
State:
KY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
900
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, including two major hospitals—Baptist Health Paducah and Mercy Health Lourdes Hospital. With 2.3 physicians per 1,000 people and over 91% of residents insured, medical services are both accessible and reliable.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Baptist Health Paducah
Address:
2501 Kentucky Ave, Paducah, KY 42003
Phone:
(270) 575-2100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mercy Health – Lourdes Hospital
Address:
1530 Lone Oak Rd, Paducah, KY 42003
Phone:
(270) 444-2444
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
73.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Paducah, KY?
The local housing market is attractive, with a median home price of $146,000 and over half of homes owner-occupied. Rental vacancies remain moderate at 8.6%, and home values have seen a steady 4.1% appreciation over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$146,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$870
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Paducah drivers are served by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s local office, conveniently located at 601 Kentucky Ave. Residents can access licensing services in person, by phone, or via the state’s online portal.
State:
Kentucky
Department:
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet – Division of Driver Licensing
Address:
601 Kentucky Ave #1, Paducah, KY 42003
Phone:
270-444-4710
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.