Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Prestonsburg, KY
Considering a move to Prestonsburg, KY? This friendly Appalachian city of 3,625 boasts affordable living with median home prices around $97,800 and average rents near $650. Residents enjoy short 18-minute commutes, four distinct seasons, and access to local healthcare at Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center. While crime rates are moderate, the small-town charm, reasonable cost of living, and educational options make Prestonsburg an inviting place to call home.
Demographics - Prestonsburg, KY
Demographics - Prestonsburg, KY
Prestonsburg is a small, close-knit city with a population of 3,625, a median age of 44.8, and a predominantly White community. The city has a balanced gender ratio and a low percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to its welcoming, homogenous atmosphere.
Population:
3,625
Density:
570 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.8
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.4%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.3%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
1.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Prestonsburg, KY?
Living in Prestonsburg is affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average. Median home values around $97,800 and rents averaging $650 make housing particularly budget-friendly, while utilities and state taxes remain moderate for Kentucky.
Median House Value:
$97,800
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$970
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$360
State Taxes:
Low:
5%
|
High:
5%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.4
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
54.3
Utilities:
105.0
Transportation:
84.0
Health Care:
93.5
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Prestonsburg, KY a safe place to live?
Prestonsburg experiences moderate crime rates, with a 1 in 463 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 39 chance for property crime. While lower than some urban areas, residents should still exercise standard precautions to ensure safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
216
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,550
Crime Index:
2,766
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 463
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 39
Weather
What is the weather like in Prestonsburg, KY year-round?
The city enjoys four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging 25–44°F and warm summers reaching up to 86°F. Prestonsburg receives about 45.5 inches of rainfall annually and has 55% sunny days, creating a pleasant environment for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
44°F

Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
67°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
Residents in Prestonsburg have a median household income of $36,824, and the community features a strong sense of local connection. The area has a higher-than-average poverty rate but boasts short average commutes of under 19 minutes and a high school graduation rate above 80%.
Median Income:
$26,900
Household Income:
$36,824
Family Income:
$54,700
Per Capita Income:
$20,400
Income Male:
$32,800
Income Female:
$23,900
Poverty Rate:
27.4%
Non English Speakers:
2.4%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
6.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
18.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
82.1%
Bachelors or More:
17.3%
Education
How are the schools in Prestonsburg, KY?
Prestonsburg supports education with public and private school options, including Prestonsburg Elementary and High School, as well as St. James Catholic School. Local higher education opportunities are available at Big Sandy Community and Technical College and a campus of Morehead State University.

Public Schools
Name:
Prestonsburg Elementary School
Street:
140 South Clark Road
Phone:
606-886-3251
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.4
Name:
Prestonsburg High School
Street:
825 Blackcat Blvd
Phone:
606-886-2252
Students:
580
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8

Private Schools
Name:
St. James Catholic School
Street:
573 Main St
Phone:
606-886-3624
Students:
110

Colleges
Name:
Big Sandy Community and Technical College
City:
Prestonsburg
State:
KY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,200
Name:
Morehead State University (Prestonsburg Campus)
City:
Prestonsburg
State:
KY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
350
Healthcare
Prestonsburg offers convenient access to healthcare, including Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center and a robust physician presence with 2.1 doctors per 1,000 residents. Health insurance coverage is high at over 93%, ensuring most residents have access to medical services.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center
Address:
5000 KY-321, Prestonsburg, KY 41653
Phone:
(606) 886-8511
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
McDowell ARH Hospital
Address:
9879 KY-122, McDowell, KY 41647
Phone:
(606) 377-3400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.2%
Health Care Index:
66.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Prestonsburg, KY?
The local housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $97,800 and a homeownership rate around 55%. Rental options are plentiful, with average two-bedroom rents at $650 and a low foreclosure rate, making it easy for newcomers to find housing.
Median Home Price:
$97,800
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Driver services in Prestonsburg are provided by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at a convenient Main Street location. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other DMV services locally or online through the state’s official portal.
State:
Kentucky
Department:
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet - Division of Driver Licensing
Address:
721 Main St, Prestonsburg, KY 41653
Phone:
(606) 886-3816
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.