Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Roark, KY
Thinking of moving to Roark, KY? With a close-knit population of around 1,100, Roark offers a quiet rural lifestyle with affordable living—median home prices are just $88,000 and average rent is $650. Residents enjoy mild seasonal weather, a low violent crime rate of 240 per 100K, and a reasonable average commute of 27 minutes. While educational attainment is lower than national averages, the community benefits from nearby schools and local healthcare options, making it a peaceful spot for those seeking small-town charm and affordability.
Demographics - Roark, KY
Roark, KY is a small, close-knit community of about 1,100 residents, with most people identifying as White and a median age of 41.2 years. The area features a balanced gender ratio, low population density, and a predominantly English-speaking population, creating a welcoming rural atmosphere.
Population:
1,100
Density:
65 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
1.7%

Ethnic Composition
White:
97.5%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
1.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Roark, KY?
Roark offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $88,000 and average rents of $650 per month. Essentials like groceries and healthcare are below the national average, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious families and retirees.
Median House Value:
$88,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$975
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
2%
|
High:
5%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.8
Grocery:
93.4
Housing:
54.6
Utilities:
104.5
Transportation:
87.2
Health Care:
90.1
Miscellaneous:
80.7
Crime
Is Roark, KY a safe place to live?
Residents of Roark enjoy a relatively safe environment, with violent crime rates at 240 per 100,000 and property crime at 1,350 per 100,000. The odds of experiencing violent crime are low, contributing to the town’s peaceful reputation.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
240
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,350
Crime Index:
1,590
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 417
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 74
Weather
What is the weather like in Roark, KY year-round?
The climate in Roark features mild winters with lows around 25°F and warm summers reaching up to 86°F, along with nearly 50 inches of annual rainfall. With about 56% sunny days each year, residents experience pleasant seasonal changes ideal for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
43°F

Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
71°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
The community has a median household income of $32,800 and a family income of $39,500, though about 27% of residents live below the poverty line. Most neighbors drive to work, with an average commute of 27 minutes, and only a small portion use public transportation.
Median Income:
$21,500
Household Income:
$32,800
Family Income:
$39,500
Per Capita Income:
$15,900
Income Male:
$29,000
Income Female:
$24,000
Poverty Rate:
27.1%
Non English Speakers:
1.7%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
7.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
27.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
75.2%
Bachelors or More:
10.8%
Education
How are the schools in Roark, KY?
Roark is served by local public schools such as Leslie County High School and Stinnett Elementary, both offering manageable class sizes. Higher education is accessible nearby at Hazard Community & Technical College, located 18 miles away.

Public Schools
Name:
Leslie County High School
Street:
25 Eagle Lane
Phone:
606-672-2337
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
Stinnett Elementary School
Street:
275 Stinnett Lane
Phone:
606-374-3595
Students:
270
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7

Colleges
Name:
Hazard Community & Technical College
City:
Hazard
State:
KY
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
3,800
Healthcare
Roark is served by nearby hospitals such as Mary Breckinridge ARH Hospital and Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center, offering general and emergency care. With 91.6% of residents insured and 1.2 physicians per 1,000 people, basic healthcare needs are accessible in the area.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Mary Breckinridge ARH Hospital
Address:
130 Kate Ireland Dr, Hyden, KY 41749
Phone:
(606) 672-2901
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center
Address:
100 Medical Center Dr, Hazard, KY 41701
Phone:
(606) 439-6600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.6%
Health Care Index:
69.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Roark, KY?
The housing market in Roark is affordable, with a median home price of $88,000 and most residents owning their homes. Rental options are available with average two-bedroom rents at $650, and the area experiences steady but modest home appreciation.
Median Home Price:
$88,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
1.2%
DMV Information
Residents handle their driver licensing needs through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet in Frankfort, with convenient online resources via drive.ky.gov for renewals and information.
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.