Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Stearns, KY
Considering a move to Stearns, KY? This small town of 1,365 has a notably affordable lifestyle, with median home prices around $82,000 and average rents near $610—far below the national average. Residents enjoy short 24-minute commutes, low violent crime rates (173 per 100k), and a mild, sunny climate with 61% sunny days yearly. While education attainment and income levels are lower than average, Stearns offers a close-knit community surrounded by Kentucky’s scenic natural beauty and accessible healthcare options.
Demographics - Stearns, KY
Demographics - Stearns, KY
Stearns, KY is a small community of 1,365 residents, predominantly White, with a median age of just over 40 years. The population density is modest, and the town maintains a balanced gender ratio, making it an inviting place for families and individuals seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Population:
1,365
Density:
170 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.5%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
2.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Stearns, KY?
Living in Stearns is highly affordable, with median home values around $82,000 and average rents at $610, significantly lower than national averages. Household expenses such as utilities and insurance are also budget-friendly, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$82,000
Gross Rent:
$610
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,090
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$780
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$295
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.2
Grocery:
92.4
Housing:
48.2
Utilities:
93.3
Transportation:
86.1
Health Care:
88.6
Miscellaneous:
84.0
Crime
Is Stearns, KY a safe place to live?
Stearns experiences low violent crime, with just 173 incidents per 100,000 people, and property crime remains modest, offering residents peace of mind. The overall chances of encountering crime are lower than in many urban areas, supporting a safe, family-friendly atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
173
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,010
Crime Index:
1,183
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 577
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 99
Weather
What is the weather like in Stearns, KY year-round?
Stearns enjoys a mild climate with warm summers reaching highs of 87°F and winters with lows around 26°F. The area receives about 54 inches of rainfall yearly and boasts 61% sunny days, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
44°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
71°F

Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
87°F

Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
54 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Residents in Stearns typically have a median household income of about $32,200, and the community has a strong sense of neighborliness despite a higher poverty rate at 29.1%. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute time is a reasonable 24 minutes.
Median Income:
$23,950
Household Income:
$32,200
Family Income:
$42,700
Per Capita Income:
$17,800
Income Male:
$31,200
Income Female:
$24,300
Poverty Rate:
29.1%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$610
Unemployment Rate:
6.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
23.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
79.4%
Bachelors or More:
10.3%
Education
How are the schools in Stearns, KY?
Stearns provides quality education through its public schools, featuring manageable class sizes and supportive learning environments. For higher education, residents can access nearby colleges such as Somerset Community College and the University of the Cumberlands within a short drive.

Public Schools
Name:
McCreary Central High School
Street:
400 Raider Way
Phone:
606-376-7075
Students:
660
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.3
Name:
Pine Knot Elementary School
Street:
6519 Hwy 27 S
Phone:
606-354-2423
Students:
690
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8

Colleges
Name:
Somerset Community College
City:
Somerset
State:
KY
Distance:
36 miles
Students:
5,200
Name:
University of the Cumberlands
City:
Williamsburg
State:
KY
Distance:
41 miles
Students:
19,100
Healthcare
Stearns offers convenient access to healthcare with clinics and hospitals nearby, including emergency services available in Somerset. Most residents are insured, and the local ratio of physicians to population supports timely care for families and seniors alike.

Major Hospitals
Name:
McCreary County Health Department
Address:
119 Medical Ln, Whitley City, KY 42653
Phone:
(606) 376-2412
Type:
Clinic & Preventive
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital
Address:
305 Langdon St, Somerset, KY 42503
Phone:
(606) 679-7441
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.4%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Stearns, KY?
The housing market in Stearns is stable and highly affordable, with a median home price of $82,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 73.5%. Rental options are available, and home values have shown steady appreciation, making it attractive for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$82,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$610
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents handle licensing and vehicle registration through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, with resources and services available both online and at the state office in Frankfort. The process is straightforward, ensuring easy access for Stearns locals.
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.