Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Van Lear, KY
Considering a move to Van Lear, KY? This small, tight-knit community of 1,560 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $84,500 and average rents at $650. The area features low crime rates, a modest cost of living, and scenic weather with 58% sunny days yearly. While educational attainment is lower than average and incomes are modest, residents enjoy a peaceful rural lifestyle and access to local schools and healthcare. Commute times average 26 minutes, making Van Lear a quiet, budget-friendly choice for those seeking a slower pace.
Demographics - Van Lear, KY
Demographics - Van Lear, KY
Van Lear is a small, close-knit community of 1,560 residents with a median age of 42. The population is predominantly White, and the area has a nearly equal gender balance and a low percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to its rural, homogenous character.
Population:
1,560
Density:
180 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.1
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
97.5%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
1.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Van Lear, KY?
Van Lear offers a highly affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $84,500 and average rent at $650. Utilities are reasonably priced and the cost of living index is well below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$84,500
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$295
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.5
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
54.0
Utilities:
104.5
Transportation:
81.0
Health Care:
87.5
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Van Lear, KY a safe place to live?
Van Lear experiences low crime rates, with violent crime occurring at a rate of just 110 per 100,000 people and property crime at 1,020 per 100,000. Residents enjoy a safer environment compared to many urban areas, providing peace of mind for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,020
Crime Index:
1,130
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 900
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 98
Weather
What is the weather like in Van Lear, KY year-round?
The climate in Van Lear features four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging lows of 25°F and warm summers reaching highs of 86°F. The area receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 58% of the year, ideal for those who appreciate varied weather.

Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
43°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
70°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Van Lear’s residents have a median household income of $41,200 and a family income of $49,800. While the poverty rate is slightly higher than average at 21.5%, the community values education and experiences an average commute time of 26 minutes, reflecting its rural lifestyle.
Median Income:
$31,000
Household Income:
$41,200
Family Income:
$49,800
Per Capita Income:
$20,300
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
21.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
7.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
26.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
78.9%
Bachelors or More:
11.3%
Education
How are the schools in Van Lear, KY?
Van Lear is served by local public schools and a private school, offering a range of educational opportunities for families. Higher education is accessible nearby, with colleges such as Big Sandy Community and Technical College and Morehead State University within commuting distance.

Public Schools
Name:
Porter Elementary School
Street:
7210 US Highway 23 S
Phone:
606-789-2545
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.8
Name:
Johnson Central High School
Street:
257 North Mayo Trail
Phone:
606-789-2500
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3

Private Schools
Name:
Paintsville Christian School
Street:
Paintsville, KY
Phone:
606-789-5325
Students:
70

Colleges
Name:
Big Sandy Community and Technical College
City:
Prestonsburg
State:
KY
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
4,200
Name:
Morehead State University
City:
Morehead
State:
KY
Distance:
54 miles
Students:
9,400
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to two major hospitals offering emergency and general care within the region. Healthcare coverage is high, with nearly 90% insured, and the area maintains a solid network of physicians for its population size.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center
Address:
625 James S Trimble Blvd, Paintsville, KY 41240
Phone:
(606) 789-3511
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center
Address:
5000 KY-321, Prestonsburg, KY 41653
Phone:
(606) 886-8511
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.7%
Health Care Index:
71.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Van Lear, KY?
The housing market in Van Lear is favorable for buyers, featuring a median home price of $84,500 and an owner-occupancy rate of over 70%. Rental options are available with average two-bedroom rents at $650, while home values are experiencing steady appreciation.
Median Home Price:
$84,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.8%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
1.3%
DMV Information
Driver licensing and vehicle services are managed by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, with resources available both online and at the main office in Frankfort. Residents can access up-to-date information and complete transactions conveniently through the state’s official website.
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.