Owensboro, KY Median Household Income: Trends, Analysis, and Key Findings

The median household income in Owensboro was $53,295 in 2023, which marked an a decrease of 1,207(2.21%) from $54,502 in 2020. This income is 67.86% of the U.S. median household income of $78,538 (all incomes in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars).
Neilsberg Research Avatar
Updated Mar 3, 2025

Median Household Income in Owensboro, KY (2010-2023, in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars)

Below, you will find a table illustrating the median household income in Owensboro, spanning the years from 2010 to 2023, with all figures adjusted to 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars.

Year Median Household Income YOY Change($) YOY Change(%)
2010 50,220 - -
2011 50,770 550 1.10%
2012 50,361 -409 -0.81%
2013 51,945 1,584 3.15%
2014 49,379 -2,566 -4.94%
2015 48,089 -1,290 -2.61%
2016 48,036 -53 -0.11%
2017 50,063 2,027 4.22%
2018 50,170 107 0.21%
2019 51,851 1,681 3.35%
2020 54,502 2,651 5.11%
2021 53,361 -1,141 -2.09%
2022 54,126 765 1.43%
2023 53,295 -831 -1.54%

Owensboro, KY median household income trends: 2010 to 2023

From 2010 to 2023, the median household income for Owensboro increased by $3,075 (6.12%), as per the American Community Survey estimates. In comparison, median household income for the United States increased by $5,602 (7.68%) between 2010 and 2023.

Analyzing the trend in median household income between the years 2010 and 2023, spanning 13 annual cycles, we observed that median household income, when adjusted for 2023 inflation using the Consumer Price Index retroactive series (R-CPI-U-RS), experienced growth year by year for 7 years and declined for 6 years.

The line chart shows Owensboro, KY median household income from 2010 to 2023. The orange line represents Census Bureau data for median household income (without adjusting for any inflation), while the blue line shows inflation-adjusted median household income for 2022.
Owensboro, KY median household income trends: 2010 to 2023. The chart illustrates income fluctuations over the years, highlighting the impact of inflation on economic trends. We observed that the median household income experienced growth year by year for 7 years and declined for 6 years. Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates

The most significant year-by-year growth occured from 2019 to 2020, when the median household income increased by 2,651 (from $51,851 to $54,502). Similarly the most substantial year-by-year decline occured from 2013 to 2014, when the median household income decreased by 2,566 (from $51,945 to $49,379).

In Kentucky, among cities with populations exceeding 50,000 residents, Owensboro ranks 1st out of 2 for median household income. This rank indicates that it falls within the middle-income range of large cities within the state of Kentucky.

<p>Overall Owensboro is ranked 762nd amongst all large cities in the US. In the category of large cities in the United States, those with populations exceeding 50,000 residents, Owensboro ranks 762nd for its median household income, which positions it as one of the lower-income large cities in the country.</p>

Median household income in Owensboro, KY by household size

To gain deeper insights into the median household income for Owensboro, we conducted an analysis of the most recent available data from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5 year Estimates (the most recent data available).

Of the 7 household sizes (1 person to 7-or-more person households) reported by the census bureau, Owensboro did not include 7-person households. Across the different household sizes in Owensboro the mean income is $71,278, and the standard deviation is $22,763. The coefficient of variation (CV) is 31.94%. This high CV indicates high relative variability, suggesting that the incomes vary significantly across different sizes of households.

In the most recent year, 2023, The smallest household size for which the bureau reported a median household income was 1-person households, with an income of $28,525. It then further increased to $74,241 for 6-person households, the largest household size for which the bureau reported a median household income.

Bar chart showing Owensboro, KY median household income for different household sizes in 2023. The chart illustrates income trends for 1-person to 7-or-more person households, with values adjusted for inflation. It provides insights into income disparities and variations across household sizes, aiding in data analysis and decision-making.
Owensboro, KY median household income, by household size (in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars). Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates

Owensboro median household income by household size

The table below displays median household incomes for various household sizes, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. Explore how household income varies with the size of the family unit.

Household Size Median Household Income
1-person households 28,525
2-person households 69,414
3-person households 74,486
4-person households 89,722
5-person households 91,282
6-person households 74,241
7-or-more-person households 0

According to the Census Bureau data, the median household income reaches its peak among 5-person households, reaching $91,282 .

Owensboro, KY income distribution and inequality

To gain a comprehensive understanding of income distribution in Owensboro, we conducted an analysis of quintiles data from the U.S. Census Bureau. While the bureau does not categorize income into subjective classes like lower-income, middle-class, or upper-class, they instead divide the population into five quintiles, ensuring that each quintile represents nearly the same number of households. This classification allows us to analyze income levels across a spectrum from the lowest to the highest income groups.

Bar chart illustrating the Owensboro mean household income for different quintiles, plus the top 5%, with values adjusted for 2022 inflation using R-CPI-U-RS. The chart provides insights into income distribution, showcasing variations across quintiles and highlighting the income of the top 5%. Useful for analyzing income disparities and trends for Owensboro.
Mean household income by quintiles in Owensboro, KY (in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars): The mean household income for the wealthiest population (top 5%) is 367,564, which is 184.33% higher compared to the highest quintile, and 3580.40% higher compared to the lowest quintile. Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates

Mean household income by quintile in Owensboro

The table below presents the mean household income for each of the five quintiles in Owensboro , offering valuable insights into income distribution and inequality.

Income Level Mean Household Income
Lowest Quintile 10,266
Second Quintile 31,630
Third Quintile 54,181
Fourth Quintile 86,808
Highest Quintile 199,409
Top 5 Percent 367,564

Key findings:

  • Income disparities: The mean income of the lowest quintile (20% of households with the lowest income) is 10,266, while the mean income for the highest quintile (20% of households with the highest income) is 199,409. This indicates that the top earners earn 19 times compared to the lowest earners.
  • Top 5%: The mean household income for the wealthiest population (top 5%) is 367,564, which is 184.33% higher compared to the highest quintile, and 3580.40% higher compared to the lowest quintile.

Furthermore, as per the Census Bureau, the Gini coefficient for Owensboro is 0.4938. Gini coefficient is a numeric measure ranging from 0 to 1, where lower numbers indicate greater income equality (with 0 representing complete equality, where all households earn the same income) and higher values signify greater income inequality (with 1 being complete inequality where one household receives all income).

Gini coefficient:
0.4938

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS)

With a Gini coefficient of 0.4938, it is evident that income distribution in Owensboro, KY exihibits characterstics of moderate inequality . This level of Gini coefficient suggests noticeable variations in income distribution across households, with certain segments of the population holding a larger share of income compared to others in Owensboro.It also implies that efforts may be needed to enhance economic fairness and reduce the gap between income groups in Owensboro

Median household income in Owensboro, KY by family type, 2023

The Census Bureau classifies households into different categories, including total households, family households, and non-family households. Our analysis of U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data for Owensboro reveals how household income distribution varies among these categories.

Interestingly, we found that the median household income did vary between family households and non-family households. In 2023, for Owensboro, there were a total of 14,530 family households and 10,651 non-family households.

For the family households, the median income (in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars) was $70,818. For the non-family households, the median income (in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars) was $34,565.

Owensboro, KY households by income brackets: family, non-family, and total, 2023, in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars

The table below presents a breakdown of households across various income brackets in Owensboro. The data in the table offers insights into the distribution of Owensboro households based on income levels.

Income Level All Households % All Households Family Households % Family Households Non-Family Households % Non-Family Households
Total: 25,181 100.00% 14,530 100.00% 10,651 100.00%
Less than $10,000 2,343 9.30% 1,028 7.08% 1,315 12.35%
$10,000 to $14,999 1,536 6.10% 533 3.67% 1,003 9.42%
$15,000 to $19,999 1,232 4.89% 409 2.81% 823 7.73%
$20,000 to $24,999 1,207 4.79% 437 3.01% 770 7.23%
$25,000 to $29,999 1,382 5.49% 457 3.15% 925 8.68%
$30,000 to $34,999 966 3.84% 437 3.01% 529 4.97%
$35,000 to $39,999 1,367 5.43% 663 4.56% 704 6.61%
$40,000 to $44,999 1,626 6.46% 812 5.59% 814 7.64%
$45,000 to $49,999 797 3.17% 294 2.02% 503 4.72%
$50,000 to $59,999 1,772 7.04% 988 6.80% 784 7.36%
$60,000 to $74,999 2,659 10.56% 1,732 11.92% 927 8.70%
$75,000 to $99,999 2,416 9.59% 1,799 12.38% 617 5.79%
$100,000 to $124,999 2,136 8.48% 1,768 12.17% 368 3.46%
$125,000 to $149,999 1,257 4.99% 1,006 6.92% 251 2.36%
$150,000 to $199,999 1,512 6.00% 1,408 9.69% 104 0.98%
$200,000 or more 973 3.86% 759 5.22% 214 2.01%

Key findings:

  • For Family Households: In Owensboro, the majority of family households, representing 12.38%, earn $75,000 to $99,999, showcasing a substantial share of the community families falling within this income bracket. Conversely, the minority of family households, comprising 2.02%, have incomes falling $150,000 to $199,999, representing a smaller but still significant segment of the community.
  • For Non-Family Households: In Owensboro, the majority of non-family households, accounting for 12.35%, have income Less than $10,000, indicating that a substantial portion of non-family households falls within this income bracket. On the other hand, the minority of non-family households, comprising 0.98%, earn $150,000 to $199,999, representing a smaller, yet notable, portion of non-family households in the community.
  • For Total Households (Combining Family and Non-Family): When considering total households in Owensboro, the majority, constituting 10.56%, earn $60,000 to $74,999, demonstrating that a significant portion of community households falls within this income bracket. Simultaneously, the minority of total households, representing 3.17%, have incomes $45,000 to $49,999, signifying a smaller segment of households in the community.

Things to know

What is the Gini index for Owensboro, KY?

As per the Census Bureau, the Gini coefficient for Owensboro is 0.4938. With this value of Gini coefficient, it is evident that income distribution in Owensboro exihibits characterstics of moderate inequality .

This level of Gini coefficient suggests noticeable variations in income distribution across households, with certain segments of the population holding a larger share of income compared to others in Owensboro.It also implies that efforts may be needed to enhance economic fairness and reduce the gap between income groups in Owensboro

What is the median household income in Owensboro, KY?

As per the latest data available from American Community Survey, the median household income for Owensboro is $53,295 (in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars). This income is 67.86% of the U.S. median household income of $78,538 (all incomes in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars).

How does Owensboro, KY median household income compare to the rest of the United States?

In Kentucky, among cities with populations exceeding 50,000 residents, Owensboro ranks 1st out of 2 for median household income. This rank indicates that it falls within the middle-income range of large cities within the state of Kentucky. <p>Overall Owensboro is ranked 762nd amongst all large cities in the US. In the category of large cities in the United States, those with populations exceeding 50,000 residents, Owensboro ranks 762nd for its median household income, which positions it as one of the lower-income large cities in the country.</p>

References

Notes

The analysis presented in this article is based on estimates derived from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. While these figures offer valuable insights, they are subject to a margin of error. It is advisable to exercise caution and consider the potential margin of error when interpreting and utilizing this data.

Datasets

Explore datasets by year of publication.
2025
Owensboro, KY Median Household Income Trends (2010-2023, in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars)
Last updated March 3, 2025
ACS
Free
Neilsberg
CSV, JSON
2019-2023
CC BY 4.0
About this dataset

Context

The dataset illustrates the median household income in Owensboro, spanning the years from 2010 to 2023, with all figures adjusted to 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars. Based on the latest 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates from the American Community Survey, it displays how income varied over the last decade. The dataset can be utilized to gain insights into median household income trends and explore income variations.

Key observations:

From 2010 to 2023, the median household income for Owensboro increased by $3,075 (6.12%), as per the American Community Survey estimates. In comparison, median household income for the United States increased by $5,602 (7.68%) between 2010 and 2023.

Analyzing the trend in median household income between the years 2010 and 2023, spanning 13 annual cycles, we observed that median household income, when adjusted for 2023 inflation using the Consumer Price Index retroactive series (R-CPI-U-RS), experienced growth year by year for 7 years and declined for 6 years.

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. All incomes have been adjusting for inflation and are presented in 2022-inflation-adjusted dollars.

Years for which data is available:

  • 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 0223

Variables / Data Columns

  • Year: This column presents the data year from 2010 to 2023
  • Median Household Income: Median household income, in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars for the specific year
  • YOY Change($): Change in median household income between the current and the previous year, in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars
  • YOY Change(%): Percent change in median household income between current and the previous year

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Owensboro median household income. You can refer the same here

Median Household Income Variation by Family Size in Owensboro, KY: Comparative analysis across 7 household sizes
Last updated March 3, 2025
ACS
Free
Neilsberg
CSV, JSON
2019-2023
CC BY 4.0
About this dataset

Context

The dataset presents median household incomes for various household sizes in Owensboro, KY, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. The dataset highlights the variation in median household income with the size of the family unit, offering valuable insights into economic trends and disparities within different household sizes, aiding in data analysis and decision-making.

Key observations

  • Of the 7 household sizes (1 person to 7-or-more person households) reported by the census bureau, Owensboro did not include 7-person households. Across the different household sizes in Owensboro the mean income is $71,278, and the standard deviation is $22,763. The coefficient of variation (CV) is 31.94%. This high CV indicates high relative variability, suggesting that the incomes vary significantly across different sizes of households.
  • In the most recent year, 2023, The smallest household size for which the bureau reported a median household income was 1-person households, with an income of $28,525. It then further increased to $74,241 for 6-person households, the largest household size for which the bureau reported a median household income.
Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.

Household Sizes:

  • 1-person households
  • 2-person households
  • 3-person households
  • 4-person households
  • 5-person households
  • 6-person households
  • 7-or-more-person households

Variables / Data Columns

  • Household Size: This column showcases 7 household sizes ranging from 1-person households to 7-or-more-person households (As mentioned above).
  • Median Household Income: Median household income, in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars for the specific household size.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Owensboro median household income. You can refer the same here

Income Distribution by Quintile: Mean Household Income in Owensboro, KY // 2025 Edition
Last updated March 3, 2025
ACS
Free
Neilsberg
CSV, JSON
2019-2023
CC BY 4.0
About this dataset

Context

The dataset presents the mean household income for each of the five quintiles in Owensboro, KY, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. The dataset highlights the variation in mean household income across quintiles, offering valuable insights into income distribution and inequality.

Key observations

  • Income disparities: The mean income of the lowest quintile (20% of households with the lowest income) is 10,266, while the mean income for the highest quintile (20% of households with the highest income) is 199,409. This indicates that the top earners earn 19 times compared to the lowest earners.
  • *Top 5%: * The mean household income for the wealthiest population (top 5%) is 367,564, which is 184.33% higher compared to the highest quintile, and 3580.40% higher compared to the lowest quintile.
Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.

Income Levels:

  • Lowest Quintile
  • Second Quintile
  • Third Quintile
  • Fourth Quintile
  • Highest Quintile
  • Top 5 Percent

Variables / Data Columns

  • Income Level: This column showcases the income levels (As mentioned above).
  • Mean Household Income: Mean household income, in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars for the specific income level.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Owensboro median household income. You can refer the same here

Owensboro, KY households by income brackets: family, non-family, and total, in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars
Last updated March 3, 2025
ACS
Free
Neilsberg
CSV, JSON
2019-2023
CC BY 4.0
About this dataset

Context

The dataset presents a breakdown of households across various income brackets in Owensboro, KY, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. The Census Bureau classifies households into different categories, including total households, family households, and non-family households. Our analysis of U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data for Owensboro, KY reveals how household income distribution varies among these categories. The dataset highlights the variation in number of households with income, offering valuable insights into the distribution of Owensboro households based on income levels.

Key observations

  • For Family Households: In Owensboro, the majority of family households, representing 12.38%, earn $75,000 to $99,999, showcasing a substantial share of the community families falling within this income bracket. Conversely, the minority of family households, comprising 2.02%, have incomes falling $150,000 to $199,999, representing a smaller but still significant segment of the community.
  • For Non-Family Households: In Owensboro, the majority of non-family households, accounting for 12.35%, have income Less than $10,000, indicating that a substantial portion of non-family households falls within this income bracket. On the other hand, the minority of non-family households, comprising 0.98%, earn $150,000 to $199,999, representing a smaller, yet notable, portion of non-family households in the community.
Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.

Income Levels:

  • Less than $10,000
  • $10,000 to $14,999
  • $15,000 to $19,999
  • $20,000 to $24,999
  • $25,000 to $29,999
  • $30,000 to $34,999
  • $35,000 to $39,999
  • $40,000 to $44,999
  • $45,000 to $49,999
  • $50,000 to $59,999
  • $60,000 to $74,999
  • $75,000 to $99,999
  • $125,000 to $149,999
  • $150,000 to $199,999
  • $200,000 or more

Variables / Data Columns

  • Income Level: The income level represents the income brackets ranging from Less than $10,000 to $200,000 or more in Owensboro, KY (As mentioned above).
  • All Households: Count of households for the specified income level
  • % All Households: Percentage of households at the specified income level relative to the total households in Owensboro, KY
  • Family Households: Count of family households for the specified income level
  • % Family Households: Percentage of family households at the specified income level relative to the total family households in Owensboro, KY
  • Non-Family Households: Count of non-family households for the specified income level
  • % Non-Family Households: Percentage of non-family households at the specified income level relative to the total non-family households in Owensboro, KY

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Owensboro median household income. You can refer the same here

If you're looking for datasets from another year, please feel free to contact us at research@neilsberg.com and we'll be happy to assist you further.

Explore more

Median household income of places that contain Owensboro (in 2023 dollars)
Median household income of nearby cities (in 2023 dollars)

About the author

Neilsberg Research Avatar
Neilsberg Research
Neilsberg Research team are data scientists with expertise in processing, analysis and visualization of big data helping small businesses make right decisions.

Share

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal or tax advice. We recommend that you consult with a qualified professional such as a lawyer or accountant before making a decision. Many of the products and services featured here are from our affiliate partners. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Read advertiser disclosure.