Market Snapshot
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 379,811 ↑ 2.5% since 2020 |
| Median Household Income | $66,051 11% below national median |
| Median Home Value | $221,100 |
| Unemployment Rate | 6.5% |
| Median Age | 32.1 years |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 8.8% |
| Median Price/Acre (All Land) | $8,650 |
| Total Recent Sales | 58 transactions |
| Active Listings | 27 properties |
| Avg Days on Market | 507 days |
Rural Land Market (1+ Acres)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Price/Acre | $3,998 |
| Recent Sales | 43 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 479 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 107.20 acres |
| Active Listings | 21 properties |
Recent Rural Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | $/Acre | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | 2.90 | $265,500 | $91,647 | Middlesboro |
| Dec 2025 | 2.58 | $6,000 | $2,328 | Miracle |
| Dec 2025 | 2.36 | $10,000 | $4,237 | Arjay |
| Dec 2025 | 1.61 | $5,000 | $3,106 | Arjay |
| Dec 2025 | 57.24 | $89,000 | $1,555 | Hulen |
| Dec 2025 | 11.00 | $108,000 | $9,818 | Pineville |
| Dec 2025 | 1.89 | $5,500 | $2,912 | Miracle |
| Nov 2025 | 2.00 | $26,000 | $13,000 | Middlesboro |
| Nov 2025 | 2.00 | $26,000 | $13,000 | Middlesboro |
| Sep 2025 | 64.00 | $60,000 | $938 | Pineville |
Suburban/Urban Land Market (Under 1 Acre)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Price/Acre | $51,429 |
| Recent Sales | 15 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 587 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 0.40 acres |
| Active Listings | 6 properties |
Recent Suburban/Urban Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | $/Acre | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 0.28 | $22,500 | $81,818 | Middlesboro |
| Oct 2025 | 0.28 | $10,000 | $36,364 | Middlesboro |
| Sep 2025 | 0.41 | $13,000 | $32,020 | Middlesboro |
| Jun 2025 | 0.69 | $135,000 | $196,027 | Middlesboro |
| May 2025 | 0.61 | $12,500 | $20,492 | Pineville |
| Jan 2025 | 0.01 | $35,000 | $3,500,000 | Middlesboro |
| Nov 2024 | 0.35 | $35,000 | $100,000 | Middlesboro |
| Oct 2024 | 0.12 | $1,900,000 | $15,322,581 | Beverly |
| Sep 2024 | 0.35 | $18,000 | $51,429 | Middlesboro |
| Mar 2024 | 0.24 | $35,000 | $145,833 | Middlesboro |
County Profile
| Demographic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population (2023) | 23,878 |
| Population (2020) | 24,097 |
| Population Growth | -0.91% |
| Median Household Income | $32,403 |
| Median Home Value | $83,000 |
| Total Housing Units | 11,608 |
| Vacant Housing Units | 2,082 |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 17.9% |
| Median Age | 41.2 |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 1,489 (6.2%) |
| Unemployment Rate (BLS) | 4.9% |
Market Overview
Bell County, Kentucky has a population of 23,878, which has declined 0.91% since 2020. The median household income is $32,403, below the national median of $74,580 by 56.6%. With a median home value of $83,000 and an unemployment rate of 4.9%, the local economy is struggling. The housing vacancy rate of 17.9% suggests soft market conditions. As part of Kentucky, Bell County benefits from the state's growing interest in vacant land investment. Recent rural land sales show a median price of $3,998 per acre, with properties averaging 107.20 acres. There are currently 27 active land listings in the county.
Related Resources
Nearby County Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current population of Bell County, Kentucky?
As of the 2023 American Community Survey, Bell County has a population of 23,878. The county has declined 0.91% since the 2020 Census.
What is the median household income in Bell County?
The median household income in Bell County is $32,403, which is 56.6% below the national median of $74,580.
Is Bell County growing or shrinking?
Bell County is shrinking. The population has declined 0.91% since 2020.
What is the housing market like in Bell County?
The median home value in Bell County is $83,000. The housing vacancy rate is 17.9%, which suggests soft market conditions. The unemployment rate is 4.9%, indicating a struggling local economy. Recent rural land sales (1+ acres) show a median price of $3,998 per acre. Suburban/urban lots under 1 acre have a median price of $51,429 per acre.
Does Reelvest buy land in Bell County, Kentucky?
Yes! Reelvest Properties buys vacant land throughout Kentucky, including Bell County. We make cash offers within 24-48 hours, close in 14-30 days, and pay all closing costs. Get your free cash offer today.
Data Sources: Market data reflects recent vacant land transactions in the county. Demographic data from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2023), Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Updated monthly.