Market Snapshot
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 56,462 ↑ 0.2% since 2020 |
| Median Household Income | $48,435 35% below national median |
| Median Home Value | $157,200 |
| Unemployment Rate | 6.8% |
| Median Age | 45.8 years |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 13.6% |
| Median Price/Acre (All Land) | $3,486 |
| Total Recent Sales | 112 transactions |
| Active Listings | 37 properties |
| Avg Days on Market | 571 days |
Rural Land Market (1+ Acres)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Price/Acre | $2,667 |
| Recent Sales | 97 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 581 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 67.00 acres |
| Active Listings | 21 properties |
Recent Rural Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | $/Acre | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2026 | 121.24 | $225,000 | $1,856 | Rush |
| Feb 2026 | 24.21 | $120,000 | $4,957 | Olive Hill |
| Feb 2026 | 29.88 | $85,000 | $2,845 | Grayson |
| Jan 2026 | 15.00 | $90,000 | $6,000 | Grayson |
| Jan 2026 | 3.00 | $16,000 | $5,333 | Morehead |
| Jan 2026 | 7.00 | $18,500 | $2,643 | Olive Hill |
| Dec 2025 | 1.42 | $7,500 | $5,282 | Webbville |
| Dec 2025 | 8.49 | $76,500 | $9,011 | Grayson |
| Oct 2025 | 24.00 | $90,000 | $3,750 | Grayson |
| Oct 2025 | 4.00 | $36,000 | $9,000 | Grayson |
Suburban/Urban Land Market (Under 1 Acre)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Price/Acre | $54,750 |
| Recent Sales | 15 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 512 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 0.50 acres |
| Active Listings | 16 properties |
Recent Suburban/Urban Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | $/Acre | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2026 | 0.75 | $9,500 | $12,667 | Grayson |
| Sep 2025 | 0.61 | $59,900 | $98,197 | Grayson |
| Aug 2025 | 0.40 | $21,900 | $54,750 | Grayson |
| May 2025 | 0.65 | $37,500 | $57,692 | Olive Hill |
| Apr 2025 | 0.50 | $13,000 | $26,000 | Grayson |
| Apr 2025 | 0.01 | $16,500 | $1,452,000 | Grayson |
| Nov 2024 | 0.78 | $70,000 | $89,744 | Frenchburg |
| Sep 2024 | 0.20 | $37,000 | $185,000 | Grayson |
| Aug 2024 | 0.11 | $16,500 | $149,738 | Grayson |
| Jul 2024 | 0.58 | $15,000 | $25,862 | Grayson |
County Profile
| Demographic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population (2023) | 26,515 |
| Population (2020) | 26,627 |
| Population Growth | -0.42% |
| Median Household Income | $50,389 |
| Median Home Value | $126,100 |
| Total Housing Units | 12,283 |
| Vacant Housing Units | 1,912 |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 15.6% |
| Median Age | 41.8 |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 1,573 (5.9%) |
| Unemployment Rate (BLS) | 5.9% |
Market Overview
Carter County, Kentucky has a population of 26,515, which has declined 0.42% since 2020. The median household income is $50,389, below the national median of $74,580 by 32.4%. With a median home value of $126,100 and an unemployment rate of 5.9%, the local economy is struggling. The housing vacancy rate of 15.6% suggests soft market conditions. Carter County is part of Kentucky's land market, attracting both local and out-of-state buyers. Recent rural land sales show a median price of $2,667 per acre, with properties averaging 67.00 acres. There are currently 37 active land listings in the county.
Related Resources
Nearby County Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current population of Carter County, Kentucky?
As of the 2023 American Community Survey, Carter County has a population of 26,515. The county has declined 0.42% since the 2020 Census.
What is the median household income in Carter County?
The median household income in Carter County is $50,389, which is 32.4% below the national median of $74,580.
Is Carter County growing or shrinking?
Carter County is shrinking. The population has declined 0.42% since 2020.
What is the housing market like in Carter County?
The median home value in Carter County is $126,100. The housing vacancy rate is 15.6%, which suggests soft market conditions. The unemployment rate is 5.9%, indicating a struggling local economy. Recent rural land sales (1+ acres) show a median price of $2,667 per acre. Suburban/urban lots under 1 acre have a median price of $54,750 per acre.
Does Reelvest buy land in Carter County, Kentucky?
Yes! Reelvest Properties buys vacant land throughout Kentucky, including Carter 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.