| City: | Lynch, Kentucky |
| County: | Harlan County |
| Timezone: | Eastern (GMT -05:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:26:48 PM |
| Population: | 777 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 606 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 36.9809, -82.9159 |
| Land Area: | 14.984 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Lynch sits in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, in Harlan County near the Virginia border. This is a PO Box Only Zone across 13.2 square miles, meaning there's no alternative mail delivery for the 777 residents who live here. The Lynch post office maintains 343 PO Boxes for 345 occupied homes (99.4% adoption rate).
This was once a coal mining company town, and street names like Portal Circle and Depot Loop hint at that industrial past. Today the town has just 9 business establishments employing 15 people. The median household income is $27,102, well below the national average. Housing stock tells the story of decline: 99% of homes were built before 1939, making this one of Kentucky's oldest housing inventories.
With a median age of 46.2 years and only 138 vacant units (2% seasonal), Lynch is a permanent working-class community, not a vacation spot. Of the 345 households, 65% own their homes. Mail delivery uses a mix of one City carrier route and one Rural route, plus General Delivery service for those without boxes. Nearly all residents rely on PO Boxes because street delivery infrastructure doesn't exist across much of the territory.
Address mail to: PO Box [number], Lynch, KY 40855
Street names like Portal Circle and Depot Loop reference the town's coal mining heritage, while traditional names like Main Street and Church Street reflect small-town layout.
ZIP Code 40855 has 777 residents and 345 households (average 2.25 persons per household). The median age is 46.2 years, older than the state (39.4) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 44.8% male and 55.2% female, which is lower than the state male share (49.2%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (81.9%, much higher than the national average of 61.6%) and Black or African American (12.2%, higher than the state average of 8.0%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 1.7%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 777Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 744Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 51.9 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $29,891Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 345Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $57,500Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.25Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.09Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 1,089 | 975 | 920 | 841 | 770 | 742 | 701 | 780 | 694 | 668 | 779 | 738 | 782 | 744 |
| Decennial Census | 860 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 777 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 46.2
Male Median Age: 46.3
Female Median Age: 46.2
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 18 | 27 | 26 | 21 | 13 | 16 | 13 | 22 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 20 | 40 | 29 | 28 | 10 | 12 | 7 |
| Female | 20 | 31 | 25 | 22 | 16 | 26 | 14 | 26 | 23 | 30 | 32 | 32 | 36 | 39 | 20 | 13 | 13 | 11 |
| Total | 38 | 58 | 51 | 43 | 29 | 42 | 27 | 48 | 39 | 45 | 47 | 52 | 76 | 68 | 48 | 23 | 25 | 18 |
| White: | 636 | 84.57% |
| Black: | 95 | 12.63% |
| Hispanic:* | 13 | 1.73% |
| Asian: | 1 | 0.13% |
| American Indian: | 1 | 0.13% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 6 | 0.80% |
| Total: | 752 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 348 | 44.79% | 46.3 years |
| Females: | 429 | 55.21% | 46.2 years |
| Total: | 777 | 100% | 46.2 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 744 | 100.00% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Population: | 744 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 744 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $29,891, which is much lower than the national median ($80,734), is up $3,328 (12.5%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $6,263. Family households earn a median of $31,364 versus $23,375 for nonfamily households (a difference of $7,989). By gender, male median income is $0 and female is $0, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $0 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 41.5%, which is much lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 3.3%, which is much lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (42.6%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $26,563 | $28,214 | $26,964 | $33,558 | $36,053 | $36,917 | $34,886 | $40,139 | $36,154 | $32,125 | $27,037 | $27,778 | $27,102 | $29,891 |
| Median Family Income | $27,500 | $27,917 | $31,042 | $38,958 | $43,882 | $46,875 | $40,500 | $45,515 | $41,806 | $39,500 | $38,125 | $36,094 | $31,528 | $31,364 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $25,625 | $28,438 | $22,039 | $24,297 | $28,672 | $22,292 | $30,417 | $23,906 | $20,750 | $20,250 | $20,641 | $0 | $0 | $23,375 |
| Median Male Income | $43,750 | $51,765 | $50,278 | $50,294 | $47,500 | $53,482 | $52,083 | $51,250 | $58,056 | $0 | $63,077 | $25,000 | $24,583 | $0 |
| Median Female Income | $45,417 | $47,917 | $45,625 | $45,625 | $39,583 | $45,625 | $29,250 | $47,833 | $23,750 | $21,359 | $21,383 | $24,003 | $24,375 | $0 |
| Employed: | 235 | 40.10% |
| Unemployed: | 8 | 1.37% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 343 | 58.53% |
| Total: | 586 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 100 | 42.55% |
| Service: | 31 | 13.19% |
| Sales and Office: | 20 | 8.51% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 37 | 15.74% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 47 | 20.00% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 235 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $57,500, which is much lower than the national median ($332,700), is up $11,500 (25.00%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $100. The median gross rent is $889, which is well under the national median ($1,413), is up $461 (107.71%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $324. Of occupied housing, owners make up 69.10% (13.57% with a mortgage, 86.43% free-and-clear) and renters 30.90% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 37.12%, which is considerably higher than the national rate (10.12%).
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $46,000 | $43,300 | $44,200 | $46,700 | $50,700 | $55,000 | $60,500 | $56,800 | $57,400 | $57,100 | $53,500 | $52,600 | $55,700 | $57,500 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 20 | 22.47% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 18 | 20.22% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 51 | 57.30% |
| Total: | 89 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $428 | $625 | $442 | $681 | $683 | $546 | $665 | $655 | $565 | $551 | $706 | $597 | $775 | $889 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 27 | 9.38% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 172 | 59.72% |
| Renter Occupied: | 89 | 30.90% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 288 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 288 | 62.88% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 170 | 37.12% |
| Total Housing Units: | 458 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 441 | 96.29% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 17 | 3.71% |
| Total Housing Units: | 458 | 100% |
In 2024, 9.70% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 85.90%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 4.30%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). Private coverage is 26.50%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.10%). Public coverage is 81.60%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 30.50%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.80%), down 3.60 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 6.60 percentage points. This suggests a positive shift in the local economic and social landscape - higher incomes, steadier consumer demand, and a strengthening tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (60.61%). College enrollment is 24.24%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 23 | 4.22% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 54 | 9.91% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 157 | 28.81% |
| Some college, no degree: | 191 | 35.05% |
| Associate's degree: | 67 | 12.29% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 20 | 3.67% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 33 | 6.06% |
| Total: | 545 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 468 | 85.87% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 53 | 9.72% |
| Private Insurance: | 197 | 23.56% |
| Public Insurance: | 607 | 72.61% |
| No Insurance: | 32 | 3.83% |
| Total: | 836 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 804 | 96.17% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 32.2% | 30.4% | 28.2% | 21.2% | 19.4% | 23.3% | 29.5% | 25.1% | 22.0% | 19.0% | 13.0% | 20.5% | 28.6% | 30.5% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 100 | 60.61% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 25 | 15.15% |
| College or graduate school: | 40 | 24.24% |
| Total: | 165 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 125 | 75.76% |
ZIP Code 40855 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 8 business establishments, employing about 12 people with an annual payroll of $257,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 371Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 8Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $56,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $257,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 12Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 40855 is located in Harlan County, Kentucky, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and Kentucky's 5th Congressional District. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 40855. It covers 14.984 sq mi of land and a water area of 0 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Number: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 0Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 14.984 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | --Source: Census |
| Congressional District: | 05Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 11235.15 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 2148540Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Lynch city; KentuckySource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 40855 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. There are no public schools nor private schools with a mailing address in this ZIP Code. Listing Nearby schools instead. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on March 1, 2026.