ZIP Code 42003 in Paducah, KY

Data Last Updated: October 1, 2025
City:Paducah, Kentucky
County:Mccracken County
Timezone:Central (GMT -06:00)
Local Time:10:40:11 PM
Population:28,592 [See All]
Area Codes:270 / 364
Classification:Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:37.0184, -88.5806
Land Area:68.95 sq mi
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https://www.zip-codes.com/zip-code/42003/zip-code-42003.asp

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Population & Demographics


ZIP Code 42003 has 28,592 residents and 12,376 households (average 2.25 persons per household). The median age is 42.7 years, older than the state (39.4) and older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 48.1% male and 51.9% female, which is slightly lower than the state male share (49.2%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (79.2%, much higher than the national average of 61.6%) and Black or African American (11.4%, higher than the state average of 8.0%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 3.7%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).

Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship

Source: U.S. Census 2020 Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC) and U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates.
2020 Population:28,592Source: Census DHC
2023 ACS Population Estimate:29,384Source: Census ACS
2025 ZC Population Estimate:30,116Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:414.7 people per sq mile
Average Income:$54,052Source: Census ACS
Households:12,376Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:$160,700Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:2.25Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:3.15Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)


Group20102011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Census ACS Population Estimate--29,00329,22129,18128,59828,93329,22328,56928,66728,16428,14128,74529,31329,384
Decennial Census29,683------------------28,592------
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP05. DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)


Median Age: 42.7

Male Median Age: 41.3

Female Median Age: 44.2

Group< 55-910-1415-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-5960-6465-6970-7475-7980-8485+
Male7979179268776757968068358668438051,0391,028839708491281236
Female7918028668676888218899359048578651,0571,115994837650406483
Total1,5881,7191,7921,7441,3631,6171,6951,7701,7701,7001,6702,0962,1431,8331,5451,141687719
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Population by Race


White:22,63381.45%
Black:3,26711.76%
Hispanic:*1,0503.78%
Asian:2340.84%
American Indian:920.33%
Hawaiian:100.04%
Other:5021.81%
Total:27,788100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)
* NOTE: Hispanic or Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. This means individuals who identify as Hispanic will also be included in one of the race categories (such as White or Black). As a result, the totals shown here may exceed 100% when Hispanic is displayed alongside racial groups.

Gender Breakdown


GenderCount%Median Age
Males:13,76548.14%41.3 years
Females:14,82751.86%44.2 years
Total:28,592100%42.7 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship


Native, born in the United States:28,78197.95%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:1380.47%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:3511.19%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:1141.58%
Total Population:29,384100%
Total Native Population:28,91998.42%
Total Foreign-born Population:4651.58%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Note: Nativity and Citizenship derived from American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. Total Population listed here will not match official ZIP Code population totals, which are based on the Decennial Census.

Income & Employment


In 2023, the Median household income is $54,052, which is much lower than the national median ($78,538), is up $18,053 (50.1%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $12,055. Family households earn a median of $74,395 versus $29,678 for nonfamily households (a difference of $44,717). By gender, male median income is $55,547 and female is $37,481, which is well under the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $18,066 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 56.9%, which is lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 3.9%, which is generally lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (35.3%).

Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02, DP03, DP04 and DP05.

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)


Income Type2011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Household Income$35,999$36,688$37,621$37,751$38,891$38,211$37,378$39,778$41,997$41,561$44,940$52,342$54,052
Median Family Income$47,264$48,443$48,857$50,267$50,972$50,908$52,113$55,318$57,670$58,209$59,369$71,068$74,395
Median NonFamily Income$19,496$19,797$20,077$19,087$20,405$19,906$21,329$22,440$23,684$23,072$25,353$28,092$29,678
Median Male Income$42,489$43,700$43,249$41,903$40,279$39,959$39,823$39,449$39,893$43,608$47,423$54,542$55,547
Median Female Income$29,657$30,559$30,273$30,704$30,705$30,858$31,528$33,879$32,535$32,340$31,656$35,313$37,481
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income


Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment Status


Employed:13,06854.67%
Unemployed:5332.23%
Not In Labor Force:10,30243.10%
Total:23,903100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)


Management, business, science, and arts:4,61035.28%
Service:2,34217.92%
Sales and Office:3,18324.36%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:9417.20%
Production, transportation, and material moving:1,99215.24%
Total Civilian Employed Population:13,068100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Housing & Affordability


In 2023, the median home value is $160,700, which is considerably lower than the national median ($303,400), is up $65,700 (69.16%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $44,100. The median gross rent is $696, which is considerably lower than the national median ($1,348), is up $184 (35.94%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $53. Of occupied housing, owners make up 69.27% (54.12% with a mortgage, 45.88% free-and-clear) and renters 30.73% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 18.38%, which is much higher than the national rate (10.43%).

Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Table DP03, SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Median Home Value (Comparison)


Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Home Value Over Time


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Home Value$95,000$98,800$98,900$104,700$106,500$108,300$107,000$117,000$116,600$123,200$129,100$153,900$160,700
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid


Less than $500:72820.54%
$500 to $999:1,87552.91%
$1,000 to $1,499:56615.97%
$1,500 to $1,999:461.30%
$2,000 to $2,499:280.79%
$2,500 to $2,999:00.00%
$3,000 or more:1594.49%
No Rent:1424.01%
Total:3,544100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Gross Rent Over Time


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Rent$512$529$552$566$582$602$613$651$643$659$686$730$696
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy


Owner Occupied (with mortgage):4,32437.49%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):3,66631.78%
Renter Occupied:3,54430.73%
Total Occupied Housing Units:11,534100%

Occupied Housing Units:11,53481.62%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):2,59818.38%
Total Housing Units:14,132100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)


Single-Family Units:9,69068.57%
Multi-Family Units:2,62118.55%
Other Units:1,82112.89%
Total Housing Units:14,132100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community


In 2023, 21.70% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 91.70%, which is notably higher than the state rate (88.50%). The uninsured rate is 5.60%, which is falls below the national rate (8.60%). Public coverage is 49.80%, which is well above the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 11.70%, which is well above the national rate (8.70%), down 1.80 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 1.30 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 (41.85%). College enrollment is 19.17%, which is far lower than the national rate (26.70%), indicating the community may be more oriented toward vocational/trade or direct-to-workforce opportunities.

Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02 and DP03.

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)


Less than 9th grade:5692.74%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:1,1505.53%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):7,32235.23%
Some college, no degree:4,81423.16%
Associate's degree:2,41411.61%
Bachelor's degree:3,00014.43%
Graduate or professional degree:1,5177.30%
Total:20,786100%
High school or higher:19,06791.73%
Bachelor's degree or higher:4,51721.73%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)


Private Insurance:16,66151.19%
Public Insurance:14,27343.86%
No Insurance:1,6114.95%
Total:32,545100%
Has Health Insurance:30,93495.05%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2023)


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
% of People in Poverty13.5%14.6%15.3%16.1%16.1%16.0%15.5%13.2%10.4%10.2%11.2%11.4%11.7%
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

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.

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)


Nursery School, Preschool:5228.73%
Kindergarten:3666.12%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):2,50241.85%
High school (grades 9-12):1,44224.12%
College or graduate school:1,14619.17%
Total:5,978100%
Early Childhood:88814.85%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):4,31072.10%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Business & Employment Statistics


ZIP Code 42003 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 725 business establishments, employing about 10,373 people with an annual payroll of $610,015,000. USPS data shows 13,385 residential mailboxes and 1,204 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.

# Residential Mailboxes:13,385Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:1,204Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:14,465Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:10,351Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:503Source: USPS
# of Businesses:725Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:$147,438,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:$610,015,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:10,373Source: CBP

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications


ZIP Code 42003 is located in Mccracken County, Kentucky, within the Paducah, KY-IL Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 37140) and Kentucky's 1st Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 102,924 people, about 27.78% of whom live in ZIP Code 42003. It covers 68.95 sq mi of land and a water area of 2.036 sq mi.

CBSA Name:Paducah, KY-ILSource: Census
CBSA Number:37140Source: Census
CBSA Type:MetroSource: Census
CBSA Division:--Source: Census
CBSA Population:102,924Source: Census
MSA:Source: Census
Land Area:68.95 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:2.036 sq miSource: Census
Congressional District:01Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:12079.5 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:Source: Census
Intro Date:< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:2158836Source: Census
Place Name:Paducah city; KentuckySource: Census

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes


42020 | | 42002

Schools in ZIP Code 42003


ZIP Code 42003 is part of 2 school districts, including: McCracken County School District (Grades PK thru 12) and Paducah Independent School District (Grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th). There are 8 public schools and 3 private school(s) in this ZIP Code. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.

Reidland Elementary School 5741 Benton Rd
Paducah, KY 42003
District: McCracken County School District
Hendron Lone Oak Elementary School 2501 Marshall Ave
Paducah, KY 42003
District: McCracken County School District
Reidland Intermediate School 5349 Benton Road
Paducah, KY 42003
District: McCracken County School District
Paducah Area Technology Center 500 South 25th Street
Paducah, KY 42003
Morgan Elementary School 2200 S 28th St
Paducah, KY 42003
District: Paducah Independent School District
Paducah Tilghman High School 2400 Washington St
Paducah, KY 42003
District: Paducah Independent School District
Paducah Head Start Preschool 1350 South 6th Street
Paducah, KY 42003
District: Paducah Independent School District
Choices Educational Center 800 Caldwell St
Paducah, KY 42003
District: Paducah Independent School District
St Mary School System 377 Highland Blvd
Paducah, KY 42003
District: Private School
St Mary Elementary School 377 Highland Blvd
Paducah, KY 42003
District: Private School
Community Christian Academy K-12 110 Lebanon Church Rd
Paducah, KY 42003
District: Private School

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 42003


West Kentucky Community And Technical College 4810 Alben Barkley Drive
Paducah, KY 42002-7380
Type: Post Secondary
Shawnee Community College 8364 Shawnee College Rd
Ullin, IL 62992
Type: Post Secondary
Murray State University 218 Wells Hall
Murray, KY 42071-3318
Type: Post Secondary
The University Of Tennessee-Martin 554 University Street
Martin, TN 38238
Type: Post Secondary
Southeastern Illinois College 3575 College Road
Harrisburg, IL 62946
Type: Post Secondary
Tennessee College Of Applied Technology-Paris 312 S Wilson Street
Paris, TN 38242
Type: Post Secondary

Sources & References


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 October 1, 2025.

  1. U.S. Postal Service [Last Updated: 10/1/2025], https://www.usps.com
  2. ZIP-Codes.com Proprietary Data Enhancements [Updated: 10/1/2025], https://www.zip-codes.com
  3. U.S. Census [Updated: Varies], https://www.census.gov
    • U.S. Census Office of Management and Budget [Updated: As Released]
    • U.S. Census 2020 Demographic & Housing Characteristics (DHC) [Decennial] [Updated: 5/25/2023]
    • U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates (ACS) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census Business Patterns (CBD) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census American National Standards Institute (ANSI) [Updated: As Released]
  4. U.S. Geological Survey [Updated: Varies], https://www.usgs.gov
  5. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [Updated: Annually, As Released], https://www.cms.gov
  6. National Center for Education Statistics [Updated: 10/1/2025], https://nces.ed.gov