ZIP Code 42501 in Somerset, KY

Data Last Updated: November 1, 2025
City:Somerset, Kentucky
City Alias:Acorn, Alcalde, Elihu, Poplarville, Public, Ruth, Stab, Walnut Grove
County:Pulaski County
Timezone:Eastern (GMT -05:00)
Local Time:11:46:43 PM
Population:18,047 [See All]
Area Code:606
Classification:Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:37.0554, -84.4390
Land Area:199.66 sq mi
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https://www.zip-codes.com/zip-code/42501/zip-code-42501.asp

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Population & Demographics


ZIP Code 42501 has 18,047 residents and 7,446 households (average 2.35 persons per household). The median age is 43.0 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 (90.6%, much higher than the state average of 82.4% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (3.9%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 3.9%, 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:18,047Source: Census DHC
2023 ACS Population Estimate:17,441Source: Census ACS
2025 ZC Population Estimate:19,121Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:90.4 people per sq mile
Average Income:$49,449Source: Census ACS
Households:7,446Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:$131,400Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:2.35Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:3.12Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)


Group20102011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Census ACS Population Estimate--18,29518,40817,96417,74018,02018,00318,06217,51117,39016,78716,62917,08017,441
Decennial Census17,592------------------18,047------
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: 43

Male Median Age: 41.2

Female Median Age: 44.8

Group< 55-910-1415-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-5960-6465-6970-7475-7980-8485+
Male584534604568419509507501525584602645562546412259184141
Female476514581487499543568520519559646685659588528358298333
Total1,0601,0481,1851,0559181,0521,0751,0211,0441,1431,2481,3301,2211,134940617482474
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Population by Race


White:16,35191.53%
Black:3341.87%
Hispanic:*6953.89%
Asian:740.41%
American Indian:600.34%
Hawaiian:40.02%
Other:3471.94%
Total:17,865100%
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:8,68648.13%41.2 years
Females:9,36151.87%44.8 years
Total:18,047100%43.0 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship


Native, born in the United States:17,30899.24%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:150.09%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:80.05%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:1100.68%
Total Population:17,441100%
Total Native Population:17,32399.32%
Total Foreign-born Population:1180.68%
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 $49,449, which is well under the national median ($78,538), is up $21,959 (79.9%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $18,048. Family households earn a median of $55,093 versus $33,372 for nonfamily households (a difference of $21,721). By gender, male median income is $51,195 and female is $38,234, which is far less than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $12,961 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 52.6%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 3.8%, which is lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (31.0%).

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$27,490$27,005$28,507$26,402$26,744$26,611$24,827$26,989$31,401$34,945$39,923$47,279$49,449
Median Family Income$37,182$36,691$37,329$32,911$35,775$36,821$38,147$40,325$47,665$44,192$52,567$53,968$55,093
Median NonFamily Income$13,482$14,404$14,984$15,798$15,078$15,595$14,757$16,498$17,526$24,210$23,470$29,613$33,372
Median Male Income$31,007$33,141$34,343$33,727$33,696$34,554$31,711$35,446$39,800$42,376$44,452$48,294$51,195
Median Female Income$30,237$29,334$29,615$29,688$28,930$28,379$26,497$28,722$30,767$30,596$32,920$38,750$38,234
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:6,98050.56%
Unemployed:2772.01%
Not In Labor Force:6,54947.44%
Total:13,806100%
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:2,16631.03%
Service:1,19117.06%
Sales and Office:1,63823.47%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:6289.00%
Production, transportation, and material moving:1,35719.44%
Total Civilian Employed Population:6,980100%
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 $131,400, which is far less than the national median ($303,400), is up $49,700 (60.83%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $41,100. The median gross rent is $808, which is much lower than the national median ($1,348), is up $295 (57.50%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $181. Of occupied housing, owners make up 62.96% (49.06% with a mortgage, 50.94% free-and-clear) and renters 37.04% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 17.32%, which is considerably 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$81,700$84,300$89,300$89,100$81,300$90,200$87,100$87,600$90,300$92,800$102,300$117,700$131,400
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid


Less than $500:38115.48%
$500 to $999:1,29252.48%
$1,000 to $1,499:44217.95%
$1,500 to $1,999:943.82%
$2,000 to $2,499:00.00%
$2,500 to $2,999:120.49%
$3,000 or more:00.00%
No Rent:2419.79%
Total:2,462100%
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$513$523$521$528$564$575$574$620$627$640$643$757$808
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy


Owner Occupied (with mortgage):2,05330.89%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):2,13232.07%
Renter Occupied:2,46237.04%
Total Occupied Housing Units:6,647100%

Occupied Housing Units:6,64782.68%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):1,39217.32%
Total Housing Units:8,039100%
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:5,72671.23%
Multi-Family Units:94211.72%
Other Units:1,37117.05%
Total Housing Units:8,039100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community


In 2023, 17.00% 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 84.20%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 6.60%, which is modestly below the national rate (8.60%). Public coverage is 56.20%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 20.10%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.70%), down 0.10 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 4.00 percentage points. Poverty has been broadly stable, which may reflect structural barriers or offsetting gains and setbacks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (54.05%). College enrollment is 15.95%, 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:7756.33%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:1,1559.44%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):4,31735.29%
Some college, no degree:2,77922.72%
Associate's degree:1,1269.20%
Bachelor's degree:1,2059.85%
Graduate or professional degree:8777.17%
Total:12,234100%
High school or higher:10,30484.22%
Bachelor's degree or higher:2,08217.02%
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:8,63844.76%
Public Insurance:9,53749.42%
No Insurance:1,1245.82%
Total:19,299100%
Has Health Insurance:18,17594.18%
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 Poverty20.2%22.0%23.7%27.9%29.8%27.6%28.0%27.2%24.1%23.4%23.1%23.4%20.1%
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:2215.54%
Kindergarten:1503.76%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):2,15554.05%
High school (grades 9-12):82520.69%
College or graduate school:63615.95%
Total:3,987100%
Early Childhood:3719.31%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):3,13078.51%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Business & Employment Statistics


ZIP Code 42501 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 700 business establishments, employing about 10,671 people with an annual payroll of $446,517,000. USPS data shows 8,137 residential mailboxes and 1,080 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.

# Residential Mailboxes:8,137Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:1,080Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:9,056Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:6,987Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:217Source: USPS
# of Businesses:700Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:$111,464,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:$446,517,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:10,671Source: CBP

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications


ZIP Code 42501 is located in Pulaski County, Kentucky, within the Somerset, KY Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 43700) and Kentucky's 5th Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 65,503 people, about 27.55% of whom live in ZIP Code 42501. It covers 199.66 sq mi of land and a water area of 3.91 sq mi.

CBSA Name:Somerset, KYSource: Census
CBSA Number:43700Source: Census
CBSA Type:MicroSource: Census
CBSA Division:--Source: Census
CBSA Population:65,503Source: Census
MSA:Source: Census
Land Area:199.66 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:3.91 sq miSource: 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:2171688Source: Census
Place Name:Somerset city; KentuckySource: Census

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes


42502 | | 42464

Schools in ZIP Code 42501


ZIP Code 42501 is part of 2 school districts, including: Pulaski County School District (Grades PK thru 12) and Somerset Independent School District (Grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th). There are 7 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 3 private school(s). It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.

Pulaski County Area Technology Center 3865 S Hwy 27
Somerset, KY 42501
Southern Elementary School 198 Enterprise Dr
Somerset, KY 42501
District: Pulaski County School District
Southern Middle School 200 Enterprise Dr
Somerset, KY 42501
District: Pulaski County School District
Memorial Education Center 222 Langdon St
Somerset, KY 42501
District: Pulaski County School District
Hopkins Elementary School 210 May St
Somerset, KY 42501
District: Somerset Independent School District
Somerset High School 301 College St
Somerset, KY 42501
District: Somerset Independent School District
Meece Middle School 210 Barnett St
Somerset, KY 42501
District: Somerset Independent School District
Somerset Christian School 815 Grand Central Blvd
Somerset, KY 74137
District: Private SchoolNearby
Somerset Christian School 815 Grand Central Blvd
Somerset, KY 42503
District: Private SchoolNearby
Saline Christian Academy 2685 W Hwy 80
Somerset, KY 42503
District: Private SchoolNearby

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 42501


Somerset Community College 808 Monticello Street
Somerset, KY 42501-2973
Type: Post Secondary
University Of The Cumberlands 6191 College Station Drive
Williamsburg, KY 40769
Type: Post Secondary
Union College 310 College St
Barbourville, KY 40906-1499
Type: Post Secondary
Berea College 101 Chestnut Street
Berea, KY 40404-2182
Type: Post Secondary
Centre College 625 W Walnut St
Danville, KY 40422-1394
Type: Post Secondary
Tennessee College Of Applied Technology-Oneida-Huntsville 355 Scott High Drive
Huntsville, TN 37756-4149
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 November 1, 2025.

  1. U.S. Postal Service [Last Updated: 11/1/2025], https://www.usps.com
  2. ZIP-Codes.com Proprietary Data Enhancements [Updated: 11/1/2025], 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: 11/1/2025], https://nces.ed.gov