Stearns ZIP Codes — Mccreary County, KY

There is one unique ZIP code in Stearns, Kentucky and it is 42647. Area code: 606.

ZIP codes

138.32

sq mi land

1.09

sq mi water

606

area code

Stearns, KY ZIP code map

About Stearns, KY

Stearns is a picturesque city located in McCreary County, Kentucky. Known for its rich natural beauty, the city offers a serene environment that attracts both residents and visitors alike. With its charming small-town feel, Stearns provides a unique glimpse into the heart of Kentucky life.

Location & geography

Stearns is situated in the southeastern region of Kentucky, surrounded by stunning landscapes and lush woodlands. It is approximately 14 miles from the nearest larger city, Somerset, and about 20 miles from Whitley City, which provides additional amenities and services. The total area of Stearns encompasses 138.32 square miles of land and has a water area of 1.09 square miles, contributing to its scenic views and recreational opportunities.

Community & economy

The character of Stearns is defined by its close-knit community, where residents share a strong sense of camaraderie and local pride. The economy is primarily supported by industries such as tourism and small businesses, which benefit from the area's natural attractions. Daily life in Stearns often revolves around outdoor activities, community events, and enjoying the rich culture of the region.

Transportation

Stearns is accessible via U.S. Route 27, which connects it to surrounding towns and cities, making travel convenient for residents and visitors. The nearest major airport is the Somerset-Pulaski County Airport, located approximately 20 miles away, providing regional air travel options. Local transit services may be limited, but the city's layout encourages a community-oriented lifestyle.

History

Stearns was founded in the early 20th century and developed significantly due to the coal mining industry, which played a crucial role in its economic growth. The city has since transitioned to focus on tourism, capitalizing on its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Notable events in its history include the establishment of the Stearns Railroad, which was instrumental in the city's development and connection to larger markets.

Did you know?

One interesting fact about Stearns is that it was once home to a vibrant coal mining community, which has shaped the city’s identity over the years. Today, it is largely recognized as a gateway to outdoor adventures in the nearby Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.

ZIP codes for Stearns, KY (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
42647	Stearns	Mccreary	View map

Demographics & statistics

3,905

Population

38.3

Median age

$38,440

Median household income

$16,586

Per capita income

$57,600

Median home value

$756

Median monthly rent

71.1%

Home ownership

38.2%

Poverty rate

8.7%

Unemployment

1,232

Housing units

9.7%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

144

5–9

140

171

10–14

165

160

15–19

154

20–24

246

25–34

237

290

35–44

280

239

45–54

231

55–59

111

60–64

107

246

65–74

237

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	1,064	27.2%
18 and over	2,841	72.8%
65 and over	698	17.9%
Median age	38.3 years

Race & ethnicity

White 97.8%

Two or more races 1.1%

Hispanic or Latino 0.7%

Other race 0.3%

Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander 0.1%

Group	Count	%
White	3,846	97.8%
Two or more races	45	1.1%
Hispanic or Latino	26	0.7%
Other race	10	0.3%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander	4	0.1%

Household income

Under $10k 13.9%

$10k–$15k 7.6%

$15k–$25k 15.1%

$25k–$35k 9.6%

$35k–$50k 16.4%

$50k–$75k 29.0%

$75k–$100k 2.1%

$100k–$150k 3.0%

$150k–$200k 2.9%

$200k+ 0.3%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	13.9%
$10k–$15k	7.6%
$15k–$25k	15.1%
$25k–$35k	9.6%
$35k–$50k	16.4%
$50k–$75k	29.0%
$75k–$100k	2.1%
$100k–$150k	3.0%
$150k–$200k	2.9%
$200k+	0.3%
Median income	$38,440

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 43.6%

$50k–$100k 25.0%

$100k–$150k 11.0%

$150k–$200k 12.7%

$200k–$300k 3.2%

$300k–$500k 2.1%

$500k–$1M 1.6%

$1M+ 0.8%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$57,600
Median rent / month	$756
Owner occupied	71.1%
Renter occupied	28.9%
Vacant	21.0%
Single-family detached	65.5%
Large apartment buildings	1.1%
Mobile homes	30.8%
Median rooms	5.5
Avg household size (owned)	3.20

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.2%
2010–2019	4.8%
2000–2009	10.1%
1990–1999	19.7%
1980–1989	9.6%
1970–1979	23.5%
1960–1969	13.7%
1950–1959	6.4%
1940–1949	3.3%
1939 or earlier	8.6%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	1.9%
1 bedroom	3.6%
2 bedrooms	28.9%
3 bedrooms	52.5%
4 bedrooms	7.8%
5+ bedrooms	5.3%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	4.2%
1 vehicle	26.2%
2 vehicles	44.8%
3 or more	24.8%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	1.0%
Electricity	74.6%
Propane / LP gas	8.0%
Fuel oil	5.4%
Wood	10.0%
No fuel used	1.1%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	733	58.1%
Cohabiting couple	115	9.1%
Male householder, no spouse	254	20.1%
Female householder, no spouse	160	12.7%
Households with children under 18	434	34.4%
Households with seniors (65+)	404	32.0%
Average household size	3.09

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	22.0%	25.7%
Married	57.3%	51.0%
Separated	1.8%	3.9%
Widowed	8.8%	4.0%
Divorced	10.1%	15.4%

Education

Less than 9th grade 10.5%

Some HS, no diploma 8.9%

HS graduate 45.5%

Some college, no degree 16.2%

Associate's degree 9.1%

Bachelor's degree 7.5%

Graduate / professional 2.2%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	80.5%
Bachelor's or higher	9.7%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	0	0.0%
Kindergarten	9	0.9%
Elementary school	485	48.0%
High school	339	33.5%
College / grad school	178	17.6%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 33.7%

Manufacturing 24.6%

Construction 15.4%

Retail trade 7.6%

Transportation & utilities 6.3%

Information 2.3%

Arts, food & hospitality 2.2%

Finance & real estate 2.1%

Other services 1.9%

Professional & management 1.8%

Agriculture & mining 1.2%

Public administration 1.0%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	29.7%
Service	17.7%
Sales & office	18.9%
Natural resources & construction	17.2%
Production & transportation	16.5%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	62.8%
Government	19.8%
Self-employed	16.1%
Unpaid family workers	1.3%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	66.6%
Carpool	22.8%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	0.0%
Other means	1.7%
Avg commute (minutes)	25.6

Poverty

All people 38.2%

Under 18 years 42.0%

18 and over 36.9%

Married-couple families 33.4%

Female-led households 11.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	43.4%
Retirement income	12.9%
Supplemental Security	17.7%
Cash public assistance	0.6%
Food stamps / SNAP	37.3%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	48.7%
High cholesterol	41.1%
Heart disease	10.6%
Stroke	5.3%
Asthma	13.2%
Arthritis	37.6%
Kidney disease	4.4%
Pulmonary disease	17.1%
Cancer	6.9%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	13.7%
No physical activity	41.5%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	41.6%
Fair or poor health	31.5%
Poor mental health	21.5%
Poor physical health	20.8%
No health insurance	13.9%
Visited doctor (checkup)	77.8%
Visited dentist	41.4%
Cholesterol screening	87.1%
Teeth loss	30.1%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	200	7.0%

Disability	%
Any disability	18.5%
Under 18	4.9%
18–64 years	24.1%
65 and over	21.9%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	30.5%
Public insurance	76.3%
Uninsured under 19	0.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	3,723	95.3%
Spanish	0	0.0%
Other Indo-European	0	0.0%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	3,905	100.0%
Born in same state	3,905	100.0%
Born in different state	2,800	71.7%
Foreign born	0	0.0%
Naturalized citizen	0	0.0%
Not a US citizen	0	0.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	430	11%
Arab	419	10.7%
French	205	5.2%

Ancestry	Count	%
Polish	71	1.8%
Dutch	4	0.1%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	32.3%
Internet access	79.6%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Stearns, KY have?

Stearns, KY has one ZIP code: 42647. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.