Is Hazard Safe, Pros and cons of living in Hazard
Hazard, Kentucky, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. This community provides a slower pace of life, appealing to those seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle of larger urban centers. With a focus on affordability and a welcoming atmosphere, Hazard presents a distinct lifestyle for its residents.
The town’s location in Perry County places it within a region rich in history and natural resources. Its mountainous terrain shapes both the landscape and the character of the community. Hazard is known for its close-knit feel, where neighbors often know each other, fostering a strong sense of belonging. This environment is ideal for individuals and families looking for a place where genuine connections can be made.
Is it Safe to Live in Hazard?
Hazard’s overall crime rate is reported as being near the average for cities of all sizes across America (9 per 1,000 residents) (according to NeighborhoodScout). However, when compared to communities of a similar population size, Hazard’s crime rate is notably higher than average (according to NeighborhoodScout).
The violent crime rate in Hazard is significantly below the national average, with a chance of being a victim of violent crime at 1 in 1,603 (according to NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates in Hazard are about average for cities across the nation (8 per 1,000 residents) (according to NeighborhoodScout).
While some reports indicate Hazard’s overall crime rate is lower than the national average, other analyses suggest it is higher when compared to similarly sized communities (as reported by NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes). NeighborhoodScout data indicates a violent crime rate that is well below the national average, but property crime rates are about average. The zip code 41701, which includes Hazard, has an overall crime rate 21% above the national average, with violent crime being 29% above and property crime 31% above the national average (according to DoorProfit).
Housing and Cost of Living
Hazard offers a notably affordable cost of living, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. The median home value in Hazard is approximately $145,400 (as of 2024) (according to Data USA), which is significantly lower than the national average. This affordability extends to rental properties as well.
The median gross rent in Hazard is around $720 per month (according to Point2Homes). Other sources indicate a median rent of $714 per month (according to Kurby AI) or $1,600 (according to Zillow). These figures suggest that housing costs, whether buying or renting, are considerably more accessible in Hazard compared to many other areas.
The median property tax rate in Hazard is 1.04%, which is lower than the national median (according to Ownwell). The median annual tax bill is approximately $208, a figure substantially less than the national median property tax bill (as reported by Ownwell).
Job Market and Economy
Hazard’s economy is supported by a working population engaged in various sectors. The most common employment sectors for Hazard residents are Health Care & Social Assistance, Educational Services, and Retail Trade (according to Data USA). A significant portion of the workforce is employed in professional or administrative positions.
The unemployment rate in Hazard is reported at 7.1% (according to Point2Homes). This rate is higher than the national average, which can indicate a more challenging job market for those seeking employment. However, the job market has seen growth, with employment in Hazard growing at a rate of 5.11% from the previous year (according to Data USA).
Major employers in Hazard are concentrated in healthcare and education. Hazard Community and Technical College is a significant educational institution in the area (according to Data USA). The healthcare sector also plays a crucial role in the local economy, providing numerous employment opportunities.
Climate and Environment
Hazard experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters (according to Wikipedia). The warm season typically runs from late May through September, with average high temperatures often reaching the mid-70s Fahrenheit. July is generally the hottest month, with average highs around 84°F and lows around 67°F (according to Weather Spark).
Winters are generally mild to cool, with average daily high temperatures below 52°F from December through February. The coldest month is January, with average lows around 29°F and highs around 45°F (according to Weather Spark). The area sees a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, with the wettest month typically being May, averaging about 3.8 inches of rain (according to Weather Spark).
Annual precipitation averages around 44.15 inches, and snowfall is generally light, averaging about 13 inches per year (according to US Climate Data). The climate offers distinct seasons, with comfortable weather for outdoor activities often occurring from late June to early September.
Education and Demographics
Hazard, Kentucky, has a population of approximately 5,008 residents as of the latest Census data (according to Point2Homes). The median age in Hazard is around 42 years, indicating a population that is slightly older than the national average (according to Point2Homes and Data USA).
The racial makeup of Hazard is predominantly White, at about 88.4% of the population (according to Point2Homes). Other racial groups include African American and those identifying with two or more races. The population is largely comprised of US-born citizens.
Educational attainment in Hazard shows that about 80.5% of residents have a high school graduate or higher education level (according to Census Reporter). Hazard Community and Technical College is a key educational institution serving the area (according to Data USA).