Food Deserts in Kentucky
18.8% of Kentucky households were food insecure on average over 2022-2024 — above the national average of 13.7%. 9.0% experienced very low food security, meaning disrupted eating patterns.
Kentucky at a glance
Sources →Food insecurity rate (3-yr avg)
18.8%
USDA ERS, 2022-2024
Very low food security
9.0%
USDA ERS, 2022-2024
SNAP receipt rate
13.2%
Census ACS, 2020-2024
Poverty rate
16.1%
Census ACS, 2020-2024
Median household income
$63,726
Census ACS, 2020-2024
Households without a vehicle
6.8%
Census ACS, 2020-2024
Understanding Kentucky's food security landscape
Kentucky's food insecurity rate of 18.8% places it among the higher-rate states in the country. Food insecurity at this level reflects systemic pressures: housing costs consuming a growing share of family budgets, wage growth lagging behind food price inflation, and in many parts of the state, significant distances to full-service grocery stores.
A poverty rate of 16.1% means a substantial share of Kentucky residents are operating near or below the federal poverty line, where even small income disruptions can push a family into food insecurity. SNAP receipt (13.2% of households) provides a critical safety net but cannot fully compensate for transportation gaps or the higher cost of food in rural and underserved areas.
Transportation access gap
6.8% of Kentucky households have no vehicle. For these families, the USDA's 1-mile urban or 10-mile rural threshold for LILA classification translates into a practical barrier to fresh food, regardless of what grocery stores exist nearby.
Food assistance resources
PantryPath lists food pantries, food banks, and community resources across Kentucky. No login required. Updated regularly with hours and contact information.
Find pantries in Kentucky →Data notes
- Food insecurity rates are 3-year rolling averages (2022-2024) from USDA ERS ERR-358.
- SNAP and poverty data from Census ACS 5-year estimates (2020-2024).
- Health indicators are age-adjusted prevalence from CDC PLACES 2025 release.
- State rates are population-weighted averages of county estimates.
County map
120 counties
Poverty, SNAP receipt, median income, and health-outcome rates for every county in Kentucky. Click a metric above the map to switch. Hover any county for details.
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Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) for poverty, median household income, and SNAP receipt; CDC PLACES 2025 release (2023 BRFSS) for obesity, diabetes, and mental distress.
Need food assistance in Kentucky?
PantryPath lists local food pantries, food banks, and community resources across Kentucky. Free, no login required. Updated regularly.
Find pantries in Kentucky →