Firstly why Winchester, Kentucky?
I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:
- City: Winchester
- State: Kentucky
- Population: 19,100 people
- Winchester’s quick summary would be known for its historic downtown and the beautiful Bluegrass region this city is perfect for those who enjoy a small-town atmosphere.
Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:
- How many people move-in: 600 annually
- While this many move-out: 292 annually
- Net Migration: 308 more people in (net) annual change
- Non-Citizen Move-in: 394
- Number of Homeless people: 20
You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features a charming downtown and agricultural community appealing to families
Perk #1: Winchester Demographic Mix & Lifestyle
- The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 30%
- Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 68%
- Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
- The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
- The median income is (and growing) $61,051
- Income Required to Live Comfortably in Winchester is $69,000
- Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $7949 in positive cash flow
This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?
Perk #2: Housing & Winchester’s Cost of Living
- Cost of Living Index: 92 (100 is the US average)
- Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,600
- Property Tax %: 1.05%
- Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,300
- Rent for an average house: $1,700
- Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Winchester
- Top 5 Growing Areas: Winchester, Clark County, and probably could include Paris
- Avg. Age of Homes in Winchester: 39 years
- The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.3%
If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.
Perk #3: Job Market & Winchester’s Economy
- 3 Industries gaining traction in Winchester are Agriculture, Retail, and Manufacturing
- Winchester Job Scene: small job market focusing on local services and agriculture
- The General Tech Scene: modest tech community primarily engaged in local services and small businesses , ,
- Winchester Resident’s pay $1,300 in City Tax alone!
- Local Sales Tax in Winchester: 6%
- No. of Independent Businesses: 170 (excluding chains and corporates)
- Number of Local Branch Banks: 2
Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.
Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Winchester
- Monthly Transportation Costs: $102 on average per person
- Freeway Access: I-64 provides direct access for Winchester residents
- Commute Time: 24 minutes (public & private)
- Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy traffic on Lexington Avenue
- Transportation Score: 24 out of 100 described as Minimal Transit
- No. of Vehicles Registered in Winchester: 19,000
- Cars registered per Person: 1
- No. of Car Washes: 1 in and around the city
- DMV Website for Winchester: drive.ky.gov
- The Bike-Friendly Score: 54 of 100
- Local Airport: Blue Grass
Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.
Perk #5: Winchester’s Weather & Natural Factors
- The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornado
- General Weather in Winchester is best described as has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers mild winters and significant seasonal transitions providing beautiful colors in spring and fall
- Winter Weather in Winchester i’d describe as mild and wet
- Spring Weather in Winchester can be described as mild with rain possible
- Summer’s in Winchester are mostly warm and humid
- Fall ( the nicest time) in Winchester is usually cool and clear
- How many days in a row over 90°F: 22 days in summer
- Days in a row in Winchester below Freezing: 30
- Average Annual Rainfall: 44 inches
- Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality due to less urban congestion
- Winchester Winter Air generally good air quality with limited pollution sources
Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.
Perk #6: Winchester Education & Schools
- The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
- Number of Colleges and Universities in Winchester 1
- While the number of trade schools inside Winchesters’s city limits are 1
- Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Clark County Public Library
If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.
Perk #7: Healthcare & Winchester Stats
- Typical EMS Response Time: 11 minutes
- Registered Full-Time Winchester only Doctors is about 40
- Local Hospitals here is 1
- Full-time Winchester only Police Officers is about 30
- Crime Rate Index: 39/100
Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.
Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality
- Winchester’s Monthly utility bill average is $150
- Winchester’s Monthly Gym Membership: $30
- Winchester’s Water Quality Score: 68
Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.
Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Winchester
- Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 3 annually
- The General Local City Vibe: small town with local events and a focus on community ties
- You might enjoy live performances at local venues
- Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Winchester offers a relaxing nightlife with local pubs and dining options providing a friendly environment
If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.
Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Winchester
- The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes small local dining spots and a few casual eateries
- The Number of Independent Restaurants are 45 scattered around Winchester
- The Popular Sports Team is Local PickleBall Champs
- Top Level Political Climate in Winchester can be described as conservative small town focusing on local governance
- Winchester’s Longer standing religious establishment is Winchester Baptist Church
Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.
Perk #11: Winchester Parks & Green Spaces
- Did you know Winchester has 4 Parks?
- Carter Park is Winchester’s Green Space Center
- The local favorite Farmers Market is Winchester Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
- Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, cycling, and picnicking
Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.
Perk #12: Winchester Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity
- The Pace of Life in Winchester can be described as relaxed rural lifestyle with a focus on agriculture and family
- 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Winchester hiking trails community events attending sports activities
- The Cities people commute to from Winchester are Lexington 21 miles away Nicholasville 21 miles away Paris 12 miles away
Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.
8 Drawbacks about Winchester or are they?
No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.
- Traffic/Commute Issues
Maybe you read: heavy traffic on Lexington Avenue. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts. - Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
Winchester’s Tornado risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up. - Pricey Neighborhoods
If Winchester is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Winchester are Lexington 21 miles away Nicholasville 21 miles away Paris 12 miles away. - Crime Rate Concerns
With a 39 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this. - Harsh Climate Contrasts
Winchester has 30 days in a row below freezing and 22 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it. - Limited Extra Funds
After general costs of living here in Winchester people have an average (positive or negative) $7949 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here. - Homelessness or Social Challenges
20 homeless people living in Winchester. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions. - Cultural/Political Mismatch
The general conservative small town focusing on local governance could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Winchester.
Retiree & Senior Life in Winchester
- Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might qualify for property tax relief aiding in affordable housing
- The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Cottages of Winchester
- Winchester Senior Center hosts various recreational activities wellness programs and social events
If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.
Moving to Winchester, Kentucky?
If Winchester, Kentucky ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help
As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.
A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Winchester, Kentucky, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!