Payne Gap is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Letcher County, Kentucky, United States. Its population was 329 as of the 2010 census. U.S. Route 119 passes through the community.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the community has an area of 2.306 square miles (5.97 km); 2.305 square miles (5.97 km) of its area is land, and 0.001 square miles (0.0026 km) is water.

As of the 2020 census, there were 347 people, 173 housing units, and 276 families in the CDP. The racial makeup was 96.5% White, 0.6% Asian, and 2.9% from two or more races. A total of 0.6% of the population had Hispanic or Latino origin.

The ancestry was 30.8% American, 13.0% English, 9.5% Irish, 6.4% German, 2.3% French, and 2.3% Scottish.

The median age was 38.2 years old. A total of 5.6% of the population were 65 or older, with 3.1% between the ages of 65 and 74, and 2.4% between the ages of 75 and 84. A total of 29.0% of the population were under 18, with 17.9% between the ages of 5 and 14, and 11.1% between the ages of 15 and 17.

The median household income was $29,375. 47.0% of the population were in poverty.

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
2020	347		—
U.S. Decennial Census