Kentucky
4.6 million people live in Kentucky. Its population grew 2.2% since 2020, the 26th slowest of 51. The typical household earns $66,447 a year, 22% below the national median, and the median home is worth $242,000, 35% below the U.S. median.
- Population
- 4.6 million
- 26th lowest of 51
- Median household income
- $66,447
- 22% lower than the U.S. ($84,780)
- Median home value
- $242,000
- 35% lower than the U.S. ($371,100)
- Poverty rate
- 15.9%
- 4.1 points above the U.S. (11.8%)
Economy
Compare all statesMedian household income
$66,447 per year
22% lower than the U.S. ($84,780). 5th lowest of 51.
Half of households earn more than this, half earn less. 2025, in 2025 dollars.
Income per person
$37,754 per year
20% lower than the U.S. ($47,171). 6th lowest of 51.
Total income divided by every resident, children included. 2025, in 2025 dollars.
Poverty rate
15.9%
4.1 points above the U.S. (11.8%). 4th highest of 51.
Share of people living below the federal poverty line. 2025.
Average commute
24.5 min one way
11% lower than the U.S. (27.4 min). 20th lowest of 51.
Average travel time to work for workers 16 and older. 2025.
Housing
Compare all statesMedian home value
$242,000
35% lower than the U.S. ($371,100). 7th lowest of 51.
For homes lived in by their owners. 2025, in 2025 dollars.
Median rent
$1,072 per month
31% lower than the U.S. ($1,557). 6th lowest of 51.
Gross rent: contract rent plus utilities. 2025, in 2025 dollars.
Homeownership rate
68.2%
2.9 points above the U.S. (65.3%). 20th highest of 51.
Share of occupied homes lived in by their owners. 2025.
People
Compare all statesPopulation
4,606,864
1.3% of the U.S. total. 26th lowest of 51.
Estimated number of residents. July 1, 2025.
Population change since 2020
+2.2%
0.9 points below the U.S. (+3.1%). 26th lowest of 51.
Growth since the 2020 census. April 2020 to July 2025.
Under 18
22.1%
1.0 point above the U.S. (21.1%). 16th highest of 51.
Share of residents younger than 18. Latest available.
65 and older
18.8%
0.1 points below the U.S. (18.9%). 21st lowest of 51.
Share of residents 65 or older. Latest available.
Born abroad
5.7%
9.0 points below the U.S. (14.7%). 13th lowest of 51.
Share of residents born outside the United States. 2025.
Race and ethnicity
White largest group
White residents are the largest group in Kentucky, at 79.6%. Nationwide they are 56.1%.
White, Black, Asian and Other exclude Hispanics, who can be of any race. Other covers all remaining non-Hispanic residents, such as American Indian, Alaska Native, Pacific Islander and multiracial people. July 1, 2025.
- White 79.6% U.S. 56.1%
- Black 8.3% U.S. 12.3%
- Asian 2.1% U.S. 6.6%
- Other 3.9% U.S. 4.5%
- Hispanic 6.1% U.S. 20.5%
Education
Compare all statesBachelor's degree or higher
28.7%
8.7 points below the U.S. (37.4%). 5th lowest of 51.
Share of adults 25 and older. 2025.
Health
Compare all statesWithout health insurance
8.8%
1.4 points below the U.S. (10.2%). 22nd lowest of 51.
Share of people under 65 with no health coverage. 2025.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey 2020–2024, Population Estimates Vintage 2025, QuickFacts, county population estimates by race and Hispanic origin CC-EST2025). How we use this data.