Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Foreign-born share
1990–2023Share of residents born outside the U.S.
Foreign-Born Population
Kentucky has about 185,000 foreign-born residents (4.0% of the population), one of the lowest shares in the country.
Foreign-born residents
2006–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, share of total population, B05002 (2020 not released).
Foreign-born population
2006–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, B05002 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | Kentucky | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign-born share (%) | 4 | 13.9 |
Countries of Origin
Kentucky's top countries of origin for immigrants are Mexico, Cuba and India, with growing Somali and Latino communities around Louisville and Bowling Green.
Foreign-born residents who are naturalized citizens
2006–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, B05002 (2020 not released).
- •Bowling Green is one of the largest refugee resettlement sites per capita in the U.S.
Migration Flows
Overall migration flows into Kentucky are modest but positive, combining international arrivals with net domestic in-migration to metro areas.
Total net migration
2011–2025Census Bureau Population Estimates Program, international plus domestic net migration, July–June years (2020 partial year omitted).
Net international migration
2011–2025Census Bureau Population Estimates Program, net international migration, July–June years (2020 partial year omitted).
International Migration
Kentucky receives roughly 6,000 new international migrants annually, including about 1,000 refugees resettled per year, mainly in Louisville and Bowling Green.
Net international migration
2011–2025Census Bureau Population Estimates Program, net international migration, July–June years (2020 partial year omitted).
Domestic Migration
Kentucky has seen modest positive net domestic migration in recent years, with newcomers drawn to Louisville, Lexington and Bowling Green's manufacturing jobs.
Net domestic migration
2011–2025Census Bureau Population Estimates Program, net domestic migration to/from other states, July–June years (2020 partial year omitted).