Population in Kentucky

How many people live here, how it's changing and who they are.

Topics

Dive into each indicator for Kentucky.

4.61 M
Total population
26th in the U.S.
44 /km²
Density
39.4 years
Median age
50.6%
Female
49.4%
Male
1.82 M
Households
58.4%
Urban population
21.9%
Under 18
18.0%
65 and older
74.6 years
Life expectancy
Among the lowest in the U.S.
Louisville/Jefferson County (≈ 1.39 M)
Largest metro
+0.2%/yr
Growth
2020–2024
84.5%
White (non-Hispanic)
8.5%
Black or African American
4.7%
Hispanic or Latino
1.7%
Asian
2.4%
Two or more races
0.3%
Native American
≈ 2.5%
Mexican origin
Largest Hispanic subgroup

Historical data

Long-run evolution of the key indicators, so you can see the trend — not just today's snapshot.

Population

17902024
4.61 M 6486%

U.S. Census (decennial), 1790–2020 + estimates.

Hispanic or Latino share

19902023
4.7% 683%

Census race & ethnicity tables.

Black or African American share

19002023
8.5% 36%

Census race tables.

Life expectancy at birth

19802023
74.6 yrs 1%

CDC / NCHS state life tables.

Data table

Total population4.61 M26th in the U.S.
Density44 /km²
Median age39.4 years
Female50.6%
Male49.4%
Households1.82 M
Urban population58.4%
Under 1821.9%
65 and older18.0%
Life expectancy74.6 yearsAmong the lowest in the U.S.
Largest metroLouisville/Jefferson County (≈ 1.39 M)
Growth+0.2%/yr2020–2024
White (non-Hispanic)84.5%
Black or African American8.5%
Hispanic or Latino4.7%
Asian1.7%
Two or more races2.4%
Native American0.3%
Mexican origin≈ 2.5%Largest Hispanic subgroup

Compared to the United States

Coming soon

Side-by-side comparison of Kentucky vs. the U.S. average.

National ranking

Coming soon

The national ranking against every other state will appear here as more states are published.