Kentucky
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Kentucky Population News Articles
Population Density
Historic & Projected Growth
Population by County
POPULATION DENSITY
People per square mile, 2010: 109.9
People per square mile, 2020: 114.1
HISTORIC & PROJECTED GROWTH 1790 TO 2040
Year |
Population |
1790 |
73,677 |
1800 |
220,955 |
1810 |
406,511 |
1820 |
564,317 |
1830 |
687,917 |
1840 |
779,828 |
1850 |
982,405 |
1860 |
1,155,684 |
1870 |
1,321,011 |
1880 |
1,648,690 |
1890 |
1,858,635 |
1900 |
2,147,174 |
1910 |
2,289,905 |
1920 |
2,416,630 |
1930 |
2,614,589 |
1940 |
2,845,627 |
1950 |
2,944,806 |
1960 |
3,038,156 |
1970 |
3,220,711 |
1980 |
3,660,324 |
1990 |
3,685,296 |
2000 |
4,041,769 |
2010 |
4,339,367 |
2020 |
4,505,836 |
2030 |
*4,648,190 |
2040 |
*4,714,761 |
Sources: Census figures from U.S. Bureau of the Census & *Estimates from Weldon Cooper Center, Demographics Research Group(The Census Bureau and Weldon Cooper Center have not yet provided updated State projections to reflect 2020 census numbers.)
Population by County
Population By County |
Census 2020 Population |
Census 2010 Population |
Change from 2010 |
Percent Change |
KENTUCKY |
4,505,836 |
4,339,367 |
166469 |
3.84% |
Adair County |
18,903 |
18,656 |
247 |
1.32% |
Allen County |
20,588 |
19,956 |
632 |
3.17% |
Anderson County |
23,852 |
21,421 |
2431 |
11.35% |
Ballard County |
7,728 |
8,249 |
-521 |
-6.32% |
Barren County |
44,485 |
42,173 |
2312 |
5.48% |
Bath County |
12,750 |
11,591 |
1159 |
10.00% |
Bell County |
24,097 |
28,691 |
-4594 |
-16.01% |
Boone County |
135,968 |
118,811 |
17157 |
14.44% |
Bourbon County |
20,252 |
19,985 |
267 |
1.34% |
Boyd County |
48,261 |
49,542 |
-1281 |
-2.59% |
Boyle County |
30,614 |
28,432 |
2182 |
7.67% |
Bracken County |
8,400 |
8,488 |
-88 |
-1.04% |
Breathitt County |
13,718 |
13,878 |
-160 |
-1.15% |
Breckinridge County |
20,432 |
20,059 |
373 |
1.86% |
Bullitt County |
82,217 |
74,319 |
7898 |
10.63% |
Butler County |
12,371 |
12,690 |
-319 |
-2.51% |
Caldwell County |
12,649 |
12,984 |
-335 |
-2.58% |
Calloway County |
37,103 |
37,191 |
-88 |
-0.24% |
Campbell County |
93,076 |
90,336 |
2740 |
3.03% |
Carlisle County |
4,826 |
5,104 |
-278 |
-5.45% |
Carroll County |
10,810 |
10,811 |
-1 |
-0.01% |
Carter County |
26,627 |
27,720 |
-1093 |
-3.94% |
Casey County |
15,941 |
15,955 |
-14 |
-0.09% |
Christian County |
72,748 |
73,955 |
-1207 |
-1.63% |
Clark County |
36,972 |
35,613 |
1359 |
3.82% |
Clay County |
20,345 |
21,730 |
-1385 |
-6.37% |
Clinton County |
9,253 |
10,272 |
-1019 |
-9.92% |
Crittenden County |
8,990 |
9,315 |
-325 |
-3.49% |
Cumberland County |
5,888 |
6,856 |
-968 |
-14.12% |
Daviess County |
103,312 |
96,656 |
6656 |
6.89% |
Edmonson County |
12,126 |
12,161 |
-35 |
-0.29% |
Elliott County |
7,354 |
7,852 |
-498 |
-6.34% |
Estill County |
14,163 |
14,672 |
-509 |
-3.47% |
Fayette County |
322,570 |
295,803 |
26767 |
9.05% |
Fleming County |
15,082 |
14,348 |
734 |
5.12% |
Floyd County |
35,942 |
39,451 |
-3509 |
-8.89% |
Franklin County |
51,541 |
49,285 |
2256 |
4.58% |
Fulton County |
6,515 |
6,813 |
-298 |
-4.37% |
Gallatin County |
8,690 |
8,589 |
101 |
1.18% |
Garrard County |
16,953 |
16,912 |
41 |
0.24% |
Grant County |
24,941 |
24,662 |
279 |
1.13% |
Graves County |
36,649 |
37,121 |
-472 |
-1.27% |
Grayson County |
26,420 |
25,746 |
674 |
2.62% |
Green County |
11,107 |
11,258 |
-151 |
-1.34% |
Greenup County |
35,962 |
36,910 |
-948 |
-2.57% |
Hancock County |
9,095 |
8,565 |
530 |
6.19% |
Hardin County |
110,702 |
105,543 |
5159 |
4.89% |
Harlan County |
26,831 |
29,278 |
-2447 |
-8.36% |
Harrison County |
18,692 |
18,846 |
-154 |
-0.82% |
Hart County |
19,288 |
18,199 |
1089 |
5.98% |
Henderson County |
44,793 |
46,250 |
-1457 |
-3.15% |
Henry County |
15,678 |
15,416 |
262 |
1.70% |
Hickman County |
4,521 |
4,902 |
-381 |
-7.77% |
Hopkins County |
45,423 |
46,920 |
-1497 |
-3.19% |
Jackson County |
12,955 |
13,494 |
-539 |
-3.99% |
Jefferson County |
782,969 |
741,096 |
41873 |
5.65% |
Jessamine County |
52,991 |
48,586 |
4405 |
9.07% |
Johnson County |
22,680 |
23,356 |
-676 |
-2.89% |
Kenton County |
169,064 |
159,720 |
9344 |
5.85% |
Knott County |
14,251 |
16,346 |
-2095 |
-12.82% |
Knox County |
30,193 |
31,883 |
-1690 |
-5.30% |
Larue County |
14,867 |
14,193 |
674 |
4.75% |
Laurel County |
62,613 |
58,849 |
3764 |
6.40% |
Lawrence County |
16,293 |
15,860 |
433 |
2.73% |
Lee County |
7,395 |
7,887 |
-492 |
-6.24% |
Leslie County |
10,513 |
11,310 |
-797 |
-7.05% |
Letcher County |
21,548 |
24,519 |
-2971 |
-12.12% |
Lewis County |
13,080 |
13,870 |
-790 |
-5.70% |
Lincoln County |
24,275 |
24,742 |
-467 |
-1.89% |
Livingston County |
8,888 |
9,519 |
-631 |
-6.63% |
Logan County |
27,432 |
26,835 |
597 |
2.22% |
Lyon County |
8,680 |
8,314 |
366 |
4.40% |
McCracken County |
67,875 |
65,565 |
2310 |
3.52% |
McCreary County |
16,888 |
18,306 |
-1418 |
-7.75% |
McLean County |
9,152 |
9,531 |
-379 |
-3.98% |
Madison County |
92,701 |
82,916 |
9785 |
11.80% |
Magoffin County |
11,637 |
13,333 |
-1696 |
-12.72% |
Marion County |
19,581 |
19,820 |
-239 |
-1.21% |
Marshall County |
31,659 |
31,448 |
211 |
0.67% |
Martin County |
11,287 |
12,929 |
-1642 |
-12.70% |
Mason County |
17,120 |
17,490 |
-370 |
-2.12% |
Meade County |
30,003 |
28,602 |
1401 |
4.90% |
Menifee County |
6,113 |
6,306 |
-193 |
-3.06% |
Mercer County |
22,641 |
21,331 |
1310 |
6.14% |
Metcalfe County |
10,286 |
10,099 |
187 |
1.85% |
Monroe County |
11,338 |
10,963 |
375 |
3.42% |
Montgomery County |
28,114 |
26,499 |
1615 |
6.09% |
Morgan County |
13,726 |
13,923 |
-197 |
-1.41% |
Muhlenberg County |
30,928 |
31,499 |
-571 |
-1.81% |
Nelson County |
46,738 |
43,437 |
3301 |
7.60% |
Nicholas County |
7,537 |
7,135 |
402 |
5.63% |
Ohio County |
23,772 |
23,842 |
-70 |
-0.29% |
Oldham County |
67,607 |
60,316 |
7291 |
12.09% |
Owen County |
11,278 |
10,841 |
437 |
4.03% |
Owsley County |
4,051 |
4,755 |
-704 |
-14.81% |
Pendleton County |
14,644 |
14,877 |
-233 |
-1.57% |
Perry County |
28,473 |
28,712 |
-239 |
-0.83% |
Pike County |
58,669 |
65,024 |
-6355 |
-9.77% |
Powell County |
13,129 |
12,613 |
516 |
4.09% |
Pulaski County |
65,034 |
63,063 |
1971 |
3.13% |
Robertson County |
2,193 |
2,282 |
-89 |
-3.90% |
Rockcastle County |
16,037 |
17,056 |
-1019 |
-5.97% |
Rowan County |
24,662 |
23,333 |
1329 |
5.70% |
Russell County |
17,991 |
17,565 |
426 |
2.43% |
Scott County |
57,155 |
47,173 |
9982 |
21.16% |
Shelby County |
48,065 |
42,074 |
5991 |
14.24% |
Simpson County |
19,594 |
17,327 |
2267 |
13.08% |
Spencer County |
19,490 |
17,061 |
2429 |
14.24% |
Taylor County |
26,023 |
24,512 |
1511 |
6.16% |
Todd County |
12,243 |
12,460 |
-217 |
-1.74% |
Trigg County |
14,061 |
14,339 |
-278 |
-1.94% |
Trimble County |
8,474 |
8,809 |
-335 |
-3.80% |
Union County |
13,668 |
15,007 |
-1339 |
-8.92% |
Warren County |
134,554 |
113,792 |
20762 |
18.25% |
Washington County |
12,027 |
11,717 |
310 |
2.65% |
Wayne County |
19,555 |
20,813 |
-1258 |
-6.04% |
Webster County |
13,017 |
13,621 |
-604 |
-4.43% |
Whitley County |
36,712 |
35,637 |
1075 |
3.02% |
Wolfe County |
6,562 |
7,355 |
-793 |
-10.78% |
Woodford County |
26,871 |
24,939 |
1932 |
7.75% |
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of the Census
Kentucky Population News Articles
Counties in Kentucky where landslides pose the greatest threat – Dec 2, 2024
Immigrant-owned businesses in Louisville creating cultural hubs, boosting economy – Nov 23, 2024
Counties with the worst droughts in Kentucky – Nov 22, 2024
Weather is a major factor in bridge safety in Kentucky and Indiana – Nov 16, 2024
Potential for solar energy use under investigation in Lexington – Nov 14, 2024
Kentucky lawmakers discuss immigration law enforcement – Nov 12, 2024
Kentucky announces solid waste recycling grants – Sept 20, 2024
From grassroots to government, Kentuckians will gather this month to talk about climate change – Sept 16, 2024
28.2% of Kentucky Residents Are Experiencing Drought Conditions in 2024 – Sept 4, 2024
New UofL study reveals health benefits of increased tree coverage in Louisville – Aug 27, 2024
City leaders seek input on shelter access as Louisville’s homeless population grows – Aug 26, 2024
Uncovering Kentucky’s fastest-growing areas – July 1, 2024
Housing gap in Northern Kentucky: Boone County faces largest shortage – June 27, 2024
Kentucky forest at risk: Daniel Boone National Forest – June 19, 2024
Kentucky receives $74 million for abandoned mine land cleanup – June 13, 2024
Where refugees in Kentucky are arriving from – June 10, 2024
Kentucky company slapped with $1.25 million fine for selling ‘defeat devices’ – June 5, 2024
Ky. nets federal funding for coal mine cleanups, major bridge rebuild – October 27, 2023
Coal-fired power failures during winter storm come to light months later – October 25, 2023
Kentucky announces more electric vehicle fast-charging sites – October 23, 2023
New Library series celebrates history and culture of Louisville’s immigrant and refugee communities – October 23, 2023
The 7 Fastest Growing Towns in Kentucky Everyone is Talking About – October 20, 2023
Kentucky among most vulnerable states to climate change impacts, says new research – October 5, 2023
3 Kentucky counties could see ‘1-in-a-100-year storms’ every decade, new research shows – July 10, 2023
State, FEMA bringing more homes to Letcher’s flood survivors – July 7, 2023
More than $21 million approved for Eastern Ky. road continually threatened by flooding – June 23, 2023
Taking stock: How climate change is affecting Kentucky – June 21, 2023
Population growth encouraging to city officials – June 16, 2023
Metro Council approves rezoning request for affordable housing near Prospect – December 16, 2022
‘People won’t be able to afford that’; Community raises concerns about proposed utility increases – December 12, 2022
$4M homeless plan among motions approved at City Commission meeting – December 6, 2022
TVA pilot project in western Ky. to put solar farm on coal ash landfill – December 6, 2022
Farmers say current drought is having a ‘devastating’ impact on harvesting season – July 17, 2022
Kentuckians demand utility regulators consider climate change in long-term planning – July 13, 2022
More than half of Kentucky in moderate drought category – July 8, 2022
Water distribution begins in Marion to ease burden on dwindling water supply – June 24, 2022
Grayson gets $970k in water grants – March 18, 2022
Study says climate change will make allergy seasons worse – March 16, 2022
Project aims to undo ‘degradation’ of Kentucky stream. Why it matters for habitat, state – March 14, 2022
Kentucky to receive nearly $9 million for abandoned mine land efforts – March 5, 2022
Report says poor road conditions cost drivers time, money – February 19, 2022
Louisville Gas & Electric Company to Permanently Limit Harmful Air Pollution – December 1, 2021
Kentucky has 14,000 ‘orphan wells’ and money to clean them up – November 29, 2021
PFAS pollution could last a millennia. Kentucky officials told the polluter but not residents. – November 15, 2021
U.S. Census shows Kentucky grew by 3.8% (166,469 people); 4.5 million now live here – September 12, 2021
‘If the creek is up, I’m dead’: The human toll of Kentucky’s infrastructure woes – September 9, 2021
Climate Change Offers More Ideal Days For Mosquitoes In Louisville – Aug 27, 2021
Another KY Coal Plant To Retire, But The Pollution Remains – July 1, 2021
Will Brent Spence Bridge be included in bipartisan infrastructure bill? Leaders keep watchful eye – June 28, 2021
Kentucky Updating Water Quality Standards – June 18, 2021
A Single Chemical Plant in Louisville Emits a Super-Pollutant That Does More Climate Damage Than Every Car in the City – March 9, 2021
Slow Recovery: Repeated Floods And Storms Strain East Kentucky’s Aging Infrastructure – March 18, 2021
Climate Change is Warming Our Winters – December 9, 2020
Solar power farm bringing nearly 300 jobs to Martin County – December 8, 2020
Group buys another 1,400 acres in Appalachian Kentucky to protect habitat – December 7, 2020
Berea group, others earn state Environmental Awards of Excellence – December 4, 2020
Louisville Among New Entrants on CDP’s Annual ‘A-List’ Cities Ranking – November 16, 2020
Ways to handle fall yard waste – October 4, 2020
Green Heart Project looks to ‘green up’ Louisville with tree plantings – October 2, 2020
Booneville, Campton, Whitesburg, Albany get funds for water projects – September 29, 2020
Kentucky’s climate is suffering. Can the state slip the industry ties that prevent change? – September 24, 2020
Home Sales Hot Despite Pandemic – September 10, 2020
COVID-19 outbreak highlights need for more physicians in Tennessee, Kentucky – August 6, 2020
National parks to get a much needed facelift – August 3, 2020
Kentucky sees hotter-than-normal year so far – July 31, 2020
‘Not all these trees pose a threat’ Lexington mayor, city question KU tree removal – July 21, 2020
Grants to allow County to improve composting operations, help with Tox Away Day – July 12, 2020
COVID-19 outbreak highlights need for more physicians in Tennessee, Kentucky – August 6, 2020
National parks to get a much needed facelift – August 3, 2020
Kentucky sees hotter-than-normal year so far – July 31, 2020
Grants to allow County to improve composting operations, help with Tox Away Day – July 12, 2020
AFT report shows farmland development threatening food security – May 20, 2020
Census data: Lexington’s population passed several major U.S. cities last decade – May 22, 2020
The Impacts of Climate Change and the Trump Administration’s Anti-Environmental Agenda in Kentucky – June 2, 2020
Special Report: Millions of abandoned oil wells are leaking methane, a climate menace – June 16, 2020
Utilities propose Kentucky’s largest solar power array, mostly for Toyota and Dow – January 23, 2020
Neighbors raise environmental, traffic concerns about middle school eyed near Parklands – January 16, 2020
You won’t believe where Kentucky ranks among worst states for climate change in this study – January 14, 2020
A Decade Of Climate Science Denial From Ky. House Energy Chairman – January 8, 2020
Report: Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ Found in Kentucky Drinking Water Sources Serving 800,000 Residents – October 29, 2019
Gov. Bevin announces steps to end reformulated gas in Louisville – October 24, 2019
Kentucky Facing ‘Unprecedented’ Drought – October 3, 2019
Drought Fueling Hazardous Kentucky Wildfire Season – October 2, 2019
The hotter the planet grows, the less children are learning – September 5, 2019
Kentucky Greenhouse Home To World’s Largest LED Installation – August 26, 2019
Aging Infrastructure Poses Growing Safety Risks – August 20, 2019
Kentucky Dams In Peril – August 14, 2019
Kentucky colleges have lofty climate goals but struggle to cut greenhouse emissions – July 8, 2019
My Cold Kentucky Home: Coal Country Turning To Solar As Heating And Housing Costs Climb – June 28, 2019
‘Show Your Stripes’ Reveals A Century Of Kentucky’s Climate Change Story – June 24, 2019
Mammoth Cave reducing pollution, haze with EPA rule – April 29, 2019
Louisville Hazardous Waste Site Still Leaking Pollution Into Ohio River – April 26, 2019
Kentucky doctor shortage predicted to worsen – April 20, 2019
Louisville And Climate Change – April 17, 2019
Seasonal allergies getting worse – April 16, 2019
Golf courses across U.S. step up to save monarch butterflies – February 17, 2019
ORSANCO expected to vote this week on future of pollution standards impacting Kentucky waterways – February 12, 2019
Power plant near High Bridge closing two units after pollution violations – February 8, 2019
Kentucky Receives ‘C-‘ Grade For Its Aging Infrastructure – February 7, 2019