Berea, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Berea, Kentucky is 15,557 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 29th-largest city in Kentucky. The median household income is $56,484, the median home value is $178,000, and the median age is 34.1.
The population has grown 20.2% since 2010 (13,673 → 16,436).
15,557
Population
942
People / sq mi
$56,484
Median Income
$178,000
Median Home Value
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Berea covers 16.5 sq mi of land at 942 people per square mile.
About Berea, KY
The poverty rate is what most separates Berea from the typical city: 17.1% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 15,557 residents, Berea is a city in Kentucky. It ranks #29 among cities in Kentucky by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $56,484, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 17.1%, above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $178,000, with typical rent around $806.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 27.0% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 10.3% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Berea: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
Berea city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Berea city had a population of 13,673 in 2010 and 16,436 in 2024, a 20.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 16,436 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.34%.
16,436
Population (2024)
13,673
Population (2010)
16,436
Peak (2024)
1.34%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 13,673 |
| 2011 | 13,972 |
| 2012 | 14,218 |
| 2013 | 14,400 |
| 2014 | 14,586 |
| 2015 | 14,814 |
| 2016 | 15,162 |
| 2017 | 15,572 |
| 2018 | 15,742 |
| 2019 | 16,026 |
| 2020 | 15,598 |
| 2021 | 15,300 |
| 2022 | 15,490 |
| 2023 | 16,033 |
| 2024 | 16,436 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 89.7% |
| Black or African American | 3.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Economy & Income
$56,484
Median Household Income
$26,622
Per Capita Income
17.1%
Poverty Rate
2.1%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$178,000
Median Home Value
$806
Median Rent
57.3%
Owner-Occupied
Education
86.3%
High School+
27.0%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
68.6%
Public Transit
10.3%
Work From Home
24.6 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
25.6%
Foreign Born
95.4%
Non-English at Home
5.1%
Veterans
19.6%
With Disability
93.7%
Health Insurance
94.4%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 29.1% |
| Manufacturing | 11.9% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.7% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 9.5% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 7.7% |
| Construction | 6.3% |
| Retail Trade | 3.3% |
| Information | 3.1% |
| Public Administration | 3.0% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.0% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.4% |
Largest cities in Kentucky
Largest counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Berea, Kentucky has a population of 15,557 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 29th-largest city in Kentucky.
The median household income in Berea, Kentucky is $56,484, with 17.1% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Berea, Kentucky is $178,000, with median monthly rent at $806 and a homeownership rate of 57.3%.
The median age in Berea, Kentucky is 34.1 years. The population is 47.1% male and 52.9% female.
The population has grown 20.2% since 2010 (13,673 → 16,436).
Where to stay in Berea
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.