Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky is 321,122 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 58th-largest city in the United States and the 2nd-largest in Kentucky. The median household income is $67,631, the median home value is $272,100, and the median age is 35.2.
The population has grown 11.0% since 2010 (296,848 → 329,437).
321,122
Population
1131
People / sq mi
$67,631
Median Income
$272,100
Median Home Value
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Lexington-Fayette covers 283.9 sq mi of land at 1131 people per square mile.
About Lexington-Fayette, KY
What distinguishes Lexington-Fayette is density: among the most sparsely settled of US cities, around 1,131 people per square mile. With 321,122 residents, Lexington-Fayette is a city in Kentucky. It is the #2-largest of all cities in Kentucky nationally.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $67,631 — below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 9.4%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $272,100, with typical rent around $1,101.
About 47.3% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, above the 35.0% national figure. About 10.9% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Lexington-Fayette urban county Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Lexington-Fayette urban county had a population of 296,848 in 2010 and 329,437 in 2024, a 11.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 329,437 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.75%.
329,437
Population (2024)
296,848
Population (2010)
329,437
Peak (2024)
0.75%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 296,848 |
| 2011 | 301,696 |
| 2012 | 305,947 |
| 2013 | 309,865 |
| 2014 | 311,784 |
| 2015 | 315,819 |
| 2016 | 319,644 |
| 2017 | 321,964 |
| 2018 | 322,426 |
| 2019 | 323,152 |
| 2020 | 322,628 |
| 2021 | 320,431 |
| 2022 | 321,505 |
| 2023 | 324,624 |
| 2024 | 329,437 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 69.9% |
| Black or African American | 14.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$67,631
Median Household Income
$42,272
Per Capita Income
9.4%
Poverty Rate
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$272,100
Median Home Value
$1,101
Median Rent
53.6%
Owner-Occupied
Education
92.4%
High School+
47.3%
Bachelor's+
Commute
1.3%
Drive Alone
74.8%
Public Transit
10.9%
Work From Home
20.8 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
30.1%
Foreign Born
85.1%
Non-English at Home
5.5%
Veterans
12.8%
With Disability
93.2%
Health Insurance
96.2%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 29.7% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 12.4% |
| Manufacturing | 9.6% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.3% |
| Information | 5.0% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.9% |
| Construction | 4.8% |
| Retail Trade | 4.7% |
| Public Administration | 3.1% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.5% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.3% |
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City rankings
Common questions about Lexington-Fayette, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky has a population of 321,122 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 58th-largest city in the United States and the 2nd-largest in Kentucky.
The median household income in Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky is $67,631, with 9.4% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky is $272,100, with median monthly rent at $1,101 and a homeownership rate of 53.6%.
The median age in Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky is 35.2 years. The population is 49.2% male and 50.8% female.
The population has grown 11.0% since 2010 (296,848 → 329,437).
Where to stay in Lexington-Fayette
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.