Murray, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Murray, Kentucky is 17,888 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 24th-largest city in Kentucky. The median household income is $40,348, the median home value is $193,300, and the median age is 25.7.
The population has grown 4.0% since 2010 (17,846 → 18,567).
17,888
Population
1530
People / sq mi
$40,348
Median Income
$193,300
Median Home Value
Get Murray's next ACS population data
Subscribe for Population Review updates by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Murray covers 11.7 sq mi of land at 1530 people per square mile.
About Murray, KY
Age is the most distinctive thing about Murray: a median age of 25.7, younger than the national median. With 17,888 residents, Murray is a city in Kentucky. It ranks #24 among cities in Kentucky by population.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US cities: the median household earns just $40,348, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 16.4%, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $193,300, with typical rent around $835.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 37.0% of adults hold a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.7% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 12 minutes each way.
Murray city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Murray city had a population of 17,846 in 2010 and 18,567 in 2024, a 4.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 19,327 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: 0.31%.
18,567
Population (2024)
17,846
Population (2010)
19,327
Peak (2019)
0.31%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,846 |
| 2011 | 18,047 |
| 2012 | 18,305 |
| 2013 | 18,646 |
| 2014 | 18,643 |
| 2015 | 19,014 |
| 2016 | 19,045 |
| 2017 | 19,170 |
| 2018 | 19,284 |
| 2019 | 19,327 |
| 2020 | 17,780 |
| 2021 | 17,831 |
| 2022 | 17,959 |
| 2023 | 18,232 |
| 2024 | 18,567 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 83.8% |
| Black or African American | 6.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.7% |
Economy & Income
$40,348
Median Household Income
$24,946
Per Capita Income
16.4%
Poverty Rate
2.8%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$193,300
Median Home Value
$835
Median Rent
41.2%
Owner-Occupied
Education
91.4%
High School+
37.0%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.1%
Drive Alone
68.3%
Public Transit
5.7%
Work From Home
11.7 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
42.0%
Foreign Born
94.0%
Non-English at Home
3.8%
Veterans
17.6%
With Disability
93.8%
Health Insurance
94.8%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 31.4% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 13.2% |
| Manufacturing | 10.6% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 6.1% |
| Information | 4.7% |
| Retail Trade | 4.2% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.8% |
| Public Administration | 3.7% |
| Construction | 3.2% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.6% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.3% |
Largest cities in Kentucky
Largest counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Murray, Kentucky has a population of 17,888 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 24th-largest city in Kentucky.
The median household income in Murray, Kentucky is $40,348, with 16.4% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Murray, Kentucky is $193,300, with median monthly rent at $835 and a homeownership rate of 41.2%.
The median age in Murray, Kentucky is 25.7 years. The population is 46.4% male and 53.6% female.
The population has grown 4.0% since 2010 (17,846 → 18,567).
Where to stay in Murray
Visiting or relocating to Murray, KY? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
More from Kentucky
Population 627,210
Population 321,122
Population 73,638
Population 60,112
Population 40,902
Full rankings of Kentucky cities by population
Statewide data for Kentucky
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Kentucky
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.