Paducah, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Paducah, Kentucky is 26,894 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 16th-largest city in Kentucky. The median household income is $51,243, the median home value is $164,600, and the median age is 43.2.
The population has grown 6.8% since 2010 (25,002 → 26,712).
26,894
Population
1322
People / sq mi
$51,243
Median Income
$164,600
Median Home Value
Get Paducah's next ACS population data
Subscribe for Population Review updates by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Paducah covers 20.3 sq mi of land at 1322 people per square mile.
About Paducah, KY
The poverty rate is what most separates Paducah from the typical city: 16.9% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Paducah is a city in Kentucky with a population of 26,894. It ranks #16 among cities in Kentucky by population.
The typical household earns $51,243, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 16.9%, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $164,600, with typical rent around $817.
Roughly 28.4% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 6.7%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 16 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Paducah: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
Paducah city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Paducah city had a population of 25,002 in 2010 and 26,712 in 2024, a 6.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 27,134 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.50%.
26,712
Population (2024)
25,002
Population (2010)
27,134
Peak (2020)
0.50%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 25,002 |
| 2011 | 25,093 |
| 2012 | 25,029 |
| 2013 | 24,896 |
| 2014 | 24,877 |
| 2015 | 24,712 |
| 2016 | 25,044 |
| 2017 | 24,959 |
| 2018 | 24,866 |
| 2019 | 24,865 |
| 2020 | 27,134 |
| 2021 | 26,898 |
| 2022 | 26,752 |
| 2023 | 26,761 |
| 2024 | 26,712 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 70.9% |
| Black or African American | 20.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$51,243
Median Household Income
$42,296
Per Capita Income
16.9%
Poverty Rate
2.1%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$164,600
Median Home Value
$817
Median Rent
54.1%
Owner-Occupied
Education
91.3%
High School+
28.4%
Bachelor's+
Commute
1.0%
Drive Alone
79.3%
Public Transit
6.7%
Work From Home
15.7 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
32.9%
Foreign Born
96.9%
Non-English at Home
5.8%
Veterans
18.3%
With Disability
94.3%
Health Insurance
93.7%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 28.7% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 10.1% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 10.0% |
| Manufacturing | 9.7% |
| Public Administration | 5.3% |
| Information | 4.8% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.6% |
| Retail Trade | 3.2% |
| Construction | 3.0% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 2.8% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.1% |
Largest cities in Kentucky
Largest counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Paducah, Kentucky has a population of 26,894 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 16th-largest city in Kentucky.
The median household income in Paducah, Kentucky is $51,243, with 16.9% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Paducah, Kentucky is $164,600, with median monthly rent at $817 and a homeownership rate of 54.1%.
The median age in Paducah, Kentucky is 43.2 years. The population is 46.9% male and 53.1% female.
The population has grown 6.8% since 2010 (25,002 → 26,712).
Paducah city, KY Climate
Paducah city, KY has an average annual temperature of 14.4°C (58°F) and receives about 1267 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.4°C
Avg Temp
1267
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1° / 34° | 86 mm |
| February | 4° / 38° | 101 mm |
| March | 9° / 48° | 125 mm |
| April | 14° / 58° | 124 mm |
| May | 19° / 67° | 124 mm |
| June | 24° / 75° | 98 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 110 mm |
| August | 25° / 78° | 89 mm |
| September | 22° / 71° | 97 mm |
| October | 15° / 59° | 82 mm |
| November | 9° / 48° | 112 mm |
| December | 4° / 38° | 119 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Paducah city, KY
The most comfortable months to visit Paducah city, KY are typically September, May and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -4°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Paducah
Visiting or relocating to Paducah, KY? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Paducah
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Paducah?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Paducah, KY by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
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.