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
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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% |
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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).
Where to stay in Paducah
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.