Shively, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Shively, Kentucky is 15,556 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 30th-largest city in Kentucky. The median household income is $46,522, the median home value is $139,200, and the median age is 46.3.
The population has grown 3.7% since 2010 (15,281 → 15,850).
15,556
Population
3402
People / sq mi
$46,522
Median Income
$139,200
Median Home Value
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Shively covers 4.6 sq mi of land at 3402 people per square mile.
About Shively, KY
Shively is defined demographically by education — 12.7% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average. With 15,556 residents, Shively is a city in Kentucky. It ranks #30 among cities in Kentucky by population.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US cities: the median household earns just $46,522, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 13.6%, above the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $139,200, with typical rent around $847.
College credentials are comparatively rare here: just 12.7%, below the national 35.0%. Around 11.8% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
Shively city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Shively city had a population of 15,281 in 2010 and 15,850 in 2024, a 3.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 15,850 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.26%.
15,850
Population (2024)
15,281
Population (2010)
15,850
Peak (2024)
0.26%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 15,281 |
| 2011 | 15,367 |
| 2012 | 15,465 |
| 2013 | 15,612 |
| 2014 | 15,660 |
| 2015 | 15,719 |
| 2016 | 15,752 |
| 2017 | 15,780 |
| 2018 | 15,738 |
| 2019 | 15,689 |
| 2020 | 15,639 |
| 2021 | 15,538 |
| 2022 | 15,496 |
| 2023 | 15,608 |
| 2024 | 15,850 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 35.8% |
| Black or African American | 58.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$46,522
Median Household Income
$32,353
Per Capita Income
13.6%
Poverty Rate
3.7%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$139,200
Median Home Value
$847
Median Rent
58.0%
Owner-Occupied
Education
87.8%
High School+
12.7%
Bachelor's+
Commute
2.2%
Drive Alone
74.9%
Public Transit
11.8%
Work From Home
22.3 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
13.6%
Foreign Born
96.3%
Non-English at Home
9.5%
Veterans
24.6%
With Disability
96.4%
Health Insurance
88.1%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 28.2% |
| Manufacturing | 15.4% |
| Retail Trade | 10.3% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 8.8% |
| Information | 6.4% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 5.8% |
| Construction | 4.5% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.1% |
| Public Administration | 3.8% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.1% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.2% |
Largest cities in Kentucky
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Metro areas in Kentucky
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Shively, Kentucky has a population of 15,556 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 30th-largest city in Kentucky.
The median household income in Shively, Kentucky is $46,522, with 13.6% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Shively, Kentucky is $139,200, with median monthly rent at $847 and a homeownership rate of 58.0%.
The median age in Shively, Kentucky is 46.3 years. The population is 49.1% male and 50.9% female.
The population has grown 3.7% since 2010 (15,281 → 15,850).
Where to stay in Shively
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.