Ballard County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 109th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Ballard County, Kentucky is 7,678 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 109th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $64,740, the median home value is $132,900, and the median age is 44.2.
The population of Ballard County has declined 7.6% since 2010 (8,250 → 7,626), a -0.56% annualized rate.
7,678
Population
-0.56%
Annual growth
31
People / sq mi
$64,740
Median Income
$132,900
Median Home Value
Ballard County covers 247 sq mi of land at 31.1 people per square mile.
About Ballard County, KY
Ballard County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 7,678. It ranks #109 among counties in Kentucky by population. The median age is 44.2, older than the national median. The population is 50.7% male and 49.3% female.
The median household income in Ballard County is $64,740, below the US median of $74,580. 11.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $132,900, with monthly rent averaging $826. The homeownership rate of 79.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Ballard County reflects 18.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 3.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.8 minutes each way.
Ballard County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Ballard County had a population of 8,250 in 2010 and 7,626 in 2024, a -7.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 8,274 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: -0.56%.
7,626
Population (2024)
8,250
Population (2010)
8,274
Peak (2012)
-0.56%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 8,250 |
| 2011 | 8,258 |
| 2012 | 8,274 |
| 2013 | 8,244 |
| 2014 | 8,178 |
| 2015 | 8,208 |
| 2016 | 8,043 |
| 2017 | 8,002 |
| 2018 | 7,940 |
| 2019 | 7,817 |
| 2020 | 7,714 |
| 2021 | 7,689 |
| 2022 | 7,633 |
| 2023 | 7,608 |
| 2024 | 7,626 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.0% |
| Black or African American | 3.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.2
Median Age
49.3%
Female
50.7%
Male
22.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.3% · Seniors (65+): 22.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $64,740+$2,323 vs state |
| Mean household income | $83,257 |
| Per-capita income | $34,469 |
| Poverty rate | 11.4%-0.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Ballard County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
2.0%
Carpool
87.6%
Public transit
3.3%
Work from home
24.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$132,900$-59,400 vs state
Median home value
$826
Median rent
79.7%
Homeownership rate
3,707
Total housing units
84.2%
Occupied
15.8%
Vacant
20.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.1%
With health insurance
94.2%
With broadband internet
33.4%
Foreign-born
6.8%
Veterans (18+)
16.1%
With a disability
95.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.7%
High School+
18.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Ballard County, Kentucky has a population of 7,678 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 109th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 31 people per square mile.
The population of Ballard County has declined 7.6% since 2010 (8,250 → 7,626), a -0.56% annualized rate.
The median household income in Ballard County, Kentucky is $64,740, with mean (average) household income of $83,257 and per-capita income of $34,469. 11.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Ballard County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.0%), Black or African American (3.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Ballard County, Kentucky is 44.2 years. Residents are 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
The median home value in Ballard County is $132,900 and median monthly rent is $826. 79.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,707 total housing units, 15.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Ballard County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Ballard County, Kentucky, with a population of 627,210.
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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.