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
Remote work is unusually rare in Ballard County: 3.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the 14.0% national rate. Ballard County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 7,678.
The typical household here earns about $64,740, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 11.4%, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $132,900, with typical rent around $826.
Roughly 18.7% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is rare here (3.3%, below the national 14.0%), and the average commute runs about 25 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.
Ballard County, KY Climate
Ballard County, KY has an average annual temperature of 14.1°C (57°F) and receives about 1229 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.1°C
Avg Temp
1229
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1° / 33° | 81 mm |
| February | 3° / 37° | 93 mm |
| March | 9° / 47° | 122 mm |
| April | 14° / 57° | 120 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 128 mm |
| June | 24° / 75° | 99 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 100 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 93 mm |
| September | 21° / 71° | 93 mm |
| October | 15° / 59° | 79 mm |
| November | 9° / 48° | 108 mm |
| December | 4° / 38° | 113 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 Ballard County, KY
The most comfortable months to visit Ballard County, KY are typically September, June and May, 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). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Ballard County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.