Barren County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 24th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Barren County, Kentucky is 44,670 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 24th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $49,171, the median home value is $166,900, and the median age is 40.1.
The population of Barren County has grown 8.3% since 2010 (42,117 → 45,609), a +0.57% annualized rate.
44,670
Population
+0.57%
Annual growth
92
People / sq mi
$49,171
Median Income
$166,900
Median Home Value
Barren County covers 487 sq mi of land at 91.7 people per square mile.
About Barren County, KY
Barren County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 44,670. It ranks #24 among counties in Kentucky by population. The median age is 40.1, older than the national median. The population is 48.7% male and 51.3% female.
The median household income in Barren County is $49,171, below the US median of $74,580. 16.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $166,900, with monthly rent averaging $784. The homeownership rate of 65.2% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Barren County reflects 17.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.8 minutes each way.
Barren County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Barren County had a population of 42,117 in 2010 and 45,609 in 2024, a 8.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 45,609 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.57%.
45,609
Population (2024)
42,117
Population (2010)
45,609
Peak (2024)
0.57%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 42,117 |
| 2011 | 42,322 |
| 2012 | 42,610 |
| 2013 | 42,944 |
| 2014 | 43,041 |
| 2015 | 43,559 |
| 2016 | 43,789 |
| 2017 | 43,787 |
| 2018 | 44,071 |
| 2019 | 44,185 |
| 2020 | 44,511 |
| 2021 | 44,588 |
| 2022 | 44,851 |
| 2023 | 45,132 |
| 2024 | 45,609 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 88.8% |
| Black or African American | 3.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.1
Median Age
51.3%
Female
48.7%
Male
17.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.6% · Seniors (65+): 17.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $49,171$-13,246 vs state |
| Mean household income | $69,614 |
| Per-capita income | $28,422 |
| Poverty rate | 16.5%+4.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Barren County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.4%
Drive alone
1.6%
Carpool
76.9%
Public transit
6.6%
Work from home
22.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$166,900$-25,400 vs state
Median home value
$784
Median rent
65.2%
Homeownership rate
20,107
Total housing units
89.4%
Occupied
10.6%
Vacant
34.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.9%
With health insurance
90.8%
With broadband internet
22.2%
Foreign-born
5.9%
Veterans (18+)
21.5%
With a disability
94.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.5%
High School+
17.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Barren County, Kentucky has a population of 44,670 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 24th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 92 people per square mile.
The population of Barren County has grown 8.3% since 2010 (42,117 → 45,609), a +0.57% annualized rate.
The median household income in Barren County, Kentucky is $49,171, with mean (average) household income of $69,614 and per-capita income of $28,422. 16.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Barren County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (88.8%), Black or African American (3.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Barren County, Kentucky is 40.1 years. Residents are 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
The median home value in Barren County is $166,900 and median monthly rent is $784. 65.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 20,107 total housing units, 10.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Barren County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Barren 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.