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
The poverty rate is what most separates Barren County from the typical county: 16.5% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 44,670 residents, Barren County is a county in Kentucky. It ranks #24 among counties in Kentucky by population.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $49,171, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 16.5%, above the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $166,900, with typical rent around $784.
College attainment is 17.8%, below the national 35.0%. Around 6.6% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Barren County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
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.