Bell County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 49th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Bell County, Kentucky is 23,878 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 49th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $32,403, the median home value is $83,000, and the median age is 41.2.
The population of Bell County has declined 19.7% since 2010 (28,704 → 23,051), a -1.55% annualized rate.
23,878
Population
-1.55%
Annual growth
67
People / sq mi
$32,403
Median Income
$83,000
Median Home Value
Bell County covers 359 sq mi of land at 66.5 people per square mile.
About Bell County, KY
Bell County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 23,878. It ranks #49 among counties in Kentucky by population. The median age is 41.2, older than the national median. The population is 50.0% male and 50.0% female.
The median household income in Bell County is $32,403, below the US median of $74,580. 21.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $83,000, with monthly rent averaging $617. The homeownership rate of 61.1% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Bell County reflects 13.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 3.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.1 minutes each way.
Bell County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Bell County had a population of 28,704 in 2010 and 23,051 in 2024, a -19.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 28,704 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.54%.
23,051
Population (2024)
28,704
Population (2010)
28,704
Peak (2010)
-1.54%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 28,704 |
| 2011 | 28,656 |
| 2012 | 28,288 |
| 2013 | 28,034 |
| 2014 | 27,830 |
| 2015 | 27,376 |
| 2016 | 27,222 |
| 2017 | 26,865 |
| 2018 | 26,534 |
| 2019 | 26,026 |
| 2020 | 23,982 |
| 2021 | 23,788 |
| 2022 | 23,514 |
| 2023 | 23,208 |
| 2024 | 23,051 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.4% |
| Black or African American | 2.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.2
Median Age
50.0%
Female
50.0%
Male
18.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.9% · Seniors (65+): 18.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $32,403$-30,014 vs state |
| Mean household income | $48,307 |
| Per-capita income | $20,463 |
| Poverty rate | 21.2%+9.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 36.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Bell County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
4.4%
Carpool
73.2%
Public transit
3.4%
Work from home
23.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$83,000$-109,300 vs state
Median home value
$617
Median rent
61.1%
Homeownership rate
11,608
Total housing units
82.1%
Occupied
17.9%
Vacant
38.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.3%
With health insurance
87.1%
With broadband internet
23.2%
Foreign-born
3.8%
Veterans (18+)
26.2%
With a disability
99.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
79.4%
High School+
13.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Bell County, Kentucky has a population of 23,878 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 49th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 67 people per square mile.
The population of Bell County has declined 19.7% since 2010 (28,704 → 23,051), a -1.55% annualized rate.
The median household income in Bell County, Kentucky is $32,403, with mean (average) household income of $48,307 and per-capita income of $20,463. 21.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Bell County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.4%), Black or African American (2.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Bell County, Kentucky is 41.2 years. Residents are 50.0% female and 50.0% male.
The median home value in Bell County is $83,000 and median monthly rent is $617. 61.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 11,608 total housing units, 17.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Bell County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.3%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Bell 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.