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
What sets Bell County apart is money: median household income runs $32,403, below the US median of $78,538. Bell County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 23,878. It ranks #49 among counties in Kentucky by population.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US counties: the median household earns just $32,403, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 21.2%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $83,000, with typical rent around $617.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 13.9%, below the national 35.0%. Home-based work is uncommon, at 3.4%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 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.
Bell County, KY Climate
Bell County, KY has an average annual temperature of 12.4°C (54°F) and receives about 1307 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.4°C
Avg Temp
1307
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1° / 33° | 106 mm |
| February | 3° / 37° | 101 mm |
| March | 7° / 45° | 126 mm |
| April | 12° / 53° | 106 mm |
| May | 16° / 62° | 129 mm |
| June | 21° / 69° | 112 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 123 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 109 mm |
| September | 19° / 67° | 89 mm |
| October | 13° / 56° | 86 mm |
| November | 8° / 46° | 109 mm |
| December | 3° / 38° | 111 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 Bell County, KY
The most comfortable months to visit Bell County, KY are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Bell County
Visiting or relocating to Bell County, KY? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Bell County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Bell County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Bell County, KY by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Kentucky
Population 777,392
Population 321,122
Population 169,817
Population 137,676
Full rankings of Kentucky counties
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.