Bourbon County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 56th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Bourbon County, Kentucky is 20,174 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 56th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $56,322, the median home value is $211,600, and the median age is 42.0.
The population of Bourbon County has grown 1.8% since 2010 (19,965 → 20,333), a +0.13% annualized rate.
20,174
Population
+0.13%
Annual growth
70
People / sq mi
$56,322
Median Income
$211,600
Median Home Value
Bourbon County covers 290 sq mi of land at 69.6 people per square mile.
About Bourbon County, KY
Bourbon County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 20,174. It ranks #56 among counties in Kentucky by population. The median age is 42.0, older than the national median. The population is 49.7% male and 50.3% female.
The median household income in Bourbon County is $56,322, below the US median of $74,580. 10.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $211,600, with monthly rent averaging $745. The homeownership rate of 64.8% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Bourbon County reflects 25.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 9.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 25.0 minutes each way.
Bourbon County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Bourbon County had a population of 19,965 in 2010 and 20,333 in 2024, a 1.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 20,333 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.13%.
20,333
Population (2024)
19,965
Population (2010)
20,333
Peak (2024)
0.13%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 19,965 |
| 2011 | 20,051 |
| 2012 | 20,050 |
| 2013 | 20,023 |
| 2014 | 20,049 |
| 2015 | 20,159 |
| 2016 | 20,123 |
| 2017 | 20,088 |
| 2018 | 20,102 |
| 2019 | 19,774 |
| 2020 | 20,284 |
| 2021 | 20,220 |
| 2022 | 20,144 |
| 2023 | 20,220 |
| 2024 | 20,333 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 86.1% |
| Black or African American | 4.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.0
Median Age
50.3%
Female
49.7%
Male
19.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.4% · Seniors (65+): 19.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $56,322$-6,095 vs state |
| Mean household income | $79,370 |
| Per-capita income | $32,619 |
| Poverty rate | 10.4%-1.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 56.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Bourbon County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
2.4%
Carpool
76.6%
Public transit
9.6%
Work from home
25.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$211,600+$19,300 vs state
Median home value
$745
Median rent
64.8%
Homeownership rate
9,148
Total housing units
88.9%
Occupied
11.1%
Vacant
35.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
97.2%
With health insurance
92.6%
With broadband internet
18.3%
Foreign-born
4.6%
Veterans (18+)
19.6%
With a disability
94.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.6%
High School+
25.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Bourbon County, Kentucky has a population of 20,174 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 56th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 70 people per square mile.
The population of Bourbon County has grown 1.8% since 2010 (19,965 → 20,333), a +0.13% annualized rate.
The median household income in Bourbon County, Kentucky is $56,322, with mean (average) household income of $79,370 and per-capita income of $32,619. 10.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Bourbon County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (86.1%), Black or African American (4.8%), 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 Bourbon County, Kentucky is 42.0 years. Residents are 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
The median home value in Bourbon County is $211,600 and median monthly rent is $745. 64.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,148 total housing units, 11.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Bourbon County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Bourbon County, Kentucky, with a population of 627,210.
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.