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
Homeownership is the standout figure in Bourbon County: 64.8% of homes are owner-occupied, close to the national rate. With 20,174 residents, Bourbon County is a county in Kentucky.
Median household income is $56,322, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 10.4%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $211,600, with typical rent around $745.
Roughly 25.5% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Around 9.6% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 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
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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.
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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.