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
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.
Bourbon County, KY Climate
Bourbon County, KY has an average annual temperature of 12.2°C (54°F) and receives about 1146 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.2°C
Avg Temp
1146
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -1° / 30° | 74 mm |
| February | 1° / 34° | 80 mm |
| March | 7° / 44° | 112 mm |
| April | 12° / 53° | 104 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 118 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 101 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 117 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 97 mm |
| September | 20° / 67° | 85 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 71 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 89 mm |
| December | 2° / 36° | 98 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 Bourbon County, KY
The most comfortable months to visit Bourbon County, KY are typically September, June 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 -6°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Bourbon County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.