Boyd County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 21st-largest in Kentucky
The population of Boyd County, Kentucky is 48,043 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 21st-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $60,659, the median home value is $126,300, and the median age is 42.4.
The population of Boyd County has declined 3.7% since 2010 (49,602 → 47,777), a -0.27% annualized rate.
48,043
Population
-0.27%
Annual growth
301
People / sq mi
$60,659
Median Income
$126,300
Median Home Value
Boyd County covers 160 sq mi of land at 300.5 people per square mile.
About Boyd County, KY
What distinguishes Boyd County is density: among the most densely settled of US counties, around 301 people per square mile. Boyd County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 48,043. It ranks #21 among counties in Kentucky by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $60,659 — below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 12.4%, close to the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $126,300, with typical rent around $839.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 19.4% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.4% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Boyd County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Boyd County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Boyd County had a population of 49,602 in 2010 and 47,777 in 2024, a -3.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 49,602 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.26%.
47,777
Population (2024)
49,602
Population (2010)
49,602
Peak (2010)
-0.26%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 49,602 |
| 2011 | 49,417 |
| 2012 | 49,238 |
| 2013 | 48,905 |
| 2014 | 48,828 |
| 2015 | 48,518 |
| 2016 | 48,175 |
| 2017 | 47,867 |
| 2018 | 47,406 |
| 2019 | 46,839 |
| 2020 | 48,206 |
| 2021 | 47,754 |
| 2022 | 48,048 |
| 2023 | 47,771 |
| 2024 | 47,777 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.0% |
| Black or African American | 2.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.4
Median Age
49.9%
Female
50.1%
Male
20.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.4% · Seniors (65+): 20.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $60,659$-1,758 vs state |
| Mean household income | $75,673 |
| Per-capita income | $31,192 |
| Poverty rate | 12.4%+0.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 49.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Boyd County is professional & business services, accounting for 30.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
2.3%
Carpool
80.9%
Public transit
5.4%
Work from home
22.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$126,300$-66,000 vs state
Median home value
$839
Median rent
68.4%
Homeownership rate
21,731
Total housing units
87.5%
Occupied
12.5%
Vacant
31.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.3%
With health insurance
92.7%
With broadband internet
34.1%
Foreign-born
8.3%
Veterans (18+)
21.8%
With a disability
98.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.0%
High School+
19.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Boyd County, Kentucky has a population of 48,043 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 21st-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 301 people per square mile.
The population of Boyd County has declined 3.7% since 2010 (49,602 → 47,777), a -0.27% annualized rate.
The median household income in Boyd County, Kentucky is $60,659, with mean (average) household income of $75,673 and per-capita income of $31,192. 12.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Boyd County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.0%), Black or African American (2.1%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Boyd County, Kentucky is 42.4 years. Residents are 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
The median home value in Boyd County is $126,300 and median monthly rent is $839. 68.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 21,731 total housing units, 12.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Boyd County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 30.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Boyd County, Kentucky, with a population of 627,210.
Boyd County, KY Climate
Boyd County, KY has an average annual temperature of 12.2°C (54°F) and receives about 1086 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
1086
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 31° | 75 mm |
| February | 2° / 35° | 76 mm |
| March | 7° / 44° | 94 mm |
| April | 12° / 53° | 89 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 111 mm |
| June | 21° / 71° | 99 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 121 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 99 mm |
| September | 20° / 67° | 75 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 73 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 85 mm |
| December | 2° / 36° | 89 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 Boyd County, KY
The most comfortable months to visit Boyd 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). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Boyd County
Visiting or relocating to Boyd County, KY? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Boyd County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.