Bracken County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 108th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Bracken County, Kentucky is 8,427 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 108th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $59,521, the median home value is $116,400, and the median age is 42.0.
The population of Bracken County has declined 0.2% since 2010 (8,513 → 8,497), a -0.01% annualized rate.
8,427
Population
-0.01%
Annual growth
42
People / sq mi
$59,521
Median Income
$116,400
Median Home Value
Bracken County covers 203 sq mi of land at 41.6 people per square mile.
About Bracken County, KY
Bracken County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 8,427. It ranks #108 among counties in Kentucky by population. The median age is 42.0, older than the national median. The population is 50.4% male and 49.6% female.
The median household income in Bracken County is $59,521, below the US median of $74,580. 14.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $116,400, with monthly rent averaging $748. The homeownership rate of 77.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Bracken County reflects 17.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 3.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 35.5 minutes each way.
Bracken County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Bracken County had a population of 8,513 in 2010 and 8,497 in 2024, a -0.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 8,513 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.01%.
8,497
Population (2024)
8,513
Population (2010)
8,513
Peak (2010)
-0.01%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 8,513 |
| 2011 | 8,512 |
| 2012 | 8,464 |
| 2013 | 8,425 |
| 2014 | 8,362 |
| 2015 | 8,292 |
| 2016 | 8,366 |
| 2017 | 8,284 |
| 2018 | 8,273 |
| 2019 | 8,330 |
| 2020 | 8,405 |
| 2021 | 8,445 |
| 2022 | 8,436 |
| 2023 | 8,435 |
| 2024 | 8,497 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.4% |
| Black or African American | 1.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.0
Median Age
49.6%
Female
50.4%
Male
17.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.0% · Seniors (65+): 17.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $59,521$-2,896 vs state |
| Mean household income | $79,534 |
| Per-capita income | $30,198 |
| Poverty rate | 14.7%+2.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Bracken County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.9%
Carpool
80.0%
Public transit
3.4%
Work from home
35.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$116,400$-75,900 vs state
Median home value
$748
Median rent
77.6%
Homeownership rate
3,847
Total housing units
84.8%
Occupied
15.2%
Vacant
22.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.0%
With health insurance
94.6%
With broadband internet
21.0%
Foreign-born
7.4%
Veterans (18+)
17.4%
With a disability
99.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.2%
High School+
17.0%
Bachelor's+
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Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Bracken County, Kentucky has a population of 8,427 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 108th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 42 people per square mile.
The population of Bracken County has declined 0.2% since 2010 (8,513 → 8,497), a -0.01% annualized rate.
The median household income in Bracken County, Kentucky is $59,521, with mean (average) household income of $79,534 and per-capita income of $30,198. 14.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Bracken County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.4%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%), Black or African American (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Bracken County, Kentucky is 42.0 years. Residents are 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
The median home value in Bracken County is $116,400 and median monthly rent is $748. 77.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,847 total housing units, 15.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Bracken County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Bracken County, Kentucky, with a population of 627,210.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.