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
Remote work is unusually rare in Bracken County: 3.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the 14.0% national rate. Bracken County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 8,427.
The typical household here earns about $59,521, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 14.7% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $116,400, with typical rent around $748.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 17.0%, below the national 35.0%. Almost everyone commutes — only 3.4% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 36 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+
Largest cities in Kentucky
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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.
Bracken County, KY Climate
Bracken County, KY has an average annual temperature of 11.7°C (53°F) and receives about 1120 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.7°C
Avg Temp
1120
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -1° / 29° | 71 mm |
| February | 1° / 33° | 73 mm |
| March | 6° / 43° | 111 mm |
| April | 11° / 52° | 101 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 116 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 98 mm |
| July | 24° / 74° | 114 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 100 mm |
| September | 19° / 67° | 85 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 73 mm |
| November | 7° / 44° | 89 mm |
| December | 2° / 35° | 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 Bracken County, KY
The most comfortable months to visit Bracken County, KY are typically June, September 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 Bracken County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.