Breathitt County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 80th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Breathitt County, Kentucky is 13,438 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 80th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $41,101, the median home value is $61,800, and the median age is 43.0.
The population of Breathitt County has declined 7.6% since 2010 (13,855 → 12,804), a -0.56% annualized rate.
13,438
Population
-0.56%
Annual growth
27
People / sq mi
$41,101
Median Income
$61,800
Median Home Value
Breathitt County covers 492 sq mi of land at 27.3 people per square mile.
About Breathitt County, KY
Housing cost is the defining feature of Breathitt County: the median home is valued at $61,800. With 13,438 residents, Breathitt County is a county in Kentucky.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $41,101, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US counties: 22.1%, above the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $61,800, with typical rent around $543.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 16.5% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Just 4.0% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.
Breathitt County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Breathitt County had a population of 13,855 in 2010 and 12,804 in 2024, a -7.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 13,855 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.53%.
12,804
Population (2024)
13,855
Population (2010)
13,855
Peak (2010)
-0.53%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 13,855 |
| 2011 | 13,786 |
| 2012 | 13,608 |
| 2013 | 13,525 |
| 2014 | 13,361 |
| 2015 | 13,358 |
| 2016 | 13,164 |
| 2017 | 12,922 |
| 2018 | 12,762 |
| 2019 | 12,612 |
| 2020 | 13,701 |
| 2021 | 13,558 |
| 2022 | 13,353 |
| 2023 | 12,962 |
| 2024 | 12,804 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 96.5% |
| Black or African American | 0.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.0
Median Age
49.9%
Female
50.1%
Male
18.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.0% · Seniors (65+): 18.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $41,101$-21,316 vs state |
| Mean household income | $54,263 |
| Per-capita income | $23,544 |
| Poverty rate | 22.1%+10.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 41.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Breathitt County is professional & business services, accounting for 33.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
3.4%
Carpool
77.8%
Public transit
4.0%
Work from home
30.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$61,800$-130,500 vs state
Median home value
$543
Median rent
74.3%
Homeownership rate
6,559
Total housing units
84.3%
Occupied
15.7%
Vacant
25.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
97.3%
With health insurance
84.2%
With broadband internet
12.0%
Foreign-born
4.2%
Veterans (18+)
31.4%
With a disability
98.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
80.6%
High School+
16.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Breathitt County, Kentucky has a population of 13,438 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 80th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 27 people per square mile.
The population of Breathitt County has declined 7.6% since 2010 (13,855 → 12,804), a -0.56% annualized rate.
The median household income in Breathitt County, Kentucky is $41,101, with mean (average) household income of $54,263 and per-capita income of $23,544. 22.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Breathitt County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (96.5%), Black or African American (0.5%), Hispanic or Latino (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Breathitt County, Kentucky is 43.0 years. Residents are 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
The median home value in Breathitt County is $61,800 and median monthly rent is $543. 74.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,559 total housing units, 15.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Breathitt County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 33.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.3%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Breathitt 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.