Butler County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 88th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Butler County, Kentucky is 12,373 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 88th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $52,003, the median home value is $105,500, and the median age is 41.1.
The population of Butler County has declined 1.5% since 2010 (12,742 → 12,551), a -0.11% annualized rate.
12,373
Population
-0.11%
Annual growth
29
People / sq mi
$52,003
Median Income
$105,500
Median Home Value
Butler County covers 426 sq mi of land at 29.0 people per square mile.
About Butler County, KY
Butler County is defined demographically by education — 9.5% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average. Butler County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 12,373.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $52,003, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 11.9%, close to the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $105,500, with typical rent around $688.
Butler County is among the least college-educated US counties, at 9.5% — below the national 35.0%. Home-based work is uncommon, at 2.1%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
Butler County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Butler County had a population of 12,742 in 2010 and 12,551 in 2024, a -1.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 12,861 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: -0.10%.
12,551
Population (2024)
12,742
Population (2010)
12,861
Peak (2019)
-0.10%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 12,742 |
| 2011 | 12,727 |
| 2012 | 12,745 |
| 2013 | 12,714 |
| 2014 | 12,745 |
| 2015 | 12,742 |
| 2016 | 12,691 |
| 2017 | 12,792 |
| 2018 | 12,731 |
| 2019 | 12,861 |
| 2020 | 12,317 |
| 2021 | 12,297 |
| 2022 | 12,371 |
| 2023 | 12,430 |
| 2024 | 12,551 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.0% |
| Black or African American | 0.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.1
Median Age
48.4%
Female
51.6%
Male
19.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.3% · Seniors (65+): 19.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $52,003$-10,414 vs state |
| Mean household income | $61,584 |
| Per-capita income | $25,198 |
| Poverty rate | 11.9%+0.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 49.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Butler County is manufacturing, accounting for 26.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.0%
Carpool
83.2%
Public transit
2.1%
Work from home
27.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$105,500$-86,800 vs state
Median home value
$688
Median rent
73.1%
Homeownership rate
5,453
Total housing units
83.6%
Occupied
16.4%
Vacant
26.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.6%
With health insurance
86.7%
With broadband internet
17.7%
Foreign-born
7.0%
Veterans (18+)
19.4%
With a disability
93.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
82.0%
High School+
9.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Butler County, Kentucky has a population of 12,373 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 88th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 29 people per square mile.
The population of Butler County has declined 1.5% since 2010 (12,742 → 12,551), a -0.11% annualized rate.
The median household income in Butler County, Kentucky is $52,003, with mean (average) household income of $61,584 and per-capita income of $25,198. 11.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Butler County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.7%), Black or African American (0.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Butler County, Kentucky is 41.1 years. Residents are 48.4% female and 51.6% male.
The median home value in Butler County is $105,500 and median monthly rent is $688. 73.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,453 total housing units, 16.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Butler County, Kentucky is manufacturing, employing 26.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.2%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Butler County, Kentucky, with a population of 627,210.
More from Kentucky
Population 777,392
Population 321,122
Population 169,817
Population 137,676
Full rankings of Kentucky counties
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.