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 a county in Kentucky with a population of 12,373. It ranks #88 among counties in Kentucky by population. The median age is 41.1, older than the national median. The population is 51.6% male and 48.4% female.
The median household income in Butler County is $52,003, below the US median of $74,580. 11.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $105,500, with monthly rent averaging $688. The homeownership rate of 73.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Butler County reflects 9.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 2.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 27.5 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+
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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.
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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.