Caldwell County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 87th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Caldwell County, Kentucky is 12,631 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 87th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $57,618, the median home value is $113,500, and the median age is 42.3.
The population of Caldwell County has declined 3.1% since 2010 (13,010 → 12,611), a -0.22% annualized rate.
12,631
Population
-0.22%
Annual growth
37
People / sq mi
$57,618
Median Income
$113,500
Median Home Value
Caldwell County covers 345 sq mi of land at 36.6 people per square mile.
About Caldwell County, KY
Housing cost is the defining feature of Caldwell County: the median home is valued at $113,500. Caldwell County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 12,631.
The typical household here earns about $57,618, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 12.5%, close to the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $113,500, with typical rent around $724.
Roughly 18.1% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Around 6.1% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
Caldwell County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Caldwell County had a population of 13,010 in 2010 and 12,611 in 2024, a -3.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 13,026 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.22%.
12,611
Population (2024)
13,010
Population (2010)
13,026
Peak (2011)
-0.22%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 13,010 |
| 2011 | 13,026 |
| 2012 | 12,988 |
| 2013 | 12,882 |
| 2014 | 12,844 |
| 2015 | 12,744 |
| 2016 | 12,635 |
| 2017 | 12,660 |
| 2018 | 12,684 |
| 2019 | 12,731 |
| 2020 | 12,636 |
| 2021 | 12,682 |
| 2022 | 12,601 |
| 2023 | 12,561 |
| 2024 | 12,611 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 91.0% |
| Black or African American | 5.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.3
Median Age
50.8%
Female
49.2%
Male
21.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.9% · Seniors (65+): 21.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $57,618$-4,799 vs state |
| Mean household income | $74,415 |
| Per-capita income | $31,544 |
| Poverty rate | 12.5%+0.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Caldwell County is professional & business services, accounting for 19.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.9%
Carpool
80.8%
Public transit
6.1%
Work from home
24.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$113,500$-78,800 vs state
Median home value
$724
Median rent
71.8%
Homeownership rate
6,085
Total housing units
85.2%
Occupied
14.8%
Vacant
28.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.4%
With health insurance
92.1%
With broadband internet
24.2%
Foreign-born
7.1%
Veterans (18+)
26.4%
With a disability
96.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.8%
High School+
18.1%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Caldwell County, Kentucky has a population of 12,631 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 87th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 37 people per square mile.
The population of Caldwell County has declined 3.1% since 2010 (13,010 → 12,611), a -0.22% annualized rate.
The median household income in Caldwell County, Kentucky is $57,618, with mean (average) household income of $74,415 and per-capita income of $31,544. 12.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Caldwell County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (91.0%), Black or African American (5.0%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Caldwell County, Kentucky is 42.3 years. Residents are 50.8% female and 49.2% male.
The median home value in Caldwell County is $113,500 and median monthly rent is $724. 71.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,085 total housing units, 14.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Caldwell County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 19.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.6%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Caldwell 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.