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
Caldwell County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 12,631. It ranks #87 among counties in Kentucky by population. The median age is 42.3, older than the national median. The population is 49.2% male and 50.8% female.
The median household income in Caldwell County is $57,618, below the US median of $74,580. 12.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $113,500, with monthly rent averaging $724. The homeownership rate of 71.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Caldwell County reflects 18.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.7 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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Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
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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.