Carter County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 42nd-largest in Kentucky
The population of Carter County, Kentucky is 26,515 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 42nd-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $50,389, the median home value is $126,100, and the median age is 41.8.
The population of Carter County has declined 5.9% since 2010 (27,739 → 26,098), a -0.43% annualized rate.
26,515
Population
-0.43%
Annual growth
65
People / sq mi
$50,389
Median Income
$126,100
Median Home Value
Carter County covers 409 sq mi of land at 64.8 people per square mile.
About Carter County, KY
Carter County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 26,515. It ranks #42 among counties in Kentucky by population. The median age is 41.8, older than the national median. The population is 49.3% male and 50.7% female.
The median household income in Carter County is $50,389, below the US median of $74,580. 16.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $126,100, with monthly rent averaging $701. The homeownership rate of 78.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Carter County reflects 15.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 2.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 28.6 minutes each way.
Carter County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Carter County had a population of 27,739 in 2010 and 26,098 in 2024, a -5.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 27,739 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.43%.
26,098
Population (2024)
27,739
Population (2010)
27,739
Peak (2010)
-0.43%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 27,739 |
| 2011 | 27,621 |
| 2012 | 27,633 |
| 2013 | 27,599 |
| 2014 | 27,517 |
| 2015 | 27,443 |
| 2016 | 27,313 |
| 2017 | 27,216 |
| 2018 | 27,042 |
| 2019 | 26,766 |
| 2020 | 26,614 |
| 2021 | 26,438 |
| 2022 | 26,300 |
| 2023 | 26,255 |
| 2024 | 26,098 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.6% |
| Black or African American | 0.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.8
Median Age
50.7%
Female
49.3%
Male
19.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.2% · Seniors (65+): 19.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $50,389$-12,028 vs state |
| Mean household income | $71,428 |
| Per-capita income | $27,184 |
| Poverty rate | 16.4%+4.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 45.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Carter County is professional & business services, accounting for 30.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
3.8%
Carpool
81.0%
Public transit
2.3%
Work from home
28.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$126,100$-66,200 vs state
Median home value
$701
Median rent
78.4%
Homeownership rate
12,283
Total housing units
84.4%
Occupied
15.6%
Vacant
21.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.6%
With health insurance
85.5%
With broadband internet
26.1%
Foreign-born
7.1%
Veterans (18+)
21.5%
With a disability
98.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
82.8%
High School+
15.4%
Bachelor's+
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Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Carter County, Kentucky has a population of 26,515 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 42nd-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 65 people per square mile.
The population of Carter County has declined 5.9% since 2010 (27,739 → 26,098), a -0.43% annualized rate.
The median household income in Carter County, Kentucky is $50,389, with mean (average) household income of $71,428 and per-capita income of $27,184. 16.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Carter County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.6%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%), Black or African American (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Carter County, Kentucky is 41.8 years. Residents are 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
The median home value in Carter County is $126,100 and median monthly rent is $701. 78.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 12,283 total housing units, 15.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Carter County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 30.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.0%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Carter 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.