Estill County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 77th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Estill County, Kentucky is 14,079 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 77th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $43,905, the median home value is $111,900, and the median age is 44.3.
The population of Estill County has declined 4.9% since 2010 (14,722 → 14,002), a -0.36% annualized rate.
14,079
Population
-0.36%
Annual growth
56
People / sq mi
$43,905
Median Income
$111,900
Median Home Value
Estill County covers 253 sq mi of land at 55.6 people per square mile.
About Estill County, KY
Educational attainment is the headline number in Estill County: 9.9% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. With 14,079 residents, Estill County is a county in Kentucky.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $43,905, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 16.8% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $111,900, with typical rent around $689.
College credentials are comparatively rare here: just 9.9%, below the national 35.0%. Just 4.3% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 35 minutes each way.
Estill County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Estill County had a population of 14,722 in 2010 and 14,002 in 2024, a -4.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 14,722 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.36%.
14,002
Population (2024)
14,722
Population (2010)
14,722
Peak (2010)
-0.36%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 14,722 |
| 2011 | 14,662 |
| 2012 | 14,512 |
| 2013 | 14,492 |
| 2014 | 14,451 |
| 2015 | 14,381 |
| 2016 | 14,332 |
| 2017 | 14,186 |
| 2018 | 14,164 |
| 2019 | 14,143 |
| 2020 | 14,160 |
| 2021 | 14,083 |
| 2022 | 13,994 |
| 2023 | 13,937 |
| 2024 | 14,002 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 96.4% |
| Black or African American | 0.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.3
Median Age
50.2%
Female
49.8%
Male
19.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.1% · Seniors (65+): 19.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $43,905$-18,512 vs state |
| Mean household income | $57,737 |
| Per-capita income | $24,142 |
| Poverty rate | 16.8%+5.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 44.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Estill County is manufacturing, accounting for 25.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
4.4%
Carpool
73.8%
Public transit
4.3%
Work from home
34.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$111,900$-80,400 vs state
Median home value
$689
Median rent
72.4%
Homeownership rate
6,847
Total housing units
86.2%
Occupied
13.8%
Vacant
27.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.8%
With health insurance
84.6%
With broadband internet
12.3%
Foreign-born
5.6%
Veterans (18+)
26.3%
With a disability
98.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
78.1%
High School+
9.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Estill County, Kentucky has a population of 14,079 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 77th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 56 people per square mile.
The population of Estill County has declined 4.9% since 2010 (14,722 → 14,002), a -0.36% annualized rate.
The median household income in Estill County, Kentucky is $43,905, with mean (average) household income of $57,737 and per-capita income of $24,142. 16.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Estill County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (96.4%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%), Black or African American (0.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Estill County, Kentucky is 44.3 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
The median home value in Estill County is $111,900 and median monthly rent is $689. 72.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,847 total housing units, 13.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Estill County, Kentucky is manufacturing, employing 25.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.4%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Estill County, Kentucky, with a population of 627,210.
Estill County, KY Climate
Estill County, KY has an average annual temperature of 12.8°C (55°F) and receives about 1186 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.8°C
Avg Temp
1186
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 33° | 79 mm |
| February | 2° / 36° | 86 mm |
| March | 7° / 45° | 108 mm |
| April | 12° / 54° | 104 mm |
| May | 17° / 63° | 118 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 102 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 123 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 101 mm |
| September | 20° / 68° | 92 mm |
| October | 14° / 57° | 73 mm |
| November | 8° / 47° | 96 mm |
| December | 3° / 38° | 104 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Estill County, KY
The most comfortable months to visit Estill County, KY are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Estill County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.