Fayette County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 2nd-largest in Kentucky
The population of Fayette County, Kentucky is 321,122 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 2nd-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $67,631, the median home value is $272,100, and the median age is 35.2.
The population of Fayette County has grown 11.0% since 2010 (296,868 → 329,437), a +0.75% annualized rate.
321,122
Population
+0.75%
Annual growth
1131
People / sq mi
$67,631
Median Income
$272,100
Median Home Value
Fayette County covers 284 sq mi of land at 1131.3 people per square mile.
About Fayette County, KY
Homeownership is the standout figure in Fayette County: 53.6% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. With 321,122 residents, Fayette County is a county in Kentucky. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Kentucky in the country, at #2 by population.
The typical household here earns about $67,631, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 9.4%, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $272,100, with typical rent around $1,101.
Fayette County is among the best-educated US counties: 47.3% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. A solid 10.9% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Fayette County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Fayette County had a population of 296,868 in 2010 and 329,437 in 2024, a 11.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 329,437 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.75%.
329,437
Population (2024)
296,868
Population (2010)
329,437
Peak (2024)
0.75%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 296,868 |
| 2011 | 301,766 |
| 2012 | 306,062 |
| 2013 | 310,025 |
| 2014 | 311,992 |
| 2015 | 316,079 |
| 2016 | 318,190 |
| 2017 | 321,554 |
| 2018 | 322,597 |
| 2019 | 323,922 |
| 2020 | 322,628 |
| 2021 | 320,431 |
| 2022 | 321,505 |
| 2023 | 324,624 |
| 2024 | 329,437 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 69.9% |
| Black or African American | 14.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
35.2
Median Age
50.8%
Female
49.2%
Male
14.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.4% · Seniors (65+): 14.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $67,631+$5,214 vs state |
| Mean household income | $98,429 |
| Per-capita income | $42,272 |
| Poverty rate | 9.4%-2.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 64.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Fayette County is professional & business services, accounting for 29.7% of workers.
How residents commute
1.3%
Drive alone
3.0%
Carpool
74.8%
Public transit
10.9%
Work from home
20.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$272,100+$79,800 vs state
Median home value
$1,101
Median rent
53.6%
Homeownership rate
147,720
Total housing units
93.3%
Occupied
6.7%
Vacant
46.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.2%
With health insurance
96.2%
With broadband internet
30.1%
Foreign-born
5.5%
Veterans (18+)
12.8%
With a disability
85.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.4%
High School+
47.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Fayette County, Kentucky has a population of 321,122 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 2nd-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 1131 people per square mile.
The population of Fayette County has grown 11.0% since 2010 (296,868 → 329,437), a +0.75% annualized rate.
The median household income in Fayette County, Kentucky is $67,631, with mean (average) household income of $98,429 and per-capita income of $42,272. 9.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Fayette County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (69.9%), Black or African American (14.4%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Fayette County, Kentucky is 35.2 years. Residents are 50.8% female and 49.2% male.
The median home value in Fayette County is $272,100 and median monthly rent is $1,101. 53.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 147,720 total housing units, 6.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Fayette County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 29.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.4%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Fayette County, Kentucky, with a population of 627,210.
Fayette County, KY Climate
Fayette County, KY has an average annual temperature of 12.9°C (55°F) and receives about 1165 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.9°C
Avg Temp
1165
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 31° | 78 mm |
| February | 2° / 36° | 82 mm |
| March | 7° / 45° | 113 mm |
| April | 13° / 55° | 102 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 120 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 108 mm |
| July | 25° / 76° | 118 mm |
| August | 24° / 75° | 97 mm |
| September | 20° / 69° | 86 mm |
| October | 14° / 57° | 70 mm |
| November | 8° / 46° | 89 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 102 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 Fayette County, KY
The most comfortable months to visit Fayette County, KY are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Fayette County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.