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Population Review

Franklin County, Kentucky Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 19th-largest in Kentucky

The population of Franklin County, Kentucky is 51,563 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 19th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $66,470, the median home value is $198,700, and the median age is 40.6.

The population of Franklin County has grown 6.5% since 2010 (49,248 → 52,442), a +0.45% annualized rate.

Franklin County within Kentucky · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

51,563

Population

+0.45%

Annual growth

248

People / sq mi

$66,470

Median Income

$198,700

Median Home Value

Franklin County covers 208 sq mi of land at 248.0 people per square mile.

About Franklin County, KY

Homeownership is the standout figure in Franklin County: 64.4% of homes are owner-occupied, close to the national rate. Franklin County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 51,563. It ranks #19 among counties in Kentucky by population.

The typical household here earns about $66,470, below the US median of $78,538. About 10.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $198,700, with typical rent around $946.

About 31.8% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, below the 35.0% national figure. A solid 13.2% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.

Franklin County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Franklin County had a population of 49,248 in 2010 and 52,442 in 2024, a 6.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 52,442 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.45%.

2024 · 52K20102024
Franklin County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

52,442

Population (2024)

49,248

Population (2010)

52,442

Peak (2024)

0.45%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201049,248
201149,312
201249,455
201349,482
201449,738
201550,090
201650,344
201750,564
201850,807
201950,887
202051,603
202151,721
202251,617
202351,826
202452,442

Race & Ethnicity

White81.7%
Black or African American9.2%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.1%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

40.6

Median Age

51.6%

Female

48.4%

Male

18.4%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.5%
5–9
5.2%
10–14
6.6%
15–19
6.6%
20–24
5.9%
25–34
13.5%
35–44
12.3%
45–54
12.7%
55–59
7.2%
60–64
6.2%
65–74
11.6%
75–84
5.7%
85+
1.1%

Children (under 15): 17.3% · Seniors (65+): 18.4%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$66,470+$4,053 vs state
Mean household income$90,766
Per-capita income$40,031
Poverty rate10.5%-1.3% vs state
Unemployment rate3.5%
Employment-to-population58.1%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
18.2%
Public administration
18.1%
Manufacturing
11.7%
Education & health care
10.5%
Finance & real estate
10.0%
Construction
6.7%
Retail trade
4.1%
Information
4.0%

The largest employment sector in Franklin County is professional & business services, accounting for 18.2% of workers.

How residents commute

1.1%

Drive alone

1.9%

Carpool

74.1%

Public transit

13.2%

Work from home

19.8 min

Avg commute

Housing

$198,700+$6,400 vs state

Median home value

$946

Median rent

64.4%

Homeownership rate

24,082

Total housing units

93.6%

Occupied

6.4%

Vacant

35.6%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

93.9%

With health insurance

95.4%

With broadband internet

24.1%

Foreign-born

6.6%

Veterans (18+)

17.1%

With a disability

93.6%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

92.5%

High School+

31.8%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Kentucky

Other counties in Kentucky

Part of Kentucky

Metro areas in Kentucky

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Franklin County, Kentucky has a population of 51,563 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 19th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 248 people per square mile.

The population of Franklin County has grown 6.5% since 2010 (49,248 → 52,442), a +0.45% annualized rate.

The median household income in Franklin County, Kentucky is $66,470, with mean (average) household income of $90,766 and per-capita income of $40,031. 10.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Franklin County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (81.7%), Black or African American (9.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Franklin County, Kentucky is 40.6 years. Residents are 51.6% female and 48.4% male.

The median home value in Franklin County is $198,700 and median monthly rent is $946. 64.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 24,082 total housing units, 6.4% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Franklin County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 18.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.

Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Franklin County, Kentucky, with a population of 627,210.


Franklin County, KY Climate

Franklin County, KY has an average annual temperature of 12.7°C (55°F) and receives about 1141 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.

12.7°C

Avg Temp

1141

Precip (mm/yr)

Jul

Hottest Month

Jan

Coldest Month

-10°0°10°20°30°120mmJFMAMJJASOND
Avg temp (°C) Precipitation (mm)
Franklin County, KY — monthly temperature & precipitation (1970–2000 normals) · Source: WorldClim 2.1
MonthAvg (°C/°F)Precip
January0° / 31°79 mm
February2° / 35°80 mm
March7° / 45°108 mm
April12° / 54°101 mm
May18° / 64°120 mm
June22° / 72°110 mm
July25° / 76°111 mm
August24° / 75°94 mm
September20° / 68°84 mm
October14° / 56°71 mm
November8° / 46°86 mm
December2° / 36°97 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 Franklin County, KY

The most comfortable months to visit Franklin 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.

SeptemberJuneAugust

Where to stay near Franklin County

Visiting or relocating to Franklin County, KY? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.

Top-rated places to stay near Franklin County

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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.