Garrard County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 66th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Garrard County, Kentucky is 17,346 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 66th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $62,572, the median home value is $186,800, and the median age is 42.9.
The population of Garrard County has grown 6.5% since 2010 (16,942 → 18,040), a +0.45% annualized rate.
17,346
Population
+0.45%
Annual growth
75
People / sq mi
$62,572
Median Income
$186,800
Median Home Value
Garrard County covers 230 sq mi of land at 75.4 people per square mile.
About Garrard County, KY
Garrard County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 17,346. It ranks #66 among counties in Kentucky by population. The median age is 42.9, older than the national median. The population is 49.0% male and 51.0% female.
The median household income in Garrard County is $62,572, below the US median of $74,580. 13.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $186,800, with monthly rent averaging $793. The homeownership rate of 79.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Garrard County reflects 19.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 11.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 33.6 minutes each way.
Garrard County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Garrard County had a population of 16,942 in 2010 and 18,040 in 2024, a 6.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 18,040 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.46%.
18,040
Population (2024)
16,942
Population (2010)
18,040
Peak (2024)
0.46%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 16,942 |
| 2011 | 16,869 |
| 2012 | 17,008 |
| 2013 | 16,995 |
| 2014 | 16,975 |
| 2015 | 17,212 |
| 2016 | 17,388 |
| 2017 | 17,452 |
| 2018 | 17,528 |
| 2019 | 17,684 |
| 2020 | 16,964 |
| 2021 | 17,368 |
| 2022 | 17,580 |
| 2023 | 17,888 |
| 2024 | 18,040 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.5% |
| Black or African American | 2.2% |
| Asian | 0.2% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.9
Median Age
51.0%
Female
49.0%
Male
18.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.8% · Seniors (65+): 18.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $62,572+$155 vs state |
| Mean household income | $78,139 |
| Per-capita income | $30,619 |
| Poverty rate | 13.7%+1.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Garrard County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
0.3%
Carpool
77.8%
Public transit
11.1%
Work from home
33.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$186,800$-5,500 vs state
Median home value
$793
Median rent
79.8%
Homeownership rate
7,272
Total housing units
91.1%
Occupied
8.9%
Vacant
20.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.8%
With health insurance
91.0%
With broadband internet
18.7%
Foreign-born
9.2%
Veterans (18+)
19.6%
With a disability
96.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.8%
High School+
19.1%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Garrard County, Kentucky has a population of 17,346 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 66th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 75 people per square mile.
The population of Garrard County has grown 6.5% since 2010 (16,942 → 18,040), a +0.45% annualized rate.
The median household income in Garrard County, Kentucky is $62,572, with mean (average) household income of $78,139 and per-capita income of $30,619. 13.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Garrard County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.5%), Black or African American (2.2%), 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 Garrard County, Kentucky is 42.9 years. Residents are 51.0% female and 49.0% male.
The median home value in Garrard County is $186,800 and median monthly rent is $793. 79.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,272 total housing units, 8.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Garrard County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.4%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Garrard 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.