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
Homeownership is the standout figure in Garrard County: 79.8% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. With 17,346 residents, Garrard County is a county in Kentucky.
The typical household here earns about $62,572, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 13.7% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $186,800, with typical rent around $793.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 19.1% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 11.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 34 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Garrard County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
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+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
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.
Garrard County, KY Climate
Garrard County, KY has an average annual temperature of 12.9°C (55°F) and receives about 1217 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
1217
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 33° | 82 mm |
| February | 3° / 37° | 89 mm |
| March | 8° / 46° | 115 mm |
| April | 12° / 54° | 106 mm |
| May | 17° / 63° | 123 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 107 mm |
| July | 24° / 76° | 117 mm |
| August | 24° / 74° | 99 mm |
| September | 20° / 68° | 100 mm |
| October | 14° / 57° | 72 mm |
| November | 8° / 46° | 98 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 109 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 Garrard County, KY
The most comfortable months to visit Garrard 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 -4°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Garrard County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.