Graves County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 29th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Graves County, Kentucky is 36,612 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 29th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $50,576, the median home value is $139,000, and the median age is 40.0.
The population of Graves County has declined 1.2% since 2010 (37,254 → 36,821), a -0.08% annualized rate.
36,612
Population
-0.08%
Annual growth
66
People / sq mi
$50,576
Median Income
$139,000
Median Home Value
Graves County covers 552 sq mi of land at 66.4 people per square mile.
About Graves County, KY
Graves County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 36,612. It ranks #29 among counties in Kentucky by population. The median age is 40.0, in line with the national median. The population is 49.5% male and 50.5% female.
The median household income in Graves County is $50,576, below the US median of $74,580. 15.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $139,000, with monthly rent averaging $713. The homeownership rate of 76.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Graves County reflects 17.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 20.9 minutes each way.
Graves County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Graves County had a population of 37,254 in 2010 and 36,821 in 2024, a -1.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 37,608 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.08%.
36,821
Population (2024)
37,254
Population (2010)
37,608
Peak (2011)
-0.08%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 37,254 |
| 2011 | 37,608 |
| 2012 | 37,566 |
| 2013 | 37,408 |
| 2014 | 37,584 |
| 2015 | 37,249 |
| 2016 | 37,217 |
| 2017 | 37,160 |
| 2018 | 37,260 |
| 2019 | 37,170 |
| 2020 | 36,530 |
| 2021 | 36,665 |
| 2022 | 36,532 |
| 2023 | 36,600 |
| 2024 | 36,821 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 86.5% |
| Black or African American | 4.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.0
Median Age
50.5%
Female
49.5%
Male
18.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.4% · Seniors (65+): 18.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $50,576$-11,841 vs state |
| Mean household income | $72,233 |
| Per-capita income | $29,608 |
| Poverty rate | 15.6%+3.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Graves County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.4%
Carpool
82.6%
Public transit
7.4%
Work from home
20.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$139,000$-53,300 vs state
Median home value
$713
Median rent
76.4%
Homeownership rate
16,437
Total housing units
86.1%
Occupied
13.9%
Vacant
23.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.9%
With health insurance
91.0%
With broadband internet
25.5%
Foreign-born
6.9%
Veterans (18+)
18.9%
With a disability
94.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.7%
High School+
17.4%
Bachelor's+
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Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Graves County, Kentucky has a population of 36,612 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 29th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 66 people per square mile.
The population of Graves County has declined 1.2% since 2010 (37,254 → 36,821), a -0.08% annualized rate.
The median household income in Graves County, Kentucky is $50,576, with mean (average) household income of $72,233 and per-capita income of $29,608. 15.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Graves County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (86.5%), Black or African American (4.1%), 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 Graves County, Kentucky is 40.0 years. Residents are 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
The median home value in Graves County is $139,000 and median monthly rent is $713. 76.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 16,437 total housing units, 13.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Graves County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.2%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Graves 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.