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
The poverty rate is what most separates Graves County from the typical county: 15.6% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 36,612 residents, Graves County is a county in Kentucky. It ranks #29 among counties in Kentucky by population.
The typical household earns $50,576, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 15.6% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $139,000, with typical rent around $713.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 17.4% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 7.4% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Graves County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
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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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.