Harlan County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 44th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Harlan County, Kentucky is 26,185 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 44th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $37,198, the median home value is $73,100, and the median age is 41.2.
The population of Harlan County has declined 14.3% since 2010 (29,223 → 25,052), a -1.09% annualized rate.
26,185
Population
-1.09%
Annual growth
56
People / sq mi
$37,198
Median Income
$73,100
Median Home Value
Harlan County covers 466 sq mi of land at 56.2 people per square mile.
About Harlan County, KY
In Harlan County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $73,100. With 26,185 residents, Harlan County is a county in Kentucky. It ranks #44 among counties in Kentucky by population.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $37,198, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 22.2%, poverty is near the top of the range for US counties, above the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $73,100, with typical rent around $651.
College credentials are comparatively rare here: just 12.7%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 5.7%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
Harlan County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Harlan County had a population of 29,223 in 2010 and 25,052 in 2024, a -14.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 29,223 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.09%.
25,052
Population (2024)
29,223
Population (2010)
29,223
Peak (2010)
-1.09%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 29,223 |
| 2011 | 29,129 |
| 2012 | 28,686 |
| 2013 | 28,494 |
| 2014 | 28,018 |
| 2015 | 27,509 |
| 2016 | 26,986 |
| 2017 | 26,687 |
| 2018 | 26,338 |
| 2019 | 25,960 |
| 2020 | 26,758 |
| 2021 | 26,139 |
| 2022 | 25,610 |
| 2023 | 25,302 |
| 2024 | 25,052 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.3% |
| Black or African American | 1.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.2
Median Age
51.8%
Female
48.2%
Male
19.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.5% · Seniors (65+): 19.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $37,198$-25,219 vs state |
| Mean household income | $53,481 |
| Per-capita income | $21,681 |
| Poverty rate | 22.2%+10.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 35.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Harlan County is professional & business services, accounting for 32.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
1.6%
Carpool
74.9%
Public transit
5.7%
Work from home
23.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$73,100$-119,200 vs state
Median home value
$651
Median rent
70.8%
Homeownership rate
13,012
Total housing units
80.7%
Occupied
19.3%
Vacant
29.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.3%
With health insurance
87.7%
With broadband internet
15.4%
Foreign-born
6.1%
Veterans (18+)
27.3%
With a disability
99.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
79.2%
High School+
12.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Harlan County, Kentucky has a population of 26,185 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 44th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 56 people per square mile.
The population of Harlan County has declined 14.3% since 2010 (29,223 → 25,052), a -1.09% annualized rate.
The median household income in Harlan County, Kentucky is $37,198, with mean (average) household income of $53,481 and per-capita income of $21,681. 22.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Harlan County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.9%), Black or African American (1.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Harlan County, Kentucky is 41.2 years. Residents are 51.8% female and 48.2% male.
The median home value in Harlan County is $73,100 and median monthly rent is $651. 70.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 13,012 total housing units, 19.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Harlan County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 32.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.4%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Harlan County, Kentucky, with a population of 627,210.
Harlan County, KY Climate
Harlan County, KY has an average annual temperature of 11.8°C (53°F) and receives about 1266 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.8°C
Avg Temp
1266
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 33° | 100 mm |
| February | 2° / 36° | 100 mm |
| March | 7° / 44° | 117 mm |
| April | 11° / 52° | 104 mm |
| May | 16° / 60° | 125 mm |
| June | 20° / 68° | 110 mm |
| July | 22° / 72° | 123 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 104 mm |
| September | 19° / 66° | 91 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 83 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 103 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 106 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 Harlan County, KY
The most comfortable months to visit Harlan County, KY are typically August, June and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Harlan County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.