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
Harlan County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 26,185. It ranks #44 among counties in Kentucky by population. The median age is 41.2, older than the national median. The population is 48.2% male and 51.8% female.
The median household income in Harlan County is $37,198, below the US median of $74,580. 22.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $73,100, with monthly rent averaging $651. The homeownership rate of 70.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Harlan County reflects 12.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.5 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+
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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.
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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.