Jefferson County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 1st-largest in Kentucky
The population of Jefferson County, Kentucky is 777,392 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 1st-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $67,849, the median home value is $237,200, and the median age is 38.4.
The population of Jefferson County has grown 7.0% since 2010 (742,096 → 793,881), a +0.48% annualized rate.
777,392
Population
+0.48%
Annual growth
2041
People / sq mi
$67,849
Median Income
$237,200
Median Home Value
Jefferson County covers 381 sq mi of land at 2041.3 people per square mile.
About Jefferson County, KY
Jefferson County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 2,041 people per square mile. Jefferson County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 777,392. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Kentucky in the country, at #1 by population.
The typical household here earns about $67,849, below the US median of $78,538. About 10.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $237,200, with typical rent around $1,097.
About 36.6% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, near the 35.0% national figure. A solid 12.4% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Jefferson County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Jefferson County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Jefferson County had a population of 742,096 in 2010 and 793,881 in 2024, a 7.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 793,881 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.49%.
793,881
Population (2024)
742,096
Population (2010)
793,881
Peak (2024)
0.49%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 742,096 |
| 2011 | 746,458 |
| 2012 | 751,802 |
| 2013 | 759,427 |
| 2014 | 762,038 |
| 2015 | 765,322 |
| 2016 | 767,770 |
| 2017 | 770,383 |
| 2018 | 768,706 |
| 2019 | 767,785 |
| 2020 | 782,896 |
| 2021 | 777,624 |
| 2022 | 777,329 |
| 2023 | 783,381 |
| 2024 | 793,881 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 65.3% |
| Black or African American | 22.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.4
Median Age
51.4%
Female
48.6%
Male
16.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.5% · Seniors (65+): 16.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $67,849+$5,432 vs state |
| Mean household income | $95,889 |
| Per-capita income | $41,267 |
| Poverty rate | 10.6%-1.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 62.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Jefferson County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.5% of workers.
How residents commute
1.9%
Drive alone
1.9%
Carpool
73.7%
Public transit
12.4%
Work from home
22.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$237,200+$44,900 vs state
Median home value
$1,097
Median rent
61.8%
Homeownership rate
357,923
Total housing units
92.0%
Occupied
8.0%
Vacant
38.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.4%
With health insurance
94.4%
With broadband internet
24.2%
Foreign-born
6.4%
Veterans (18+)
14.3%
With a disability
88.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.5%
High School+
36.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
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County rankings
Common questions about Jefferson County, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Jefferson County, Kentucky has a population of 777,392 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 1st-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 2041 people per square mile.
The population of Jefferson County has grown 7.0% since 2010 (742,096 → 793,881), a +0.48% annualized rate.
The median household income in Jefferson County, Kentucky is $67,849, with mean (average) household income of $95,889 and per-capita income of $41,267. 10.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Jefferson County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (65.3%), Black or African American (22.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Jefferson County, Kentucky is 38.4 years. Residents are 51.4% female and 48.6% male.
The median home value in Jefferson County is $237,200 and median monthly rent is $1,097. 61.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 357,923 total housing units, 8.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Jefferson County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Jefferson County, Kentucky, with a population of 627,210.
Jefferson County, KY Climate
Jefferson County, KY has an average annual temperature of 13.6°C (56°F) and receives about 1168 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13.6°C
Avg Temp
1168
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 33° | 82 mm |
| February | 3° / 37° | 84 mm |
| March | 8° / 46° | 111 mm |
| April | 14° / 56° | 109 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 121 mm |
| June | 23° / 74° | 100 mm |
| July | 26° / 78° | 115 mm |
| August | 25° / 76° | 95 mm |
| September | 21° / 70° | 78 mm |
| October | 14° / 58° | 74 mm |
| November | 8° / 47° | 98 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 101 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 Jefferson County, KY
The most comfortable months to visit Jefferson County, KY are typically September, June and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -4°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Jefferson County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.