Kenton County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 3rd-largest in Kentucky
The population of Kenton County, Kentucky is 169,817 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $79,421, the median home value is $227,500, and the median age is 37.8.
The population of Kenton County has grown 9.3% since 2010 (159,967 → 174,862), a +0.64% annualized rate.
169,817
Population
+0.64%
Annual growth
1059
People / sq mi
$79,421
Median Income
$227,500
Median Home Value
Kenton County covers 160 sq mi of land at 1058.9 people per square mile.
About Kenton County, KY
Kenton County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 169,817. It ranks #3 among counties in Kentucky by population. The median age is 37.8, in line with the national median. The population is 49.8% male and 50.2% female.
The median household income in Kenton County is $79,421, above the US median of $74,580. 7.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $227,500, with monthly rent averaging $1,018. The homeownership rate of 70.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Kenton County reflects 37.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 13.1% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.7 minutes each way.
Kenton County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Kenton County had a population of 159,967 in 2010 and 174,862 in 2024, a 9.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 174,862 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.64%.
174,862
Population (2024)
159,967
Population (2010)
174,862
Peak (2024)
0.64%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 159,967 |
| 2011 | 160,562 |
| 2012 | 161,774 |
| 2013 | 163,228 |
| 2014 | 163,741 |
| 2015 | 164,627 |
| 2016 | 165,144 |
| 2017 | 165,835 |
| 2018 | 166,501 |
| 2019 | 167,333 |
| 2020 | 169,276 |
| 2021 | 169,641 |
| 2022 | 170,413 |
| 2023 | 172,248 |
| 2024 | 174,862 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.1% |
| Black or African American | 4.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
37.8
Median Age
50.2%
Female
49.8%
Male
15.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.5% · Seniors (65+): 15.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $79,421+$17,004 vs state |
| Mean household income | $104,860 |
| Per-capita income | $42,623 |
| Poverty rate | 7.8%-4.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 66.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Kenton County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.8% of workers.
How residents commute
1.1%
Drive alone
1.4%
Carpool
75.6%
Public transit
13.1%
Work from home
22.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$227,500+$35,200 vs state
Median home value
$1,018
Median rent
70.0%
Homeownership rate
72,896
Total housing units
92.7%
Occupied
7.3%
Vacant
30.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.5%
With health insurance
95.3%
With broadband internet
37.6%
Foreign-born
6.0%
Veterans (18+)
13.2%
With a disability
94.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.5%
High School+
37.6%
Bachelor's+
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Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Kenton County, Kentucky has a population of 169,817 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 1059 people per square mile.
The population of Kenton County has grown 9.3% since 2010 (159,967 → 174,862), a +0.64% annualized rate.
The median household income in Kenton County, Kentucky is $79,421, with mean (average) household income of $104,860 and per-capita income of $42,623. 7.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Kenton County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.1%), Black or African American (4.2%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Kenton County, Kentucky is 37.8 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
The median home value in Kenton County is $227,500 and median monthly rent is $1,018. 70.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 72,896 total housing units, 7.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Kenton County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Kenton 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.