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
What distinguishes Kenton County is density: among the most densely settled of US counties, around 1,059 people per square mile. With 169,817 residents, Kenton County is a county in Kentucky. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Kentucky in the country, at #3 by population.
Households take in a median $79,421, comfortably near the US median of $78,538. About 7.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $227,500, with typical rent around $1,018.
About 37.6% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, above the 35.0% national figure. A solid 13.1% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Kenton County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
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+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
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.
Kenton County, KY Climate
Kenton County, KY has an average annual temperature of 11.9°C (53°F) and receives about 1094 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.9°C
Avg Temp
1094
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -2° / 29° | 72 mm |
| February | 1° / 33° | 70 mm |
| March | 6° / 43° | 105 mm |
| April | 11° / 53° | 103 mm |
| May | 17° / 63° | 117 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 102 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 102 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 98 mm |
| September | 19° / 67° | 78 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 75 mm |
| November | 7° / 44° | 88 mm |
| December | 1° / 34° | 84 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 Kenton County, KY
The most comfortable months to visit Kenton County, KY are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -6°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Kenton County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.