Knott County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 78th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Knott County, Kentucky is 14,046 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 78th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $37,736, the median home value is $74,600, and the median age is 44.4.
The population of Knott County has declined 17.8% since 2010 (16,350 → 13,438), a -1.39% annualized rate.
14,046
Population
-1.39%
Annual growth
40
People / sq mi
$37,736
Median Income
$74,600
Median Home Value
Knott County covers 352 sq mi of land at 40.0 people per square mile.
About Knott County, KY
In Knott County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $74,600. With 14,046 residents, Knott County is a county in Kentucky.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US counties: the median household earns just $37,736, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 21.6%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $74,600, with typical rent around $731.
College attainment is 17.8%, below the national 35.0%. About 8.9% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
Knott County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Knott County had a population of 16,350 in 2010 and 13,438 in 2024, a -17.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 16,350 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.39%.
13,438
Population (2024)
16,350
Population (2010)
16,350
Peak (2010)
-1.39%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 16,350 |
| 2011 | 16,306 |
| 2012 | 16,122 |
| 2013 | 16,090 |
| 2014 | 15,943 |
| 2015 | 15,681 |
| 2016 | 15,498 |
| 2017 | 15,243 |
| 2018 | 15,090 |
| 2019 | 14,861 |
| 2020 | 14,163 |
| 2021 | 14,040 |
| 2022 | 13,848 |
| 2023 | 13,660 |
| 2024 | 13,438 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 96.7% |
| Black or African American | 1.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.4
Median Age
50.3%
Female
49.7%
Male
20.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.4% · Seniors (65+): 20.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $37,736$-24,681 vs state |
| Mean household income | $54,045 |
| Per-capita income | $21,353 |
| Poverty rate | 21.6%+9.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 37.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Knott County is professional & business services, accounting for 38.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.4%
Drive alone
4.6%
Carpool
74.6%
Public transit
8.9%
Work from home
27.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$74,600$-117,700 vs state
Median home value
$731
Median rent
70.8%
Homeownership rate
6,695
Total housing units
81.4%
Occupied
18.6%
Vacant
29.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
98.0%
With health insurance
85.7%
With broadband internet
16.7%
Foreign-born
4.0%
Veterans (18+)
27.0%
With a disability
98.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
72.8%
High School+
17.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Knott County, Kentucky has a population of 14,046 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 78th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 40 people per square mile.
The population of Knott County has declined 17.8% since 2010 (16,350 → 13,438), a -1.39% annualized rate.
The median household income in Knott County, Kentucky is $37,736, with mean (average) household income of $54,045 and per-capita income of $21,353. 21.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Knott County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (96.7%), Black or African American (1.0%), Hispanic or Latino (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Knott County, Kentucky is 44.4 years. Residents are 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
The median home value in Knott County is $74,600 and median monthly rent is $731. 70.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,695 total housing units, 18.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Knott County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 38.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.9%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Knott County, Kentucky, with a population of 627,210.
Knott County, KY Climate
Knott County, KY has an average annual temperature of 12.3°C (54°F) and receives about 1155 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.3°C
Avg Temp
1155
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1° / 33° | 83 mm |
| February | 2° / 36° | 88 mm |
| March | 7° / 44° | 105 mm |
| April | 12° / 53° | 93 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 112 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 102 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 118 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 98 mm |
| September | 19° / 67° | 90 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 79 mm |
| November | 8° / 46° | 94 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 93 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 Knott County, KY
The most comfortable months to visit Knott County, KY are typically June, September 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 -5°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Knott County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.