Knox County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 35th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Knox County, Kentucky is 30,034 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 35th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $33,153, the median home value is $109,200, and the median age is 39.8.
The population of Knox County has declined 6.9% since 2010 (31,846 → 29,657), a -0.51% annualized rate.
30,034
Population
-0.51%
Annual growth
78
People / sq mi
$33,153
Median Income
$109,200
Median Home Value
Knox County covers 386 sq mi of land at 77.7 people per square mile.
About Knox County, KY
Knox County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 30,034. It ranks #35 among counties in Kentucky by population. The median age is 39.8, in line with the national median. The population is 48.5% male and 51.5% female.
The median household income in Knox County is $33,153, below the US median of $74,580. 31.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $109,200, with monthly rent averaging $631. The homeownership rate of 65.6% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Knox County reflects 13.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 9.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 25.7 minutes each way.
Knox County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Knox County had a population of 31,846 in 2010 and 29,657 in 2024, a -6.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 31,875 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.50%.
29,657
Population (2024)
31,846
Population (2010)
31,875
Peak (2011)
-0.50%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 31,846 |
| 2011 | 31,875 |
| 2012 | 31,493 |
| 2013 | 31,637 |
| 2014 | 31,542 |
| 2015 | 31,467 |
| 2016 | 31,481 |
| 2017 | 31,461 |
| 2018 | 31,326 |
| 2019 | 31,151 |
| 2020 | 30,185 |
| 2021 | 30,028 |
| 2022 | 29,734 |
| 2023 | 29,723 |
| 2024 | 29,657 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.7% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.8
Median Age
51.5%
Female
48.5%
Male
17.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.6% · Seniors (65+): 17.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $33,153$-29,264 vs state |
| Mean household income | $53,217 |
| Per-capita income | $21,277 |
| Poverty rate | 31.7%+19.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 37.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Knox County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.0%
Carpool
78.1%
Public transit
9.9%
Work from home
25.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$109,200$-83,100 vs state
Median home value
$631
Median rent
65.6%
Homeownership rate
13,824
Total housing units
81.9%
Occupied
18.1%
Vacant
34.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.5%
With health insurance
88.0%
With broadband internet
17.2%
Foreign-born
4.4%
Veterans (18+)
23.8%
With a disability
98.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
75.7%
High School+
13.5%
Bachelor's+
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Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Knox County, Kentucky has a population of 30,034 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 35th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 78 people per square mile.
The population of Knox County has declined 6.9% since 2010 (31,846 → 29,657), a -0.51% annualized rate.
The median household income in Knox County, Kentucky is $33,153, with mean (average) household income of $53,217 and per-capita income of $21,277. 31.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Knox County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.7%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%), Black or African American (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Knox County, Kentucky is 39.8 years. Residents are 51.5% female and 48.5% male.
The median home value in Knox County is $109,200 and median monthly rent is $631. 65.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 13,824 total housing units, 18.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Knox County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Knox 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.