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
The poverty rate is what most separates Knox County from the typical county: 31.7% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 30,034 residents, Knox County is a county in Kentucky. It ranks #35 among counties in Kentucky by population.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US counties: the median household earns just $33,153, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US counties: 31.7%, above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $109,200, with typical rent around $631.
Knox County is among the least college-educated US counties, at 13.5% — below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 9.9%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Knox County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
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+
Largest cities in Kentucky
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.