Laurel County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 15th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Laurel County, Kentucky is 62,731 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 15th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $56,999, the median home value is $143,400, and the median age is 39.9.
The population of Laurel County has grown 7.4% since 2010 (58,993 → 63,353), a +0.51% annualized rate.
62,731
Population
+0.51%
Annual growth
145
People / sq mi
$56,999
Median Income
$143,400
Median Home Value
Laurel County covers 434 sq mi of land at 144.6 people per square mile.
About Laurel County, KY
Laurel County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 62,731. It ranks #15 among counties in Kentucky by population. The median age is 39.9, in line with the national median. The population is 49.4% male and 50.6% female.
The median household income in Laurel County is $56,999, below the US median of $74,580. 17.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $143,400, with monthly rent averaging $789. The homeownership rate of 71.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Laurel County reflects 16.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.7 minutes each way.
Laurel County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Laurel County had a population of 58,993 in 2010 and 63,353 in 2024, a 7.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 63,353 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.51%.
63,353
Population (2024)
58,993
Population (2010)
63,353
Peak (2024)
0.51%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 58,993 |
| 2011 | 59,364 |
| 2012 | 59,542 |
| 2013 | 59,714 |
| 2014 | 59,913 |
| 2015 | 59,937 |
| 2016 | 60,080 |
| 2017 | 60,343 |
| 2018 | 60,652 |
| 2019 | 60,842 |
| 2020 | 62,735 |
| 2021 | 62,582 |
| 2022 | 62,891 |
| 2023 | 63,352 |
| 2024 | 63,353 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.8% |
| Black or African American | 0.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.9
Median Age
50.6%
Female
49.4%
Male
16.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.9% · Seniors (65+): 16.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $56,999$-5,418 vs state |
| Mean household income | $71,463 |
| Per-capita income | $27,944 |
| Poverty rate | 17.4%+5.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Laurel County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
1.0%
Carpool
77.3%
Public transit
7.3%
Work from home
22.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$143,400$-48,900 vs state
Median home value
$789
Median rent
71.5%
Homeownership rate
26,705
Total housing units
89.3%
Occupied
10.7%
Vacant
28.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.8%
With health insurance
91.6%
With broadband internet
20.9%
Foreign-born
5.4%
Veterans (18+)
18.6%
With a disability
98.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
83.1%
High School+
16.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Laurel County, Kentucky has a population of 62,731 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 15th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 145 people per square mile.
The population of Laurel County has grown 7.4% since 2010 (58,993 → 63,353), a +0.51% annualized rate.
The median household income in Laurel County, Kentucky is $56,999, with mean (average) household income of $71,463 and per-capita income of $27,944. 17.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Laurel County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%), Black or African American (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Laurel County, Kentucky is 39.9 years. Residents are 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
The median home value in Laurel County is $143,400 and median monthly rent is $789. 71.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 26,705 total housing units, 10.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Laurel County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.0%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Laurel 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.