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
The poverty rate is what most separates Laurel County from the typical county: 17.4% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 62,731 residents, Laurel County is a county in Kentucky. It ranks #15 among counties in Kentucky by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $56,999 — below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 17.4% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $143,400, with typical rent around $789.
College attainment is 16.5%, below the national 35.0%. About 7.3% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Laurel County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
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+
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Part of Kentucky
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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.