Lawrence County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 69th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Lawrence County, Kentucky is 16,171 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 69th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $45,584, the median home value is $108,100, and the median age is 42.0.
The population of Lawrence County has declined 0.4% since 2010 (15,856 → 15,798), a -0.03% annualized rate.
16,171
Population
-0.03%
Annual growth
39
People / sq mi
$45,584
Median Income
$108,100
Median Home Value
Lawrence County covers 416 sq mi of land at 38.9 people per square mile.
About Lawrence County, KY
The poverty rate is what most separates Lawrence County from the typical county: 18.2% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Lawrence County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 16,171.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $45,584, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 18.2%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $108,100, with typical rent around $729.
College attainment is 14.2%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 4.5%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Lawrence County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
Lawrence County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lawrence County had a population of 15,856 in 2010 and 15,798 in 2024, a -0.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 16,302 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: -0.01%.
15,798
Population (2024)
15,856
Population (2010)
16,302
Peak (2020)
-0.01%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 15,856 |
| 2011 | 15,931 |
| 2012 | 15,881 |
| 2013 | 15,893 |
| 2014 | 15,873 |
| 2015 | 15,861 |
| 2016 | 15,843 |
| 2017 | 15,757 |
| 2018 | 15,589 |
| 2019 | 15,395 |
| 2020 | 16,302 |
| 2021 | 16,273 |
| 2022 | 16,037 |
| 2023 | 15,974 |
| 2024 | 15,798 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 97.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.0
Median Age
50.9%
Female
49.1%
Male
19.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.8% · Seniors (65+): 19.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $45,584$-16,833 vs state |
| Mean household income | $62,255 |
| Per-capita income | $24,027 |
| Poverty rate | 18.2%+6.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 41.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lawrence County is professional & business services, accounting for 29.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
0.4%
Carpool
86.0%
Public transit
4.5%
Work from home
30.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$108,100$-84,200 vs state
Median home value
$729
Median rent
76.3%
Homeownership rate
7,575
Total housing units
81.2%
Occupied
18.8%
Vacant
23.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.9%
With health insurance
86.0%
With broadband internet
34.6%
Foreign-born
4.3%
Veterans (18+)
23.5%
With a disability
98.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
79.8%
High School+
14.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
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Part of Kentucky
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Lawrence County, Kentucky has a population of 16,171 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 69th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 39 people per square mile.
The population of Lawrence County has declined 0.4% since 2010 (15,856 → 15,798), a -0.03% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lawrence County, Kentucky is $45,584, with mean (average) household income of $62,255 and per-capita income of $24,027. 18.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lawrence County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (97.3%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lawrence County, Kentucky is 42.0 years. Residents are 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
The median home value in Lawrence County is $108,100 and median monthly rent is $729. 76.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,575 total housing units, 18.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lawrence County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 29.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Lawrence County, Kentucky, with a population of 627,210.
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Statewide data for Kentucky
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.