Lee County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 111th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Lee County, Kentucky is 7,375 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 111th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $34,182, the median home value is $82,100, and the median age is 43.4.
The population of Lee County has declined 5.2% since 2010 (7,714 → 7,313), a -0.38% annualized rate.
7,375
Population
-0.38%
Annual growth
35
People / sq mi
$34,182
Median Income
$82,100
Median Home Value
Lee County covers 209 sq mi of land at 35.3 people per square mile.
About Lee County, KY
Educational attainment is the headline number in Lee County: 7.5% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. With 7,375 residents, Lee County is a county in Kentucky.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $34,182, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 21.2%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $82,100, with typical rent around $593.
College credentials are comparatively rare here: just 7.5%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 6.4%, and the average commute runs about 42 minutes each way.
Lee County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lee County had a population of 7,714 in 2010 and 7,313 in 2024, a -5.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 7,714 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.35%.
7,313
Population (2024)
7,714
Population (2010)
7,714
Peak (2010)
-0.35%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 7,714 |
| 2011 | 7,706 |
| 2012 | 7,582 |
| 2013 | 7,147 |
| 2014 | 7,069 |
| 2015 | 7,023 |
| 2016 | 6,885 |
| 2017 | 6,860 |
| 2018 | 7,038 |
| 2019 | 7,390 |
| 2020 | 7,364 |
| 2021 | 7,457 |
| 2022 | 7,259 |
| 2023 | 7,301 |
| 2024 | 7,313 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.5% |
| Black or African American | 2.1% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.4
Median Age
42.9%
Female
57.1%
Male
19.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.7% · Seniors (65+): 19.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $34,182$-28,235 vs state |
| Mean household income | $50,023 |
| Per-capita income | $19,697 |
| Poverty rate | 21.2%+9.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 38.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lee County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
2.0%
Carpool
75.2%
Public transit
6.4%
Work from home
42.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$82,100$-110,200 vs state
Median home value
$593
Median rent
75.0%
Homeownership rate
3,227
Total housing units
80.8%
Occupied
19.2%
Vacant
25.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.1%
With health insurance
82.3%
With broadband internet
19.6%
Foreign-born
6.6%
Veterans (18+)
28.8%
With a disability
99.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
74.2%
High School+
7.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Lee County, Kentucky has a population of 7,375 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 111th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 35 people per square mile.
The population of Lee County has declined 5.2% since 2010 (7,714 → 7,313), a -0.38% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lee County, Kentucky is $34,182, with mean (average) household income of $50,023 and per-capita income of $19,697. 21.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lee County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.5%), Hispanic or Latino (2.2%), Black or African American (2.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lee County, Kentucky is 43.4 years. Residents are 42.9% female and 57.1% male.
The median home value in Lee County is $82,100 and median monthly rent is $593. 75.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,227 total housing units, 19.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lee County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.9%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Lee County, Kentucky, with a population of 627,210.
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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.