Letcher County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 53rd-largest in Kentucky
The population of Letcher County, Kentucky is 21,146 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 53rd-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $40,501, the median home value is $70,500, and the median age is 43.3.
The population of Letcher County has declined 17.9% since 2010 (24,534 → 20,139), a -1.40% annualized rate.
21,146
Population
-1.40%
Annual growth
63
People / sq mi
$40,501
Median Income
$70,500
Median Home Value
Letcher County covers 338 sq mi of land at 62.6 people per square mile.
About Letcher County, KY
Letcher County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 21,146. It ranks #53 among counties in Kentucky by population. The median age is 43.3, older than the national median. The population is 49.9% male and 50.1% female.
The median household income in Letcher County is $40,501, below the US median of $74,580. 21.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $70,500, with monthly rent averaging $651. The homeownership rate of 72.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Letcher County reflects 13.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 28.0 minutes each way.
Letcher County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Letcher County had a population of 24,534 in 2010 and 20,139 in 2024, a -17.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 24,534 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.40%.
20,139
Population (2024)
24,534
Population (2010)
24,534
Peak (2010)
-1.40%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 24,534 |
| 2011 | 24,375 |
| 2012 | 24,009 |
| 2013 | 23,536 |
| 2014 | 23,352 |
| 2015 | 23,043 |
| 2016 | 22,765 |
| 2017 | 22,297 |
| 2018 | 21,847 |
| 2019 | 21,560 |
| 2020 | 21,468 |
| 2021 | 21,229 |
| 2022 | 20,792 |
| 2023 | 20,414 |
| 2024 | 20,139 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 97.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.3
Median Age
50.1%
Female
49.9%
Male
20.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.8% · Seniors (65+): 20.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $40,501$-21,916 vs state |
| Mean household income | $57,823 |
| Per-capita income | $24,260 |
| Poverty rate | 21.5%+9.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 40.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Letcher County is professional & business services, accounting for 37.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
2.4%
Carpool
73.9%
Public transit
7.4%
Work from home
28.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$70,500$-121,800 vs state
Median home value
$651
Median rent
72.6%
Homeownership rate
10,594
Total housing units
79.0%
Occupied
21.0%
Vacant
27.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.2%
With health insurance
87.5%
With broadband internet
14.2%
Foreign-born
5.8%
Veterans (18+)
30.1%
With a disability
99.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
79.8%
High School+
13.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Letcher County, Kentucky has a population of 21,146 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 53rd-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 63 people per square mile.
The population of Letcher County has declined 17.9% since 2010 (24,534 → 20,139), a -1.40% annualized rate.
The median household income in Letcher County, Kentucky is $40,501, with mean (average) household income of $57,823 and per-capita income of $24,260. 21.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Letcher County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (97.3%), Black or African American (0.7%), 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 Letcher County, Kentucky is 43.3 years. Residents are 50.1% female and 49.9% male.
The median home value in Letcher County is $70,500 and median monthly rent is $651. 72.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 10,594 total housing units, 21.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Letcher County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 37.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Letcher 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.