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
In Letcher County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $70,500. With 21,146 residents, Letcher County is a county in Kentucky.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $40,501, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US counties: 21.5%, above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $70,500, with typical rent around $651.
College credentials are comparatively rare here: just 13.7%, below the national 35.0%. Around 7.4% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 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.
Letcher County, KY Climate
Letcher County, KY has an average annual temperature of 12.4°C (54°F) and receives about 1133 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.4°C
Avg Temp
1133
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1° / 34° | 86 mm |
| February | 3° / 37° | 88 mm |
| March | 7° / 45° | 105 mm |
| April | 12° / 54° | 94 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 111 mm |
| June | 21° / 69° | 100 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 110 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 96 mm |
| September | 19° / 67° | 87 mm |
| October | 13° / 56° | 77 mm |
| November | 8° / 46° | 90 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 89 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Letcher County, KY
The most comfortable months to visit Letcher County, KY are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -4°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Letcher County
Visiting or relocating to Letcher County, KY? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Letcher County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.