Lewis County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 83rd-largest in Kentucky
The population of Lewis County, Kentucky is 13,028 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 83rd-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $41,632, the median home value is $86,100, and the median age is 42.1.
The population of Lewis County has declined 6.9% since 2010 (13,836 → 12,875), a -0.51% annualized rate.
13,028
Population
-0.51%
Annual growth
27
People / sq mi
$41,632
Median Income
$86,100
Median Home Value
Lewis County covers 483 sq mi of land at 27.0 people per square mile.
About Lewis County, KY
Educational attainment is the headline number in Lewis County: 11.3% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. Lewis County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 13,028.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $41,632, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 16.6% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $86,100, with typical rent around $757.
Lewis County is among the least college-educated US counties, at 11.3% — below the national 35.0%. A solid 10.6% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 42 minutes each way.
Lewis County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lewis County had a population of 13,836 in 2010 and 12,875 in 2024, a -6.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 13,840 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: -0.51%.
12,875
Population (2024)
13,836
Population (2010)
13,840
Peak (2012)
-0.51%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 13,836 |
| 2011 | 13,838 |
| 2012 | 13,840 |
| 2013 | 13,755 |
| 2014 | 13,832 |
| 2015 | 13,666 |
| 2016 | 13,514 |
| 2017 | 13,369 |
| 2018 | 13,269 |
| 2019 | 13,309 |
| 2020 | 13,088 |
| 2021 | 12,982 |
| 2022 | 12,924 |
| 2023 | 12,956 |
| 2024 | 12,875 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 97.0% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.2% |
Age & Sex
42.1
Median Age
50.2%
Female
49.8%
Male
19.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.1% · Seniors (65+): 19.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $41,632$-20,785 vs state |
| Mean household income | $58,763 |
| Per-capita income | $23,486 |
| Poverty rate | 16.6%+4.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 41.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lewis County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
0.9%
Carpool
77.4%
Public transit
10.6%
Work from home
42.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$86,100$-106,200 vs state
Median home value
$757
Median rent
79.0%
Homeownership rate
6,072
Total housing units
80.8%
Occupied
19.2%
Vacant
21.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.5%
With health insurance
87.8%
With broadband internet
42.8%
Foreign-born
6.9%
Veterans (18+)
21.4%
With a disability
99.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
80.6%
High School+
11.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Lewis County, Kentucky has a population of 13,028 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 83rd-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 27 people per square mile.
The population of Lewis County has declined 6.9% since 2010 (13,836 → 12,875), a -0.51% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lewis County, Kentucky is $41,632, with mean (average) household income of $58,763 and per-capita income of $23,486. 16.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lewis County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (97.0%), Two or more races (0.2%), Hispanic or Latino (0.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lewis County, Kentucky is 42.1 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
The median home value in Lewis County is $86,100 and median monthly rent is $757. 79.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,072 total housing units, 19.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lewis County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.4%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Lewis County, Kentucky, with a population of 627,210.
Lewis County, KY Climate
Lewis County, KY has an average annual temperature of 11.8°C (53°F) and receives about 1120 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.8°C
Avg Temp
1120
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -1° / 30° | 73 mm |
| February | 1° / 33° | 75 mm |
| March | 6° / 43° | 103 mm |
| April | 12° / 53° | 98 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 118 mm |
| June | 21° / 69° | 98 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 120 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 102 mm |
| September | 19° / 66° | 81 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 74 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 86 mm |
| December | 2° / 36° | 92 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 Lewis County, KY
The most comfortable months to visit Lewis County, KY are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -6°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Lewis County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.