Lincoln County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 47th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Lincoln County, Kentucky is 24,415 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 47th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $50,862, the median home value is $139,300, and the median age is 41.9.
The population of Lincoln County has grown 0.7% since 2010 (24,730 → 24,910), a +0.05% annualized rate.
24,415
Population
+0.05%
Annual growth
73
People / sq mi
$50,862
Median Income
$139,300
Median Home Value
Lincoln County covers 333 sq mi of land at 73.3 people per square mile.
About Lincoln County, KY
Lincoln County is defined demographically by education — 15.2% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average. With 24,415 residents, Lincoln County is a county in Kentucky. It ranks #47 among counties in Kentucky by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $50,862, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 13.6%, above the national 12.4%. Median home value is $139,300, with typical rent around $730.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 15.2% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 9.5% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.
Lincoln County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lincoln County had a population of 24,730 in 2010 and 24,910 in 2024, a 0.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 24,910 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.05%.
24,910
Population (2024)
24,730
Population (2010)
24,910
Peak (2024)
0.05%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 24,730 |
| 2011 | 24,728 |
| 2012 | 24,412 |
| 2013 | 24,447 |
| 2014 | 24,438 |
| 2015 | 24,351 |
| 2016 | 24,367 |
| 2017 | 24,500 |
| 2018 | 24,614 |
| 2019 | 24,519 |
| 2020 | 24,248 |
| 2021 | 24,232 |
| 2022 | 24,392 |
| 2023 | 24,738 |
| 2024 | 24,910 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.0% |
| Black or African American | 1.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.9
Median Age
50.9%
Female
49.1%
Male
18.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.5% · Seniors (65+): 18.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $50,862$-11,555 vs state |
| Mean household income | $69,092 |
| Per-capita income | $27,267 |
| Poverty rate | 13.6%+1.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 49.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lincoln County is professional & business services, accounting for 28.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
2.3%
Carpool
80.9%
Public transit
9.5%
Work from home
30.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$139,300$-53,000 vs state
Median home value
$730
Median rent
77.8%
Homeownership rate
10,869
Total housing units
89.1%
Occupied
10.9%
Vacant
22.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.4%
With health insurance
89.3%
With broadband internet
16.3%
Foreign-born
8.9%
Veterans (18+)
19.2%
With a disability
97.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
83.2%
High School+
15.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Lincoln County, Kentucky has a population of 24,415 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 47th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 73 people per square mile.
The population of Lincoln County has grown 0.7% since 2010 (24,730 → 24,910), a +0.05% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lincoln County, Kentucky is $50,862, with mean (average) household income of $69,092 and per-capita income of $27,267. 13.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lincoln County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.0%), Black or African American (1.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lincoln County, Kentucky is 41.9 years. Residents are 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
The median home value in Lincoln County is $139,300 and median monthly rent is $730. 77.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 10,869 total housing units, 10.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lincoln County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 28.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.1%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Lincoln County, Kentucky, with a population of 627,210.
Lincoln County, KY Climate
Lincoln County, KY has an average annual temperature of 12.7°C (55°F) and receives about 1281 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.7°C
Avg Temp
1281
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1° / 33° | 90 mm |
| February | 3° / 37° | 95 mm |
| March | 8° / 46° | 118 mm |
| April | 12° / 54° | 111 mm |
| May | 17° / 63° | 127 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 108 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 126 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 101 mm |
| September | 20° / 68° | 105 mm |
| October | 14° / 56° | 78 mm |
| November | 8° / 46° | 105 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 117 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 Lincoln County, KY
The most comfortable months to visit Lincoln 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 Lincoln County
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Top-rated places to stay near Lincoln County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.