Martin County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 96th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Martin County, Kentucky is 11,181 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 96th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $46,185, the median home value is $84,900, and the median age is 40.3.
The population of Martin County has declined 17.0% since 2010 (12,894 → 10,696), a -1.33% annualized rate.
11,181
Population
-1.33%
Annual growth
49
People / sq mi
$46,185
Median Income
$84,900
Median Home Value
Martin County covers 230 sq mi of land at 48.7 people per square mile.
About Martin County, KY
Martin County is defined demographically by education — 10.7% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average. Martin County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 11,181.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $46,185, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US counties: 23.5%, above the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $84,900, with typical rent around $441.
Martin County is among the least college-educated US counties, at 10.7% — below the national 35.0%. Just 4.1% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 33 minutes each way.
Martin County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Martin County had a population of 12,894 in 2010 and 10,696 in 2024, a -17.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 12,894 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.32%.
10,696
Population (2024)
12,894
Population (2010)
12,894
Peak (2010)
-1.32%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 12,894 |
| 2011 | 12,832 |
| 2012 | 12,734 |
| 2013 | 12,661 |
| 2014 | 12,505 |
| 2015 | 12,299 |
| 2016 | 11,961 |
| 2017 | 11,504 |
| 2018 | 11,349 |
| 2019 | 11,258 |
| 2020 | 11,250 |
| 2021 | 11,165 |
| 2022 | 11,095 |
| 2023 | 10,927 |
| 2024 | 10,696 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 88.0% |
| Black or African American | 7.5% |
| Asian | 0.2% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.3
Median Age
44.1%
Female
55.9%
Male
17.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.8% · Seniors (65+): 17.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $46,185$-16,232 vs state |
| Mean household income | $70,987 |
| Per-capita income | $29,000 |
| Poverty rate | 23.5%+11.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 30.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Martin County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
0.0%
Carpool
88.3%
Public transit
4.1%
Work from home
32.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$84,900$-107,400 vs state
Median home value
$441
Median rent
80.2%
Homeownership rate
4,847
Total housing units
81.2%
Occupied
18.8%
Vacant
19.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
98.0%
With health insurance
86.4%
With broadband internet
31.8%
Foreign-born
1.9%
Veterans (18+)
32.0%
With a disability
98.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
73.7%
High School+
10.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Martin County, Kentucky has a population of 11,181 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 96th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 49 people per square mile.
The population of Martin County has declined 17.0% since 2010 (12,894 → 10,696), a -1.33% annualized rate.
The median household income in Martin County, Kentucky is $46,185, with mean (average) household income of $70,987 and per-capita income of $29,000. 23.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Martin County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (88.0%), Black or African American (7.5%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Martin County, Kentucky is 40.3 years. Residents are 44.1% female and 55.9% male.
The median home value in Martin County is $84,900 and median monthly rent is $441. 80.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 4,847 total housing units, 18.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Martin County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Martin County, Kentucky, with a population of 627,210.
Martin County, KY Climate
Martin County, KY has an average annual temperature of 12.5°C (55°F) and receives about 1161 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.5°C
Avg Temp
1161
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1° / 33° | 80 mm |
| February | 2° / 36° | 85 mm |
| March | 7° / 45° | 100 mm |
| April | 12° / 54° | 96 mm |
| May | 17° / 63° | 115 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 103 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 129 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 101 mm |
| September | 20° / 67° | 88 mm |
| October | 13° / 56° | 76 mm |
| November | 8° / 46° | 93 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 95 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 Martin County, KY
The most comfortable months to visit Martin 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 -5°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Martin County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.