Mason County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 67th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Mason County, Kentucky is 16,995 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 67th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $51,473, the median home value is $157,500, and the median age is 42.3.
The population of Mason County has declined 3.1% since 2010 (17,503 → 16,956), a -0.23% annualized rate.
16,995
Population
-0.23%
Annual growth
71
People / sq mi
$51,473
Median Income
$157,500
Median Home Value
Mason County covers 240 sq mi of land at 70.8 people per square mile.
About Mason County, KY
Mason County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 16,995. It ranks #67 among counties in Kentucky by population. The median age is 42.3, older than the national median. The population is 49.2% male and 50.8% female.
The median household income in Mason County is $51,473, below the US median of $74,580. 13.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $157,500, with monthly rent averaging $724. The homeownership rate of 68.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Mason County reflects 21.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 26.6 minutes each way.
Mason County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Mason County had a population of 17,503 in 2010 and 16,956 in 2024, a -3.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,545 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.22%.
16,956
Population (2024)
17,503
Population (2010)
17,545
Peak (2011)
-0.22%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,503 |
| 2011 | 17,545 |
| 2012 | 17,463 |
| 2013 | 17,326 |
| 2014 | 17,139 |
| 2015 | 17,052 |
| 2016 | 17,202 |
| 2017 | 17,221 |
| 2018 | 17,105 |
| 2019 | 17,049 |
| 2020 | 17,137 |
| 2021 | 16,952 |
| 2022 | 16,880 |
| 2023 | 16,857 |
| 2024 | 16,956 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.4% |
| Black or African American | 6.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.3
Median Age
50.8%
Female
49.2%
Male
19.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.6% · Seniors (65+): 19.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $51,473$-10,944 vs state |
| Mean household income | $78,747 |
| Per-capita income | $33,031 |
| Poverty rate | 13.8%+2.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Mason County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.8%
Carpool
86.5%
Public transit
6.4%
Work from home
26.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$157,500$-34,800 vs state
Median home value
$724
Median rent
68.6%
Homeownership rate
8,186
Total housing units
84.6%
Occupied
15.4%
Vacant
31.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.9%
With health insurance
88.9%
With broadband internet
23.0%
Foreign-born
6.3%
Veterans (18+)
20.3%
With a disability
97.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.2%
High School+
21.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Mason County, Kentucky has a population of 16,995 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 67th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 71 people per square mile.
The population of Mason County has declined 3.1% since 2010 (17,503 → 16,956), a -0.23% annualized rate.
The median household income in Mason County, Kentucky is $51,473, with mean (average) household income of $78,747 and per-capita income of $33,031. 13.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Mason County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.4%), Black or African American (6.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Mason County, Kentucky is 42.3 years. Residents are 50.8% female and 49.2% male.
The median home value in Mason County is $157,500 and median monthly rent is $724. 68.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,186 total housing units, 15.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Mason County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Mason 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.