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
What sets Mason County apart is money: median household income runs $51,473, below the US median of $78,538. With 16,995 residents, Mason County is a county in Kentucky.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $51,473, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 13.8%, above the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $157,500, with typical rent around $724.
Roughly 21.1% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 6.4% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 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.
Mason County, KY Climate
Mason County, KY has an average annual temperature of 11.9°C (53°F) and receives about 1129 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.9°C
Avg Temp
1129
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -1° / 29° | 72 mm |
| February | 1° / 33° | 75 mm |
| March | 6° / 43° | 108 mm |
| April | 11° / 52° | 102 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 120 mm |
| June | 21° / 71° | 96 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 117 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 102 mm |
| September | 20° / 67° | 84 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 72 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 89 mm |
| December | 2° / 35° | 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 Mason County, KY
The most comfortable months to visit Mason 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 -6°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Mason County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.