McCreary County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 68th-largest in Kentucky
The population of McCreary County, Kentucky is 16,905 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 68th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $37,355, the median home value is $77,000, and the median age is 38.7.
The population of McCreary County has declined 8.2% since 2010 (18,328 → 16,824), a -0.61% annualized rate.
16,905
Population
-0.61%
Annual growth
40
People / sq mi
$37,355
Median Income
$77,000
Median Home Value
McCreary County covers 427 sq mi of land at 39.6 people per square mile.
About McCreary County, KY
McCreary County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 16,905. It ranks #68 among counties in Kentucky by population. The median age is 38.7, in line with the national median. The population is 54.5% male and 45.5% female.
The median household income in McCreary County is $37,355, below the US median of $74,580. 30.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $77,000, with monthly rent averaging $588. The homeownership rate of 74.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in McCreary County reflects 9.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 31.7 minutes each way.
McCreary County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of McCreary County had a population of 18,328 in 2010 and 16,824 in 2024, a -8.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 18,328 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.61%.
16,824
Population (2024)
18,328
Population (2010)
18,328
Peak (2010)
-0.61%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 18,328 |
| 2011 | 18,290 |
| 2012 | 18,062 |
| 2013 | 17,938 |
| 2014 | 17,933 |
| 2015 | 17,902 |
| 2016 | 17,588 |
| 2017 | 17,421 |
| 2018 | 17,327 |
| 2019 | 17,260 |
| 2020 | 16,852 |
| 2021 | 16,800 |
| 2022 | 16,788 |
| 2023 | 17,069 |
| 2024 | 16,824 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.1% |
| Black or African American | 6.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
38.7
Median Age
45.5%
Female
54.5%
Male
16.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.1% · Seniors (65+): 16.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $37,355$-25,062 vs state |
| Mean household income | $47,136 |
| Per-capita income | $16,972 |
| Poverty rate | 30.7%+18.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 35.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in McCreary County is professional & business services, accounting for 29.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
0.1%
Carpool
78.6%
Public transit
7.6%
Work from home
31.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$77,000$-115,300 vs state
Median home value
$588
Median rent
74.4%
Homeownership rate
6,919
Total housing units
80.9%
Occupied
19.1%
Vacant
25.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.7%
With health insurance
85.0%
With broadband internet
33.1%
Foreign-born
5.3%
Veterans (18+)
23.8%
With a disability
98.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
77.5%
High School+
9.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
McCreary County, Kentucky has a population of 16,905 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 68th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 40 people per square mile.
The population of McCreary County has declined 8.2% since 2010 (18,328 → 16,824), a -0.61% annualized rate.
The median household income in McCreary County, Kentucky is $37,355, with mean (average) household income of $47,136 and per-capita income of $16,972. 30.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In McCreary County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.1%), Black or African American (6.9%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in McCreary County, Kentucky is 38.7 years. Residents are 45.5% female and 54.5% male.
The median home value in McCreary County is $77,000 and median monthly rent is $588. 74.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,919 total housing units, 19.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in McCreary County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 29.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.9%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with McCreary County, Kentucky, with a population of 627,210.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.