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
Educational attainment is the headline number in McCreary County: 9.1% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. McCreary County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 16,905.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $37,355, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US counties: 30.7%, above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $77,000, with typical rent around $588.
College credentials are comparatively rare here: just 9.1%, below the national 35.0%. Around 7.6% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 32 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+
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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.