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Population Review

McLean County, Kentucky Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 101st-largest in Kentucky

The population of McLean County, Kentucky is 9,127 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 101st-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $70,549, the median home value is $145,600, and the median age is 43.2.

The population of McLean County has declined 4.0% since 2010 (9,503 → 9,126), a -0.29% annualized rate.

McLean County within Kentucky · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

9,127

Population

-0.29%

Annual growth

36

People / sq mi

$70,549

Median Income

$145,600

Median Home Value

McLean County covers 253 sq mi of land at 36.1 people per square mile.

About McLean County, KY

McLean County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 13.2% of the population. With 9,127 residents, McLean County is a county in Kentucky.

Median household income is $70,549, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 6.9%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $145,600, with typical rent around $602.

18.4% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 4.7%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 29 minutes each way.

McLean County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of McLean County had a population of 9,503 in 2010 and 9,126 in 2024, a -4.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 9,503 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.29%.

2010 · 10K20102024
McLean County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

9,126

Population (2024)

9,503

Population (2010)

9,503

Peak (2010)

-0.29%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
20109,503
20119,497
20129,478
20139,442
20149,397
20159,385
20169,333
20179,202
20189,237
20199,162
20209,133
20219,121
20229,112
20239,076
20249,126

Race & Ethnicity

White95.8%
Black or African American0.8%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)0.9%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

43.2

Median Age

49.5%

Female

50.5%

Male

19.8%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.4%
5–9
6.1%
10–14
6.9%
15–19
6.9%
20–24
5.1%
25–34
10.5%
35–44
11.8%
45–54
13.1%
55–59
6.5%
60–64
7.9%
65–74
11.3%
75–84
6.3%
85+
2.2%

Children (under 15): 18.4% · Seniors (65+): 19.8%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$70,549+$8,132 vs state
Mean household income$86,894
Per-capita income$34,206
Poverty rate6.9%-4.9% vs state
Unemployment rate3.7%
Employment-to-population52.3%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
22.9%
Manufacturing
11.7%
Construction
9.3%
Retail trade
7.6%
Agriculture
7.1%
Arts, entertainment & food
6.7%
Finance & real estate
6.2%
Education & health care
6.1%

The largest employment sector in McLean County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.9% of workers.

How residents commute

0.1%

Drive alone

1.4%

Carpool

85.8%

Public transit

4.7%

Work from home

28.6 min

Avg commute

Housing

$145,600$-46,700 vs state

Median home value

$602

Median rent

81.2%

Homeownership rate

4,171

Total housing units

86.5%

Occupied

13.5%

Vacant

18.8%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

95.8%

With health insurance

93.0%

With broadband internet

13.2%

Foreign-born

6.3%

Veterans (18+)

19.8%

With a disability

98.2%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

92.1%

High School+

18.4%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Kentucky

Other counties in Kentucky

Part of Kentucky

Metro areas in Kentucky

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

McLean County, Kentucky has a population of 9,127 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 101st-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 36 people per square mile.

The population of McLean County has declined 4.0% since 2010 (9,503 → 9,126), a -0.29% annualized rate.

The median household income in McLean County, Kentucky is $70,549, with mean (average) household income of $86,894 and per-capita income of $34,206. 6.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In McLean County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.8%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%), Black or African American (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in McLean County, Kentucky is 43.2 years. Residents are 49.5% female and 50.5% male.

The median home value in McLean County is $145,600 and median monthly rent is $602. 81.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 4,171 total housing units, 13.5% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in McLean County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.7%.

Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with McLean County, Kentucky, with a population of 627,210.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.