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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 a county in Kentucky with a population of 9,127. It ranks #101 among counties in Kentucky by population. The median age is 43.2, older than the national median. The population is 50.5% male and 49.5% female.

The median household income in McLean County is $70,549, below the US median of $74,580. 6.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $145,600, with monthly rent averaging $602. The homeownership rate of 81.2% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in McLean County reflects 18.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 28.6 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

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.