Meade County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 36th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Meade County, Kentucky is 30,032 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 36th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $70,163, the median home value is $195,000, and the median age is 39.3.
The population of Meade County has grown 6.1% since 2010 (28,701 → 30,442), a +0.42% annualized rate.
30,032
Population
+0.42%
Annual growth
98
People / sq mi
$70,163
Median Income
$195,000
Median Home Value
Meade County covers 305 sq mi of land at 98.3 people per square mile.
About Meade County, KY
Meade County skews on age — the median resident is 39.3, in line with the national median. With 30,032 residents, Meade County is a county in Kentucky. It ranks #36 among counties in Kentucky by population.
Median household income is $70,163, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 11.6%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $195,000, with typical rent around $976.
18.4% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. About 8.6% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 34 minutes each way.
Meade County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Meade County had a population of 28,701 in 2010 and 30,442 in 2024, a 6.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 30,442 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.44%.
30,442
Population (2024)
28,701
Population (2010)
30,442
Peak (2024)
0.44%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 28,701 |
| 2011 | 29,638 |
| 2012 | 29,257 |
| 2013 | 29,245 |
| 2014 | 29,100 |
| 2015 | 27,743 |
| 2016 | 27,967 |
| 2017 | 28,054 |
| 2018 | 28,648 |
| 2019 | 28,610 |
| 2020 | 30,028 |
| 2021 | 30,125 |
| 2022 | 30,028 |
| 2023 | 30,166 |
| 2024 | 30,442 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.0% |
| Black or African American | 3.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.3
Median Age
49.5%
Female
50.5%
Male
15.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.5% · Seniors (65+): 15.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $70,163+$7,746 vs state |
| Mean household income | $89,853 |
| Per-capita income | $35,010 |
| Poverty rate | 11.6%-0.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Meade County is professional & business services, accounting for 18.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
1.8%
Carpool
81.5%
Public transit
8.6%
Work from home
34.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$195,000+$2,700 vs state
Median home value
$976
Median rent
73.2%
Homeownership rate
12,111
Total housing units
89.2%
Occupied
10.8%
Vacant
26.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.5%
With health insurance
95.8%
With broadband internet
32.6%
Foreign-born
12.1%
Veterans (18+)
20.5%
With a disability
97.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.6%
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
Meade County, Kentucky has a population of 30,032 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 36th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 98 people per square mile.
The population of Meade County has grown 6.1% since 2010 (28,701 → 30,442), a +0.42% annualized rate.
The median household income in Meade County, Kentucky is $70,163, with mean (average) household income of $89,853 and per-capita income of $35,010. 11.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Meade County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.0%), Black or African American (3.5%), 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 Meade County, Kentucky is 39.3 years. Residents are 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
The median home value in Meade County is $195,000 and median monthly rent is $976. 73.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 12,111 total housing units, 10.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Meade County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 18.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.2%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Meade County, Kentucky, with a population of 627,210.
Meade County, KY Climate
Meade County, KY has an average annual temperature of 13°C (55°F) and receives about 1174 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13°C
Avg Temp
1174
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 31° | 88 mm |
| February | 2° / 36° | 89 mm |
| March | 8° / 46° | 116 mm |
| April | 13° / 55° | 108 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 114 mm |
| June | 22° / 72° | 100 mm |
| July | 25° / 76° | 116 mm |
| August | 24° / 75° | 93 mm |
| September | 20° / 69° | 83 mm |
| October | 14° / 57° | 69 mm |
| November | 8° / 46° | 96 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 102 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 Meade County, KY
The most comfortable months to visit Meade County, KY are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Meade County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.