Mercer County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 51st-largest in Kentucky
The population of Mercer County, Kentucky is 22,824 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 51st-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $63,115, the median home value is $189,700, and the median age is 42.8.
The population of Mercer County has grown 10.3% since 2010 (21,318 → 23,515), a +0.70% annualized rate.
22,824
Population
+0.70%
Annual growth
92
People / sq mi
$63,115
Median Income
$189,700
Median Home Value
Mercer County covers 249 sq mi of land at 91.5 people per square mile.
About Mercer County, KY
The poverty rate is what most separates Mercer County from the typical county: 7.2% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Mercer County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 22,824.
The typical household here earns about $63,115, below the US median of $78,538. About 7.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $189,700, with typical rent around $802.
Roughly 22.5% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.8%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
Mercer County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Mercer County had a population of 21,318 in 2010 and 23,515 in 2024, a 10.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 23,515 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.71%.
23,515
Population (2024)
21,318
Population (2010)
23,515
Peak (2024)
0.71%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 21,318 |
| 2011 | 21,287 |
| 2012 | 21,333 |
| 2013 | 21,300 |
| 2014 | 21,365 |
| 2015 | 21,383 |
| 2016 | 21,408 |
| 2017 | 21,557 |
| 2018 | 21,674 |
| 2019 | 21,921 |
| 2020 | 22,652 |
| 2021 | 22,859 |
| 2022 | 22,927 |
| 2023 | 23,189 |
| 2024 | 23,515 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 91.1% |
| Black or African American | 3.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.8
Median Age
50.0%
Female
50.0%
Male
19.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.2% · Seniors (65+): 19.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $63,115+$698 vs state |
| Mean household income | $78,790 |
| Per-capita income | $32,851 |
| Poverty rate | 7.2%-4.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Mercer County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
0.0%
Carpool
79.2%
Public transit
8.8%
Work from home
28.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$189,700$-2,600 vs state
Median home value
$802
Median rent
77.1%
Homeownership rate
10,410
Total housing units
87.8%
Occupied
12.2%
Vacant
22.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.1%
With health insurance
90.7%
With broadband internet
19.7%
Foreign-born
7.6%
Veterans (18+)
14.3%
With a disability
96.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.1%
High School+
22.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Mercer County, Kentucky has a population of 22,824 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 51st-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 92 people per square mile.
The population of Mercer County has grown 10.3% since 2010 (21,318 → 23,515), a +0.70% annualized rate.
The median household income in Mercer County, Kentucky is $63,115, with mean (average) household income of $78,790 and per-capita income of $32,851. 7.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Mercer County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (91.1%), Black or African American (3.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Mercer County, Kentucky is 42.8 years. Residents are 50.0% female and 50.0% male.
The median home value in Mercer County is $189,700 and median monthly rent is $802. 77.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 10,410 total housing units, 12.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Mercer County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.6%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Mercer County, Kentucky, with a population of 627,210.
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Statewide data for Kentucky
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Kentucky
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.