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
Mercer County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 22,824. It ranks #51 among counties in Kentucky by population. The median age is 42.8, older than the national median. The population is 50.0% male and 50.0% female.
The median household income in Mercer County is $63,115, below the US median of $74,580. 7.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $189,700, with monthly rent averaging $802. The homeownership rate of 77.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Mercer County reflects 22.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 28.3 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.