Metcalfe County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 98th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Metcalfe County, Kentucky is 10,372 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 98th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $48,572, the median home value is $103,100, and the median age is 41.9.
The population of Metcalfe County has grown 4.2% since 2010 (10,135 → 10,558), a +0.29% annualized rate.
10,372
Population
+0.29%
Annual growth
36
People / sq mi
$48,572
Median Income
$103,100
Median Home Value
Metcalfe County covers 290 sq mi of land at 35.8 people per square mile.
About Metcalfe County, KY
Metcalfe County is defined demographically by education — 13.1% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average. Metcalfe County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 10,372.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $48,572, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 16.5%, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $103,100, with typical rent around $549.
College credentials are comparatively rare here: just 13.1%, below the national 35.0%. Around 6.7% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
Metcalfe County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Metcalfe County had a population of 10,135 in 2010 and 10,558 in 2024, a 4.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 10,558 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.30%.
10,558
Population (2024)
10,135
Population (2010)
10,558
Peak (2024)
0.30%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 10,135 |
| 2011 | 10,059 |
| 2012 | 9,973 |
| 2013 | 9,952 |
| 2014 | 9,988 |
| 2015 | 9,917 |
| 2016 | 10,010 |
| 2017 | 10,085 |
| 2018 | 10,074 |
| 2019 | 10,084 |
| 2020 | 10,285 |
| 2021 | 10,387 |
| 2022 | 10,401 |
| 2023 | 10,495 |
| 2024 | 10,558 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.1% |
| Black or African American | 2.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.9
Median Age
50.2%
Female
49.8%
Male
18.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.5% · Seniors (65+): 18.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $48,572$-13,845 vs state |
| Mean household income | $59,577 |
| Per-capita income | $24,031 |
| Poverty rate | 16.5%+4.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 51.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Metcalfe County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.1%
Carpool
81.0%
Public transit
6.7%
Work from home
23.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$103,100$-89,200 vs state
Median home value
$549
Median rent
75.3%
Homeownership rate
4,719
Total housing units
90.0%
Occupied
10.0%
Vacant
24.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.3%
With health insurance
89.7%
With broadband internet
23.7%
Foreign-born
6.2%
Veterans (18+)
21.4%
With a disability
98.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
84.3%
High School+
13.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Metcalfe County, Kentucky has a population of 10,372 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 98th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 36 people per square mile.
The population of Metcalfe County has grown 4.2% since 2010 (10,135 → 10,558), a +0.29% annualized rate.
The median household income in Metcalfe County, Kentucky is $48,572, with mean (average) household income of $59,577 and per-capita income of $24,031. 16.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Metcalfe County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.1%), Black or African American (2.2%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Metcalfe County, Kentucky is 41.9 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
The median home value in Metcalfe County is $103,100 and median monthly rent is $549. 75.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 4,719 total housing units, 10.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Metcalfe County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.9%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Metcalfe County, Kentucky, with a population of 627,210.
Metcalfe County, KY Climate
Metcalfe County, KY has an average annual temperature of 13.6°C (56°F) and receives about 1340 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13.6°C
Avg Temp
1340
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1° / 34° | 98 mm |
| February | 4° / 38° | 106 mm |
| March | 9° / 47° | 128 mm |
| April | 14° / 56° | 109 mm |
| May | 18° / 65° | 129 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 117 mm |
| July | 25° / 76° | 130 mm |
| August | 24° / 75° | 100 mm |
| September | 21° / 69° | 104 mm |
| October | 14° / 58° | 78 mm |
| November | 9° / 47° | 113 mm |
| December | 4° / 39° | 128 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 Metcalfe County, KY
The most comfortable months to visit Metcalfe 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 -4°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Metcalfe County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.