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 a county in Kentucky with a population of 10,372. It ranks #98 among counties in Kentucky by population. The median age is 41.9, older than the national median. The population is 49.8% male and 50.2% female.
The median household income in Metcalfe County is $48,572, below the US median of $74,580. 16.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $103,100, with monthly rent averaging $549. The homeownership rate of 75.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Metcalfe County reflects 13.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.1 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+
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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.
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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.