Monroe County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 93rd-largest in Kentucky
The population of Monroe County, Kentucky is 11,318 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 93rd-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $49,430, the median home value is $116,300, and the median age is 41.3.
The population of Monroe County has grown 1.8% since 2010 (10,970 → 11,163), a +0.12% annualized rate.
11,318
Population
+0.12%
Annual growth
34
People / sq mi
$49,430
Median Income
$116,300
Median Home Value
Monroe County covers 329 sq mi of land at 34.4 people per square mile.
About Monroe County, KY
The poverty rate is what most separates Monroe County from the typical county: 19.9% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Monroe County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 11,318.
The typical household earns $49,430, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 19.9%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $116,300, with typical rent around $629.
College attainment is 14.9%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 5.3%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Monroe County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
Monroe County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Monroe County had a population of 10,970 in 2010 and 11,163 in 2024, a 1.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 11,328 in 2022. Average annual growth rate: 0.14%.
11,163
Population (2024)
10,970
Population (2010)
11,328
Peak (2022)
0.14%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 10,970 |
| 2011 | 10,917 |
| 2012 | 10,845 |
| 2013 | 10,712 |
| 2014 | 10,672 |
| 2015 | 10,616 |
| 2016 | 10,536 |
| 2017 | 10,594 |
| 2018 | 10,746 |
| 2019 | 10,654 |
| 2020 | 11,320 |
| 2021 | 11,263 |
| 2022 | 11,328 |
| 2023 | 11,271 |
| 2024 | 11,163 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.6% |
| Black or African American | 2.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.3
Median Age
49.8%
Female
50.2%
Male
18.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.6% · Seniors (65+): 18.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $49,430$-12,987 vs state |
| Mean household income | $64,452 |
| Per-capita income | $26,755 |
| Poverty rate | 19.9%+8.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Monroe County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.6%
Carpool
81.5%
Public transit
5.3%
Work from home
29.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$116,300$-76,000 vs state
Median home value
$629
Median rent
69.2%
Homeownership rate
5,240
Total housing units
87.5%
Occupied
12.5%
Vacant
30.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.5%
With health insurance
87.4%
With broadband internet
20.4%
Foreign-born
4.8%
Veterans (18+)
23.3%
With a disability
96.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
82.4%
High School+
14.9%
Bachelor's+
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Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Monroe County, Kentucky has a population of 11,318 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 93rd-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 34 people per square mile.
The population of Monroe County has grown 1.8% since 2010 (10,970 → 11,163), a +0.12% annualized rate.
The median household income in Monroe County, Kentucky is $49,430, with mean (average) household income of $64,452 and per-capita income of $26,755. 19.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Monroe County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.6%), Black or African American (2.6%), Hispanic or Latino (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Monroe County, Kentucky is 41.3 years. Residents are 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
The median home value in Monroe County is $116,300 and median monthly rent is $629. 69.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,240 total housing units, 12.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Monroe County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.4%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Monroe 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.