Nelson County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 22nd-largest in Kentucky
The population of Nelson County, Kentucky is 47,102 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 22nd-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $67,888, the median home value is $224,100, and the median age is 39.7.
The population of Nelson County has grown 11.6% since 2010 (43,626 → 48,706), a +0.79% annualized rate.
47,102
Population
+0.79%
Annual growth
112
People / sq mi
$67,888
Median Income
$224,100
Median Home Value
Nelson County covers 419 sq mi of land at 112.5 people per square mile.
About Nelson County, KY
Nelson County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 47,102. It ranks #22 among counties in Kentucky by population. The median age is 39.7, in line with the national median. The population is 50.1% male and 49.9% female.
The median household income in Nelson County is $67,888, below the US median of $74,580. 7.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $224,100, with monthly rent averaging $932. The homeownership rate of 77.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Nelson County reflects 22.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 25.8 minutes each way.
Nelson County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Nelson County had a population of 43,626 in 2010 and 48,706 in 2024, a 11.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 48,706 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.79%.
48,706
Population (2024)
43,626
Population (2010)
48,706
Peak (2024)
0.79%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 43,626 |
| 2011 | 44,060 |
| 2012 | 44,401 |
| 2013 | 44,541 |
| 2014 | 44,861 |
| 2015 | 45,119 |
| 2016 | 45,517 |
| 2017 | 45,606 |
| 2018 | 45,781 |
| 2019 | 46,221 |
| 2020 | 46,779 |
| 2021 | 47,135 |
| 2022 | 47,429 |
| 2023 | 47,981 |
| 2024 | 48,706 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.8% |
| Black or African American | 5.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.7
Median Age
49.9%
Female
50.1%
Male
16.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.2% · Seniors (65+): 16.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $67,888+$5,471 vs state |
| Mean household income | $85,121 |
| Per-capita income | $33,257 |
| Poverty rate | 7.5%-4.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Nelson County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
84.6%
Public transit
5.4%
Work from home
25.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$224,100+$31,800 vs state
Median home value
$932
Median rent
77.3%
Homeownership rate
20,062
Total housing units
93.6%
Occupied
6.4%
Vacant
22.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.9%
With health insurance
94.4%
With broadband internet
17.1%
Foreign-born
8.0%
Veterans (18+)
15.1%
With a disability
97.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.9%
High School+
22.8%
Bachelor's+
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Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Nelson County, Kentucky has a population of 47,102 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 22nd-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 112 people per square mile.
The population of Nelson County has grown 11.6% since 2010 (43,626 → 48,706), a +0.79% annualized rate.
The median household income in Nelson County, Kentucky is $67,888, with mean (average) household income of $85,121 and per-capita income of $33,257. 7.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Nelson County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.8%), Black or African American (5.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Nelson County, Kentucky is 39.7 years. Residents are 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
The median home value in Nelson County is $224,100 and median monthly rent is $932. 77.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 20,062 total housing units, 6.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Nelson County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Nelson 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.