Nicholas County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 110th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Nicholas County, Kentucky is 7,655 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 110th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $53,616, the median home value is $119,600, and the median age is 38.9.
The population of Nicholas County has grown 9.5% since 2010 (7,140 → 7,816), a +0.65% annualized rate.
7,655
Population
+0.65%
Annual growth
39
People / sq mi
$53,616
Median Income
$119,600
Median Home Value
Nicholas County covers 195 sq mi of land at 39.2 people per square mile.
About Nicholas County, KY
Nicholas County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 7,655. It ranks #110 among counties in Kentucky by population. The median age is 38.9, in line with the national median. The population is 50.3% male and 49.7% female.
The median household income in Nicholas County is $53,616, below the US median of $74,580. 16.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $119,600, with monthly rent averaging $654. The homeownership rate of 71.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Nicholas County reflects 9.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 37.7 minutes each way.
Nicholas County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Nicholas County had a population of 7,140 in 2010 and 7,816 in 2024, a 9.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 7,816 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.66%.
7,816
Population (2024)
7,140
Population (2010)
7,816
Peak (2024)
0.66%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 7,140 |
| 2011 | 7,101 |
| 2012 | 7,022 |
| 2013 | 7,021 |
| 2014 | 7,063 |
| 2015 | 7,072 |
| 2016 | 7,091 |
| 2017 | 7,172 |
| 2018 | 7,198 |
| 2019 | 7,248 |
| 2020 | 7,540 |
| 2021 | 7,733 |
| 2022 | 7,776 |
| 2023 | 7,674 |
| 2024 | 7,816 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 96.6% |
| Black or African American | 1.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.9
Median Age
49.7%
Female
50.3%
Male
16.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.2% · Seniors (65+): 16.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $53,616$-8,801 vs state |
| Mean household income | $62,452 |
| Per-capita income | $24,672 |
| Poverty rate | 16.1%+4.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 50.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Nicholas County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.8%
Carpool
82.7%
Public transit
4.7%
Work from home
37.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$119,600$-72,700 vs state
Median home value
$654
Median rent
71.5%
Homeownership rate
3,333
Total housing units
82.4%
Occupied
17.6%
Vacant
28.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.8%
With health insurance
87.7%
With broadband internet
12.1%
Foreign-born
3.5%
Veterans (18+)
21.5%
With a disability
99.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
83.7%
High School+
9.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Nicholas County, Kentucky has a population of 7,655 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 110th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 39 people per square mile.
The population of Nicholas County has grown 9.5% since 2010 (7,140 → 7,816), a +0.65% annualized rate.
The median household income in Nicholas County, Kentucky is $53,616, with mean (average) household income of $62,452 and per-capita income of $24,672. 16.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Nicholas County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (96.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%), Black or African American (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Nicholas County, Kentucky is 38.9 years. Residents are 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
The median home value in Nicholas County is $119,600 and median monthly rent is $654. 71.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,333 total housing units, 17.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Nicholas County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.9%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Nicholas 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.