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 defined demographically by education — 9.5% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average. With 7,655 residents, Nicholas County is a county in Kentucky.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $53,616, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 16.1%, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $119,600, with typical rent around $654.
College credentials are comparatively rare here: just 9.5%, below the national 35.0%. Just 4.7% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 38 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.
Nicholas County, KY Climate
Nicholas County, KY has an average annual temperature of 12°C (54°F) and receives about 1142 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12°C
Avg Temp
1142
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -1° / 30° | 73 mm |
| February | 1° / 33° | 78 mm |
| March | 6° / 43° | 111 mm |
| April | 12° / 53° | 103 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 119 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 99 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 118 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 99 mm |
| September | 20° / 67° | 85 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 72 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 89 mm |
| December | 2° / 36° | 96 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 Nicholas County, KY
The most comfortable months to visit Nicholas County, KY are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -6°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Nicholas County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.