Owsley County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 119th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Owsley County, Kentucky is 4,021 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 119th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $31,064, the median home value is $79,900, and the median age is 47.9.
The population of Owsley County has declined 17.3% since 2010 (4,751 → 3,928), a -1.35% annualized rate.
4,021
Population
-1.35%
Annual growth
20
People / sq mi
$31,064
Median Income
$79,900
Median Home Value
Owsley County covers 197 sq mi of land at 20.4 people per square mile.
About Owsley County, KY
In Owsley County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $79,900. With 4,021 residents, Owsley County is a county in Kentucky.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US counties: the median household earns just $31,064, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 24.0%, poverty is near the top of the range for US counties, above the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $79,900, with typical rent around $551.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US counties, 11.4%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.7%, and the average commute runs about 33 minutes each way.
Owsley County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Owsley County had a population of 4,751 in 2010 and 3,928 in 2024, a -17.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 4,810 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -1.32%.
3,928
Population (2024)
4,751
Population (2010)
4,810
Peak (2011)
-1.32%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 4,751 |
| 2011 | 4,810 |
| 2012 | 4,685 |
| 2013 | 4,603 |
| 2014 | 4,506 |
| 2015 | 4,449 |
| 2016 | 4,480 |
| 2017 | 4,404 |
| 2018 | 4,454 |
| 2019 | 4,413 |
| 2020 | 4,032 |
| 2021 | 3,971 |
| 2022 | 3,941 |
| 2023 | 3,984 |
| 2024 | 3,928 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
47.9
Median Age
48.9%
Female
51.1%
Male
21.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.6% · Seniors (65+): 21.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $31,064$-31,353 vs state |
| Mean household income | $50,599 |
| Per-capita income | $21,285 |
| Poverty rate | 24.0%+12.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 36.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Owsley County is professional & business services, accounting for 32.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.0%
Carpool
80.8%
Public transit
8.7%
Work from home
33.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$79,900$-112,400 vs state
Median home value
$551
Median rent
68.3%
Homeownership rate
2,024
Total housing units
74.4%
Occupied
25.6%
Vacant
31.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.7%
With health insurance
76.1%
With broadband internet
13.9%
Foreign-born
1.7%
Veterans (18+)
36.0%
With a disability
100.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
73.0%
High School+
11.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Owsley County, Kentucky has a population of 4,021 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 119th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 20 people per square mile.
The population of Owsley County has declined 17.3% since 2010 (4,751 → 3,928), a -1.35% annualized rate.
The median household income in Owsley County, Kentucky is $31,064, with mean (average) household income of $50,599 and per-capita income of $21,285. 24.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Owsley County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.3%), 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 Owsley County, Kentucky is 47.9 years. Residents are 48.9% female and 51.1% male.
The median home value in Owsley County is $79,900 and median monthly rent is $551. 68.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,024 total housing units, 25.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Owsley County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 32.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.7%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Owsley County, Kentucky, with a population of 627,210.
Owsley County, KY Climate
Owsley County, KY has an average annual temperature of 12.6°C (55°F) and receives about 1206 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.6°C
Avg Temp
1206
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 33° | 85 mm |
| February | 2° / 36° | 90 mm |
| March | 7° / 45° | 110 mm |
| April | 12° / 53° | 101 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 116 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 102 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 129 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 100 mm |
| September | 20° / 68° | 91 mm |
| October | 14° / 56° | 75 mm |
| November | 8° / 46° | 101 mm |
| December | 3° / 38° | 106 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 Owsley County, KY
The most comfortable months to visit Owsley 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 -5°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Owsley County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.