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
Owsley County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 4,021. It ranks #119 among counties in Kentucky by population. The median age is 47.9, older than the national median. The population is 51.1% male and 48.9% female.
The median household income in Owsley County is $31,064, below the US median of $74,580. 24.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $79,900, with monthly rent averaging $551. The homeownership rate of 68.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Owsley County reflects 11.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 33.2 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+
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Part of Kentucky
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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.
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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.