Perry County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 38th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Perry County, Kentucky is 27,847 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 38th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $45,261, the median home value is $90,700, and the median age is 41.4.
The population of Perry County has declined 6.7% since 2010 (28,668 → 26,739), a -0.50% annualized rate.
27,847
Population
-0.50%
Annual growth
82
People / sq mi
$45,261
Median Income
$90,700
Median Home Value
Perry County covers 340 sq mi of land at 82.0 people per square mile.
About Perry County, KY
The poverty rate is what most separates Perry County from the typical county: 22.8% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 27,847 residents, Perry County is a county in Kentucky. It ranks #38 among counties in Kentucky by population.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $45,261, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US counties: 22.8%, above the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $90,700, with typical rent around $795.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 14.2%, below the national 35.0%. About 7.7% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Perry County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
Perry County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Perry County had a population of 28,668 in 2010 and 26,739 in 2024, a -6.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 28,699 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.46%.
26,739
Population (2024)
28,668
Population (2010)
28,699
Peak (2011)
-0.46%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 28,668 |
| 2011 | 28,699 |
| 2012 | 28,296 |
| 2013 | 27,989 |
| 2014 | 27,561 |
| 2015 | 27,381 |
| 2016 | 27,222 |
| 2017 | 26,605 |
| 2018 | 26,246 |
| 2019 | 25,801 |
| 2020 | 28,369 |
| 2021 | 27,929 |
| 2022 | 27,378 |
| 2023 | 27,082 |
| 2024 | 26,739 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.4% |
| Black or African American | 1.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
41.4
Median Age
50.6%
Female
49.4%
Male
17.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.2% · Seniors (65+): 17.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $45,261$-17,156 vs state |
| Mean household income | $74,273 |
| Per-capita income | $30,062 |
| Poverty rate | 22.8%+11.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 45.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Perry County is professional & business services, accounting for 35.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
2.0%
Carpool
73.1%
Public transit
7.7%
Work from home
25.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$90,700$-101,600 vs state
Median home value
$795
Median rent
72.2%
Homeownership rate
13,256
Total housing units
85.2%
Occupied
14.8%
Vacant
27.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
97.0%
With health insurance
93.0%
With broadband internet
12.5%
Foreign-born
5.4%
Veterans (18+)
30.8%
With a disability
97.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
79.5%
High School+
14.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Perry County, Kentucky has a population of 27,847 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 38th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 82 people per square mile.
The population of Perry County has declined 6.7% since 2010 (28,668 → 26,739), a -0.50% annualized rate.
The median household income in Perry County, Kentucky is $45,261, with mean (average) household income of $74,273 and per-capita income of $30,062. 22.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Perry County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.4%), Hispanic or Latino (2.0%), 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 Perry County, Kentucky is 41.4 years. Residents are 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
The median home value in Perry County is $90,700 and median monthly rent is $795. 72.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 13,256 total housing units, 14.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Perry County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 35.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Perry 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.