Powell County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 82nd-largest in Kentucky
The population of Powell County, Kentucky is 13,057 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 82nd-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $39,811, the median home value is $142,400, and the median age is 39.3.
The population of Powell County has grown 2.3% since 2010 (12,641 → 12,928), a +0.16% annualized rate.
13,057
Population
+0.16%
Annual growth
73
People / sq mi
$39,811
Median Income
$142,400
Median Home Value
Powell County covers 179 sq mi of land at 73.0 people per square mile.
About Powell County, KY
Powell County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 13,057. It ranks #82 among counties in Kentucky by population. The median age is 39.3, in line with the national median. The population is 50.4% male and 49.6% female.
The median household income in Powell County is $39,811, below the US median of $74,580. 16.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $142,400, with monthly rent averaging $743. The homeownership rate of 69.2% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Powell County reflects 17.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 28.4 minutes each way.
Powell County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Powell County had a population of 12,641 in 2010 and 12,928 in 2024, a 2.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 13,099 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.18%.
12,928
Population (2024)
12,641
Population (2010)
13,099
Peak (2020)
0.18%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 12,641 |
| 2011 | 12,617 |
| 2012 | 12,470 |
| 2013 | 12,470 |
| 2014 | 12,347 |
| 2015 | 12,224 |
| 2016 | 12,256 |
| 2017 | 12,284 |
| 2018 | 12,356 |
| 2019 | 12,303 |
| 2020 | 13,099 |
| 2021 | 13,095 |
| 2022 | 13,067 |
| 2023 | 13,003 |
| 2024 | 12,928 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.8% |
| Black or African American | 1.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.3
Median Age
49.6%
Female
50.4%
Male
15.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.0% · Seniors (65+): 15.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $39,811$-22,606 vs state |
| Mean household income | $61,387 |
| Per-capita income | $23,947 |
| Poverty rate | 16.3%+4.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 48.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Powell County is professional & business services, accounting for 17.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
0.8%
Carpool
88.7%
Public transit
4.6%
Work from home
28.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$142,400$-49,900 vs state
Median home value
$743
Median rent
69.2%
Homeownership rate
5,619
Total housing units
82.4%
Occupied
17.6%
Vacant
30.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.0%
With health insurance
86.9%
With broadband internet
18.0%
Foreign-born
6.1%
Veterans (18+)
22.3%
With a disability
98.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
82.6%
High School+
17.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Powell County, Kentucky has a population of 13,057 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 82nd-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 73 people per square mile.
The population of Powell County has grown 2.3% since 2010 (12,641 → 12,928), a +0.16% annualized rate.
The median household income in Powell County, Kentucky is $39,811, with mean (average) household income of $61,387 and per-capita income of $23,947. 16.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Powell County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.8%), Black or African American (1.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Powell County, Kentucky is 39.3 years. Residents are 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
The median home value in Powell County is $142,400 and median monthly rent is $743. 69.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,619 total housing units, 17.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Powell County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 17.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.7%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Powell 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.