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
Among US counties, Powell County stands out first on household income: a median of $39,811, below the US median of $78,538. Powell County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 13,057.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $39,811, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 16.3%, above the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $142,400, with typical rent around $743.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 17.3%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 4.6%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 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.