Rockcastle County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 70th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Rockcastle County, Kentucky is 16,144 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 70th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $48,367, the median home value is $119,300, and the median age is 42.8.
The population of Rockcastle County has declined 5.0% since 2010 (17,086 → 16,226), a -0.37% annualized rate.
16,144
Population
-0.37%
Annual growth
51
People / sq mi
$48,367
Median Income
$119,300
Median Home Value
Rockcastle County covers 317 sq mi of land at 51.0 people per square mile.
About Rockcastle County, KY
The poverty rate is what most separates Rockcastle County from the typical county: 19.6% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 16,144 residents, Rockcastle County is a county in Kentucky.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $48,367, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 19.6%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $119,300, with typical rent around $678.
Rockcastle County is among the least college-educated US counties, at 13.7% — below the national 35.0%. Around 8.1% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Rockcastle County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
Rockcastle County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Rockcastle County had a population of 17,086 in 2010 and 16,226 in 2024, a -5.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,113 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.36%.
16,226
Population (2024)
17,086
Population (2010)
17,113
Peak (2011)
-0.36%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,086 |
| 2011 | 17,113 |
| 2012 | 17,063 |
| 2013 | 16,748 |
| 2014 | 16,832 |
| 2015 | 16,938 |
| 2016 | 16,879 |
| 2017 | 16,780 |
| 2018 | 16,830 |
| 2019 | 16,736 |
| 2020 | 16,063 |
| 2021 | 16,141 |
| 2022 | 16,213 |
| 2023 | 16,171 |
| 2024 | 16,226 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 96.6% |
| Black or African American | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.8
Median Age
50.6%
Female
49.4%
Male
19.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.3% · Seniors (65+): 19.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $48,367$-14,050 vs state |
| Mean household income | $67,845 |
| Per-capita income | $28,133 |
| Poverty rate | 19.6%+7.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 45.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Rockcastle County is professional & business services, accounting for 28.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
80.1%
Public transit
8.1%
Work from home
26.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$119,300$-73,000 vs state
Median home value
$678
Median rent
76.4%
Homeownership rate
7,377
Total housing units
87.1%
Occupied
12.9%
Vacant
23.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.1%
With health insurance
89.6%
With broadband internet
15.1%
Foreign-born
5.4%
Veterans (18+)
22.3%
With a disability
98.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
81.4%
High School+
13.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Rockcastle County, Kentucky has a population of 16,144 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 70th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 51 people per square mile.
The population of Rockcastle County has declined 5.0% since 2010 (17,086 → 16,226), a -0.37% annualized rate.
The median household income in Rockcastle County, Kentucky is $48,367, with mean (average) household income of $67,845 and per-capita income of $28,133. 19.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Rockcastle County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (96.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%), Black or African American (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Rockcastle County, Kentucky is 42.8 years. Residents are 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
The median home value in Rockcastle County is $119,300 and median monthly rent is $678. 76.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,377 total housing units, 12.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Rockcastle County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 28.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.9%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Rockcastle County, Kentucky, with a population of 627,210.
More from Kentucky
Population 777,392
Population 321,122
Population 169,817
Population 137,676
Full rankings of Kentucky counties
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.