Rowan County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 46th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Rowan County, Kentucky is 24,525 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 46th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $53,657, the median home value is $155,900, and the median age is 31.2.
The population of Rowan County has grown 5.6% since 2010 (23,376 → 24,675), a +0.39% annualized rate.
24,525
Population
+0.39%
Annual growth
88
People / sq mi
$53,657
Median Income
$155,900
Median Home Value
Rowan County covers 280 sq mi of land at 87.6 people per square mile.
About Rowan County, KY
Rowan County skews on age — the median resident is 31.2, younger than the national median. Rowan County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 24,525. It ranks #46 among counties in Kentucky by population.
The typical household earns $53,657, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 16.1% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Median home value is $155,900, with typical rent around $815.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 27.0% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 7.3%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
Rowan County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Rowan County had a population of 23,376 in 2010 and 24,675 in 2024, a 5.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 24,721 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.39%.
24,675
Population (2024)
23,376
Population (2010)
24,721
Peak (2020)
0.39%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 23,376 |
| 2011 | 23,564 |
| 2012 | 23,808 |
| 2013 | 24,225 |
| 2014 | 24,267 |
| 2015 | 24,658 |
| 2016 | 24,436 |
| 2017 | 24,546 |
| 2018 | 24,488 |
| 2019 | 24,519 |
| 2020 | 24,721 |
| 2021 | 24,565 |
| 2022 | 24,428 |
| 2023 | 24,503 |
| 2024 | 24,675 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.3% |
| Black or African American | 1.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
31.2
Median Age
51.6%
Female
48.4%
Male
14.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.1% · Seniors (65+): 14.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $53,657$-8,760 vs state |
| Mean household income | $78,365 |
| Per-capita income | $30,257 |
| Poverty rate | 16.1%+4.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Rowan County is professional & business services, accounting for 39.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.8%
Drive alone
6.9%
Carpool
75.2%
Public transit
7.3%
Work from home
22.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$155,900$-36,400 vs state
Median home value
$815
Median rent
63.1%
Homeownership rate
10,577
Total housing units
88.4%
Occupied
11.6%
Vacant
36.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.3%
With health insurance
93.5%
With broadband internet
22.7%
Foreign-born
5.3%
Veterans (18+)
17.0%
With a disability
97.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.3%
High School+
27.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Rowan County, Kentucky has a population of 24,525 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 46th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 88 people per square mile.
The population of Rowan County has grown 5.6% since 2010 (23,376 → 24,675), a +0.39% annualized rate.
The median household income in Rowan County, Kentucky is $53,657, with mean (average) household income of $78,365 and per-capita income of $30,257. 16.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Rowan County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.3%), Black or African American (1.8%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Rowan County, Kentucky is 31.2 years. Residents are 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
The median home value in Rowan County is $155,900 and median monthly rent is $815. 63.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 10,577 total housing units, 11.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Rowan County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 39.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Rowan County, Kentucky, with a population of 627,210.
Rowan County, KY Climate
Rowan County, KY has an average annual temperature of 12.1°C (54°F) and receives about 1166 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.1°C
Avg Temp
1166
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -1° / 31° | 77 mm |
| February | 1° / 34° | 81 mm |
| March | 7° / 44° | 103 mm |
| April | 12° / 53° | 100 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 121 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 103 mm |
| July | 24° / 74° | 133 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 100 mm |
| September | 20° / 67° | 83 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 78 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 88 mm |
| December | 2° / 36° | 99 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Rowan County, KY
The most comfortable months to visit Rowan County, KY are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -6°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Rowan County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.