Russell County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 65th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Russell County, Kentucky is 18,117 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 65th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $50,520, the median home value is $148,200, and the median age is 42.2.
The population of Russell County has grown 5.0% since 2010 (17,582 → 18,458), a +0.35% annualized rate.
18,117
Population
+0.35%
Annual growth
72
People / sq mi
$50,520
Median Income
$148,200
Median Home Value
Russell County covers 253 sq mi of land at 71.5 people per square mile.
About Russell County, KY
Russell County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 18,117. It ranks #65 among counties in Kentucky by population. The median age is 42.2, older than the national median. The population is 49.3% male and 50.7% female.
The median household income in Russell County is $50,520, below the US median of $74,580. 17.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $148,200, with monthly rent averaging $660. The homeownership rate of 73.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Russell County reflects 15.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.9 minutes each way.
Russell County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Russell County had a population of 17,582 in 2010 and 18,458 in 2024, a 5.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 18,458 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.35%.
18,458
Population (2024)
17,582
Population (2010)
18,458
Peak (2024)
0.35%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,582 |
| 2011 | 17,712 |
| 2012 | 17,648 |
| 2013 | 17,759 |
| 2014 | 17,795 |
| 2015 | 17,694 |
| 2016 | 17,769 |
| 2017 | 17,721 |
| 2018 | 17,799 |
| 2019 | 17,944 |
| 2020 | 17,997 |
| 2021 | 18,166 |
| 2022 | 18,177 |
| 2023 | 18,308 |
| 2024 | 18,458 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.8% |
| Black or African American | 1.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.2
Median Age
50.7%
Female
49.3%
Male
20.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.1% · Seniors (65+): 20.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $50,520$-11,897 vs state |
| Mean household income | $68,781 |
| Per-capita income | $28,231 |
| Poverty rate | 17.8%+6.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 50.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Russell County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
2.0%
Carpool
85.3%
Public transit
4.1%
Work from home
19.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$148,200$-44,100 vs state
Median home value
$660
Median rent
73.5%
Homeownership rate
10,146
Total housing units
71.1%
Occupied
28.9%
Vacant
26.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.5%
With health insurance
88.6%
With broadband internet
22.3%
Foreign-born
7.7%
Veterans (18+)
23.8%
With a disability
95.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
81.8%
High School+
15.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Russell County, Kentucky has a population of 18,117 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 65th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 72 people per square mile.
The population of Russell County has grown 5.0% since 2010 (17,582 → 18,458), a +0.35% annualized rate.
The median household income in Russell County, Kentucky is $50,520, with mean (average) household income of $68,781 and per-capita income of $28,231. 17.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Russell County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%), 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 Russell County, Kentucky is 42.2 years. Residents are 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
The median home value in Russell County is $148,200 and median monthly rent is $660. 73.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 10,146 total housing units, 28.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Russell County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Russell 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.