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
The poverty rate is what most separates Russell County from the typical county: 17.8% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Russell County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 18,117.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $50,520, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 17.8%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $148,200, with typical rent around $660.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 15.8% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Just 4.1% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Russell County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
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.