Simpson County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 59th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Simpson County, Kentucky is 19,786 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 59th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $57,392, the median home value is $195,700, and the median age is 39.0.
The population of Simpson County has grown 17.4% since 2010 (17,337 → 20,350), a +1.15% annualized rate.
19,786
Population
+1.15%
Annual growth
84
People / sq mi
$57,392
Median Income
$195,700
Median Home Value
Simpson County covers 234 sq mi of land at 84.5 people per square mile.
About Simpson County, KY
Simpson County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 40.0% of the population. Simpson County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 19,786.
Median household income is $57,392, below the US median of $78,538. About 10.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $195,700, with typical rent around $1,011.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 16.8%, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.2% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Simpson County, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
Simpson County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Simpson County had a population of 17,337 in 2010 and 20,350 in 2024, a 17.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 20,350 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.16%.
20,350
Population (2024)
17,337
Population (2010)
20,350
Peak (2024)
1.16%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,337 |
| 2011 | 17,308 |
| 2012 | 17,552 |
| 2013 | 17,692 |
| 2014 | 17,764 |
| 2015 | 17,913 |
| 2016 | 17,995 |
| 2017 | 18,048 |
| 2018 | 18,386 |
| 2019 | 18,530 |
| 2020 | 19,629 |
| 2021 | 19,734 |
| 2022 | 19,926 |
| 2023 | 20,223 |
| 2024 | 20,350 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 84.5% |
| Black or African American | 7.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.0
Median Age
50.1%
Female
49.9%
Male
16.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.7% · Seniors (65+): 16.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $57,392$-5,025 vs state |
| Mean household income | $70,729 |
| Per-capita income | $28,786 |
| Poverty rate | 10.6%-1.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Simpson County is manufacturing, accounting for 22.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
1.6%
Carpool
79.5%
Public transit
5.2%
Work from home
21.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$195,700+$3,400 vs state
Median home value
$1,011
Median rent
66.3%
Homeownership rate
8,456
Total housing units
90.9%
Occupied
9.1%
Vacant
33.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.6%
With health insurance
92.6%
With broadband internet
40.0%
Foreign-born
8.3%
Veterans (18+)
15.2%
With a disability
98.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.2%
High School+
16.8%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Simpson County, Kentucky has a population of 19,786 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 59th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 84 people per square mile.
The population of Simpson County has grown 17.4% since 2010 (17,337 → 20,350), a +1.15% annualized rate.
The median household income in Simpson County, Kentucky is $57,392, with mean (average) household income of $70,729 and per-capita income of $28,786. 10.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Simpson County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (84.5%), Black or African American (7.0%), Hispanic or Latino (3.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Simpson County, Kentucky is 39.0 years. Residents are 50.1% female and 49.9% male.
The median home value in Simpson County is $195,700 and median monthly rent is $1,011. 66.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,456 total housing units, 9.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Simpson County, Kentucky is manufacturing, employing 22.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.4%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Simpson County, Kentucky, with a population of 627,210.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.