Spencer County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 58th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Spencer County, Kentucky is 19,875 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 58th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $98,333, the median home value is $297,600, and the median age is 43.3.
The population of Spencer County has grown 21.3% since 2010 (17,167 → 20,823), a +1.39% annualized rate.
19,875
Population
+1.39%
Annual growth
106
People / sq mi
$98,333
Median Income
$297,600
Median Home Value
Spencer County covers 187 sq mi of land at 106.5 people per square mile.
About Spencer County, KY
Homeownership is the standout figure in Spencer County: 86.6% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. Spencer County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 19,875.
Households here are among the highest-earning of all US counties: median income is $98,333, above the US median of $78,538. Hardship is rare relative to US counties: a poverty rate of just 3.1%, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $297,600, with typical rent around $954.
Roughly 22.1% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 10.5%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 32 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Spencer County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Spencer County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Spencer County had a population of 17,167 in 2010 and 20,823 in 2024, a 21.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 20,823 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.39%.
20,823
Population (2024)
17,167
Population (2010)
20,823
Peak (2024)
1.39%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,167 |
| 2011 | 17,434 |
| 2012 | 17,486 |
| 2013 | 17,645 |
| 2014 | 17,782 |
| 2015 | 18,043 |
| 2016 | 18,298 |
| 2017 | 18,583 |
| 2018 | 18,959 |
| 2019 | 19,302 |
| 2020 | 19,503 |
| 2021 | 19,879 |
| 2022 | 20,204 |
| 2023 | 20,557 |
| 2024 | 20,823 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.3% |
| Black or African American | 1.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.3
Median Age
49.6%
Female
50.4%
Male
15.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.5% · Seniors (65+): 15.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $98,333+$35,916 vs state |
| Mean household income | $110,220 |
| Per-capita income | $40,963 |
| Poverty rate | 3.1%-8.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 60.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Spencer County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
0.7%
Carpool
83.4%
Public transit
10.5%
Work from home
32.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$297,600+$105,300 vs state
Median home value
$954
Median rent
86.6%
Homeownership rate
7,599
Total housing units
92.9%
Occupied
7.1%
Vacant
13.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.5%
With health insurance
95.7%
With broadband internet
23.0%
Foreign-born
7.2%
Veterans (18+)
15.3%
With a disability
98.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.3%
High School+
22.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Spencer County, Kentucky has a population of 19,875 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 58th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 106 people per square mile.
The population of Spencer County has grown 21.3% since 2010 (17,167 → 20,823), a +1.39% annualized rate.
The median household income in Spencer County, Kentucky is $98,333, with mean (average) household income of $110,220 and per-capita income of $40,963. 3.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Spencer County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.9%), 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 Spencer County, Kentucky is 43.3 years. Residents are 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
The median home value in Spencer County is $297,600 and median monthly rent is $954. 86.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,599 total housing units, 7.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Spencer County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.8%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Spencer County, Kentucky, with a population of 627,210.
Spencer County, KY Climate
Spencer County, KY has an average annual temperature of 12.9°C (55°F) and receives about 1208 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.9°C
Avg Temp
1208
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 32° | 83 mm |
| February | 2° / 36° | 90 mm |
| March | 7° / 45° | 114 mm |
| April | 13° / 55° | 110 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 125 mm |
| June | 22° / 72° | 106 mm |
| July | 25° / 76° | 122 mm |
| August | 24° / 75° | 95 mm |
| September | 20° / 68° | 85 mm |
| October | 14° / 57° | 75 mm |
| November | 8° / 46° | 96 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 107 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 Spencer County, KY
The most comfortable months to visit Spencer County, KY are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Spencer County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.