Union County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 81st-largest in Kentucky
The population of Union County, Kentucky is 13,379 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 81st-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $60,989, the median home value is $109,000, and the median age is 41.3.
The population of Union County has declined 13.7% since 2010 (15,274 → 13,178), a -1.05% annualized rate.
13,379
Population
-1.05%
Annual growth
39
People / sq mi
$60,989
Median Income
$109,000
Median Home Value
Union County covers 343 sq mi of land at 39.0 people per square mile.
About Union County, KY
Union County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 13,379. It ranks #81 among counties in Kentucky by population. The median age is 41.3, older than the national median. The population is 50.6% male and 49.4% female.
The median household income in Union County is $60,989, below the US median of $74,580. 10.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $109,000, with monthly rent averaging $787. The homeownership rate of 71.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Union County reflects 11.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.7 minutes each way.
Union County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Union County had a population of 15,274 in 2010 and 13,178 in 2024, a -13.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 15,274 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.04%.
13,178
Population (2024)
15,274
Population (2010)
15,274
Peak (2010)
-1.04%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 15,274 |
| 2011 | 15,264 |
| 2012 | 15,092 |
| 2013 | 15,078 |
| 2014 | 15,093 |
| 2015 | 14,976 |
| 2016 | 14,795 |
| 2017 | 14,656 |
| 2018 | 14,519 |
| 2019 | 14,497 |
| 2020 | 13,650 |
| 2021 | 13,251 |
| 2022 | 13,107 |
| 2023 | 13,116 |
| 2024 | 13,178 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 88.9% |
| Black or African American | 8.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.3
Median Age
49.4%
Female
50.6%
Male
19.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.5% · Seniors (65+): 19.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $60,989$-1,428 vs state |
| Mean household income | $75,274 |
| Per-capita income | $30,328 |
| Poverty rate | 10.6%-1.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 50.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Union County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.0%
Carpool
83.1%
Public transit
5.0%
Work from home
22.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$109,000$-83,300 vs state
Median home value
$787
Median rent
71.7%
Homeownership rate
5,868
Total housing units
87.4%
Occupied
12.6%
Vacant
28.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.6%
With health insurance
95.2%
With broadband internet
30.0%
Foreign-born
6.7%
Veterans (18+)
30.8%
With a disability
98.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.0%
High School+
11.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Union County, Kentucky has a population of 13,379 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 81st-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 39 people per square mile.
The population of Union County has declined 13.7% since 2010 (15,274 → 13,178), a -1.05% annualized rate.
The median household income in Union County, Kentucky is $60,989, with mean (average) household income of $75,274 and per-capita income of $30,328. 10.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Union County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (88.9%), Black or African American (8.1%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Union County, Kentucky is 41.3 years. Residents are 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
The median home value in Union County is $109,000 and median monthly rent is $787. 71.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,868 total housing units, 12.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Union County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.6%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Union 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.