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
Educational attainment is the headline number in Union County: 11.8% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. Union County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 13,379.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $60,989 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 10.6%, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $109,000, with typical rent around $787.
Union County is among the least college-educated US counties, at 11.8% — below the national 35.0%. Just 5.0% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 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.
Union County, KY Climate
Union County, KY has an average annual temperature of 13.7°C (57°F) and receives about 1172 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13.7°C
Avg Temp
1172
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 32° | 79 mm |
| February | 3° / 37° | 89 mm |
| March | 8° / 47° | 122 mm |
| April | 14° / 57° | 111 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 124 mm |
| June | 23° / 74° | 98 mm |
| July | 26° / 78° | 106 mm |
| August | 25° / 76° | 85 mm |
| September | 21° / 70° | 78 mm |
| October | 15° / 58° | 71 mm |
| November | 9° / 47° | 107 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 102 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 Union County, KY
The most comfortable months to visit Union County, KY are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Union County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.