Whitley County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 28th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Whitley County, Kentucky is 36,755 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 28th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $41,719, the median home value is $120,600, and the median age is 35.4.
The population of Whitley County has grown 4.2% since 2010 (35,718 → 37,233), a +0.30% annualized rate.
36,755
Population
+0.30%
Annual growth
84
People / sq mi
$41,719
Median Income
$120,600
Median Home Value
Whitley County covers 438 sq mi of land at 83.9 people per square mile.
About Whitley County, KY
Whitley County is a county in Kentucky with a population of 36,755. It ranks #28 among counties in Kentucky by population. The median age is 35.4, younger than the national median. The population is 49.2% male and 50.8% female.
The median household income in Whitley County is $41,719, below the US median of $74,580. 19.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $120,600, with monthly rent averaging $720. The homeownership rate of 66.7% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Whitley County reflects 19.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.8 minutes each way.
Whitley County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Whitley County had a population of 35,718 in 2010 and 37,233 in 2024, a 4.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 37,233 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.30%.
37,233
Population (2024)
35,718
Population (2010)
37,233
Peak (2024)
0.30%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 35,718 |
| 2011 | 35,863 |
| 2012 | 35,784 |
| 2013 | 35,892 |
| 2014 | 35,864 |
| 2015 | 36,143 |
| 2016 | 36,116 |
| 2017 | 36,135 |
| 2018 | 36,196 |
| 2019 | 36,362 |
| 2020 | 36,694 |
| 2021 | 36,805 |
| 2022 | 36,950 |
| 2023 | 36,917 |
| 2024 | 37,233 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.8% |
| Black or African American | 1.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
35.4
Median Age
50.8%
Female
49.2%
Male
15.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 21.8% · Seniors (65+): 15.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $41,719$-20,698 vs state |
| Mean household income | $62,066 |
| Per-capita income | $23,077 |
| Poverty rate | 19.2%+7.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 48.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Whitley County is professional & business services, accounting for 28.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
2.4%
Carpool
75.6%
Public transit
7.8%
Work from home
22.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$120,600$-71,700 vs state
Median home value
$720
Median rent
66.7%
Homeownership rate
15,558
Total housing units
87.2%
Occupied
12.8%
Vacant
33.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.3%
With health insurance
90.8%
With broadband internet
33.8%
Foreign-born
5.0%
Veterans (18+)
21.1%
With a disability
99.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
83.1%
High School+
19.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Whitley County, Kentucky has a population of 36,755 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 28th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 84 people per square mile.
The population of Whitley County has grown 4.2% since 2010 (35,718 → 37,233), a +0.30% annualized rate.
The median household income in Whitley County, Kentucky is $41,719, with mean (average) household income of $62,066 and per-capita income of $23,077. 19.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Whitley County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.8%), Black or African American (1.1%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Whitley County, Kentucky is 35.4 years. Residents are 50.8% female and 49.2% male.
The median home value in Whitley County is $120,600 and median monthly rent is $720. 66.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 15,558 total housing units, 12.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Whitley County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 28.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Whitley 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.