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
Among US counties, Whitley County stands out first on household income: a median of $41,719, below the US median of $78,538. With 36,755 residents, Whitley County is a county in Kentucky. It ranks #28 among counties in Kentucky by population.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $41,719, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 19.2%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $120,600, with typical rent around $720.
Roughly 19.8% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 7.8% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 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.