Wolfe County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 113th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Wolfe County, Kentucky is 6,484 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 113th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $29,052, the median home value is $66,400, and the median age is 41.5.
The population of Wolfe County has declined 13.6% since 2010 (7,364 → 6,364), a -1.04% annualized rate.
6,484
Population
-1.04%
Annual growth
29
People / sq mi
$29,052
Median Income
$66,400
Median Home Value
Wolfe County covers 222 sq mi of land at 29.2 people per square mile.
About Wolfe County, KY
Wolfe County is defined demographically by education — 7.4% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average. With 6,484 residents, Wolfe County is a county in Kentucky.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $29,052, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 32.6%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $66,400, with typical rent around $507.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US counties, 7.4%, below the national 35.0%. About 7.7% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 31 minutes each way.
Wolfe County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Wolfe County had a population of 7,364 in 2010 and 6,364 in 2024, a -13.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 7,365 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -1.01%.
6,364
Population (2024)
7,364
Population (2010)
7,365
Peak (2011)
-1.01%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 7,364 |
| 2011 | 7,365 |
| 2012 | 7,197 |
| 2013 | 7,282 |
| 2014 | 7,255 |
| 2015 | 7,247 |
| 2016 | 7,203 |
| 2017 | 7,264 |
| 2018 | 7,215 |
| 2019 | 7,151 |
| 2020 | 6,557 |
| 2021 | 6,507 |
| 2022 | 6,415 |
| 2023 | 6,370 |
| 2024 | 6,364 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 96.1% |
| Black or African American | 0.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.5
Median Age
50.3%
Female
49.7%
Male
19.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.4% · Seniors (65+): 19.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $29,052$-33,365 vs state |
| Mean household income | $38,556 |
| Per-capita income | $15,253 |
| Poverty rate | 32.6%+20.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 29.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Wolfe County is professional & business services, accounting for 30.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
0.0%
Carpool
74.7%
Public transit
7.7%
Work from home
31.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$66,400$-125,900 vs state
Median home value
$507
Median rent
69.9%
Homeownership rate
3,043
Total housing units
83.6%
Occupied
16.4%
Vacant
30.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
97.7%
With health insurance
84.3%
With broadband internet
14.1%
Foreign-born
4.0%
Veterans (18+)
33.0%
With a disability
97.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
66.0%
High School+
7.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Wolfe County, Kentucky has a population of 6,484 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 113th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 29 people per square mile.
The population of Wolfe County has declined 13.6% since 2010 (7,364 → 6,364), a -1.04% annualized rate.
The median household income in Wolfe County, Kentucky is $29,052, with mean (average) household income of $38,556 and per-capita income of $15,253. 32.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Wolfe County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (96.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%), Black or African American (0.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Wolfe County, Kentucky is 41.5 years. Residents are 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
The median home value in Wolfe County is $66,400 and median monthly rent is $507. 69.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,043 total housing units, 16.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Wolfe County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 30.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 5.4%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Wolfe County, Kentucky, with a population of 627,210.
Wolfe County, KY Climate
Wolfe County, KY has an average annual temperature of 12.2°C (54°F) and receives about 1196 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.2°C
Avg Temp
1196
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 32° | 78 mm |
| February | 2° / 35° | 91 mm |
| March | 7° / 44° | 104 mm |
| April | 12° / 53° | 92 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 118 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 102 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 133 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 100 mm |
| September | 20° / 67° | 90 mm |
| October | 13° / 56° | 78 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 101 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 109 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 Wolfe County, KY
The most comfortable months to visit Wolfe County, KY are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -6°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Wolfe County
Visiting or relocating to Wolfe County, KY? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Wolfe County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Wolfe County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Wolfe County, KY by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Kentucky
Population 777,392
Population 321,122
Population 169,817
Population 137,676
Full rankings of Kentucky counties
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.