United States >> States >> Kentucky
Population and Demography of Kentucky
Kentucky is a state in the Southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio to the north; West Virginia and Virginia to the east; Tennessee to the south; and Missouri to the west.
Kentucky is the 26th most populous state in the United States. The total Land area is 39,486 square miles (102,269 sq. km.) and there is an average of 110 people for every square mile. This makes Kentucky the 22nd most densely populated state in the US. As per the United States Census Bureau, the population of Kentucky in 2020 was 4,505,836 (4.5 million)
Estimated Population of Kentucky in 2024 – 4,526,154 or 4.6 million
Kentucky Population (2010-2020)
Kentucky has a population growth rate of 3.8% during 2010-2020. It has population increase of 166,469 since 2010. The median age in the state of Kentucky is approximately 38.6 years of age, with a slight gender majority of 50.8% females and 49.2% males residing in the state.
| Kentucky | Census 2020 |
| Total Population | 4,505,836 (4.5 million) |
| Median Age | 38.6 years |
| Population Rank | 26th |
| Total Land Area | 39,486 sq mi (102,269 km2) |
| Area Rank | 37th |
| Population Density | 110/sq mi (42.5/km2) |
| Capital City | Frankfort |
| Largest City | Louisville |
Kentucky Historical Population
In the year 1900, Kentucky’s Population was 2 million and in 2020 it reached 4.5 million, an increase of almost 2.5 million.
Let’s look at the decade population & percentage change
| Year | Population | % Change |
| 1790 | 73,677 | – |
| 1800 | 220,955 | 199.90% |
| 1810 | 406,511 | 84.00% |
| 1820 | 564,317 | 38.80% |
| 1830 | 687,917 | 21.90% |
| 1840 | 779,828 | 13.40% |
| 1850 | 982,405 | 26.00% |
| 1860 | 1,155,684 | 17.60% |
| 1870 | 1,321,011 | 14.30% |
| 1880 | 1,648,690 | 24.80% |
| 1890 | 1,858,635 | 12.70% |
| 1900 | 2,147,174 | 15.50% |
| 1910 | 2,289,905 | 6.60% |
| 1920 | 2,416,630 | 5.50% |
| 1930 | 2,614,589 | 8.20% |
| 1940 | 2,845,627 | 8.80% |
| 1950 | 2,944,806 | 3.50% |
| 1960 | 3,038,156 | 3.20% |
| 1970 | 3,218,706 | 5.90% |
| 1980 | 3,660,777 | 13.70% |
| 1990 | 3,685,295 | 0.70% |
| 2000 | 4,041,770 | 9.70% |
| 2010 | 4,339,367 | 7.40% |
| 2020 | 4,505,836 | 3.80% |
Religion and Affilations
Christianity is the majority religion in Kentucky followed by 76% of the population. The largest Christian denomination in Kentucky is Protestant (65%); Roman Catholic (10%). Next comes the Unaffiliated population, 22% of the population doesn’t follow or adhere to any faith or religion. Other faiths include Hindu, Jewish, Buddhist, and Islam, and together makeup 2 % of Kentucky’s population.
For more details read Religion in Kentucky
Race and Ethnicity
In 2020, the White alone (non-Hispanic) population was the largest racial or ethnic group in Kentucky, comprising 81.33% of the total population. It was followed by the Black or African American population whose share was 7.94. Hispanic or Latino was the third largest group at 4.61%. Two or more races are at 3.89% and the Asian population was at 1.64 %
Ancestry in Kentucky
As per Census Studies & estimate American, German, Irish, English, and Italian have made the five largest ancestry groups in Kentucky.
For more Details read Race and Ethnicity in Kentucky
Top cities and Counties in Kentucky
As of 2022, Kentucky is divided into 120 counties. The most populous county in Kentucky is Jefferson County (0.78 million) and the Largest county by Land Area in Kentucky is Pike County. The most populated city in Kentucky by population is Louisville (633,045). It’s followed by Lexington (322,570) and Bowling Green (72,294).
read more about Cities and Counties in Kentucky
English
Español
Português
Deutsch