United States >> States >> Kentucky
Kentucky Population Overview (2026 Projection)
Kentucky is a state in the Southeastern region of the United States, 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. It ranks as the 26th most populous state in the country and covers a total land area of 39,486 square miles (102,269 sq. km).
With an average population density of about 110 people per square mile, Kentucky is the 22nd most densely populated U.S. state. Population centers are primarily concentrated around Louisville, Lexington, and Northern Kentucky, while much of the state remains rural.
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Kentucky had a population of 4,505,836 (4.5 million). As of July 1, 2024, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates the population at 4,588,372, or approximately 4.6 million, reflecting steady but moderate growth.
👉 Projected Population of Kentucky (2026): ~4.6 million
Kentucky Population Growth (2010–2020)
Kentucky experienced a population growth rate of 3.8% between 2010 and 2020, adding approximately 166,469 residents over the decade. The state has a median age of 38.6 years, reflecting a slightly older population compared to the national average. In terms of gender distribution, females make up 50.8% of the population, while males account for 49.2%, indicating a fairly balanced demographic structure.
Kentucky Census Snapshot (2020)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| 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 per sq mi (42.5 per km²) |
| Capital City | Frankfort |
| Largest City | Louisville |
Kentucky Historical Population
Kentucky’s population has grown steadily over the past two centuries. In 1900, the state had a population of just over 2.1 million, which increased to 4.5 million by 2020—a net gain of nearly 2.5 million people. Early population growth was rapid during the 18th and 19th centuries, followed by more moderate and stable growth patterns in the 20th and early 21st centuries.
Decadal Population Change (1790–2020)
| 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% |
Kentucky Demographics (Summary)
Religion and Affiliations
Christianity is the dominant religion in Kentucky, with approximately 76% of residents identifying as Christian. Protestants account for about 65% of the population, while Roman Catholics make up around 10%. The religiously unaffiliated population represents about 22%, including those who identify as atheist, agnostic, or having no formal religious affiliation. Other faiths—such as Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism—together comprise roughly 2% of Kentucky’s population.
For more details, read: Religion in Kentucky.
Race and Ethnicity
According to the 2020 Census, White (non-Hispanic) residents form the largest racial or ethnic group in Kentucky, accounting for 81.33% of the total population. The Black or African American population is the second-largest group at 7.94%, followed by Hispanic or Latino residents at 4.61%. Individuals identifying with two or more races make up 3.89%, while the Asian population accounts for 1.64% of the state’s population.
Ancestry in Kentucky
Based on census studies and population estimates, the five largest ancestry groups in Kentucky are American, German, Irish, English, and Italian, reflecting the state’s historical settlement patterns and European immigration roots.
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
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Kentucky Demographics
1. What is the current population of Kentucky?
As per the 2020 U.S. Census, Kentucky had a population of 4,505,836. The latest 2024 population estimate places the state’s population at approximately 4.6 million.
2. Is Kentucky’s population growing or declining?
Kentucky’s population is growing slowly but steadily. Between 2010 and 2020, the state recorded a growth rate of 3.8%, adding over 166,000 residents during the decade.
3. What is the racial makeup of Kentucky?
The majority of Kentucky’s population is White (non-Hispanic) at 81.33%. Other major groups include Black or African American (7.94%), Hispanic or Latino (4.61%), Two or more races (3.89%), and Asian (1.64%).
4. What is the dominant religion in Kentucky?
Christianity is the dominant religion in Kentucky, followed by about 76% of the population. Protestants form the largest Christian group, while 22% of residents identify as religiously unaffiliated.
5. What are the largest ancestry groups in Kentucky?
The most commonly reported ancestry groups in Kentucky are American, German, Irish, English, and Italian, reflecting the state’s historical settlement and immigration patterns.
English
Español
Português
Deutsch