Information Central

Population

The state has grown and evolved considerably over the past two centuries. In 1900, the state’s population of urban residents was only 22 percent. Today, a majority of the state’s population is urban. Kentucky’s population now totals over 4.5 million, which is an increase of almost 464,000 from the 2000 count. More than half of the state's residents live in one of Kentucky’s 415 incorporated and active cities.

According to the data released by the U.S. Census Bureau, cities represented the entire growth of new residents between 2010 and 2020. The 2020 decennial census showed Kentucky city populations increased by 167,000 residents while unincorporated areas declined marginally by around 1,000 residents. About 56% of Kentuckians now call a city their home. 

 

Resources

• 2021 Census Population Estimates for Cities (Excel)
• 2020 Decennial Census Kentucky City Populations (Excel)
• 2020 U.S. Decennial Census (link)
• List of Kentucky's urbanized areas (Excel)
• KLC Research Report: Today's Kentucky City - A Comprehensive Analysis of City Operations (link)
• Kentucky City: Kentucky Cities See a Population Boom (PDF)
• Census Population Estimates Challenge Program (link)