Carter County, Kentucky Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Carter County is located in Kentucky with a total population of 26,515. It is the 42nd most populous county out of 120 in Kentucky.

Age Demographics

The median age in Carter County is 41.8 years. This is 7% higher than the state median of 39.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Carter County is $50,389. This is 19% lower than the state median of $62,417. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 36% lower. The poverty rate stands at 19.6%. This is 21% higher than the state poverty rate of 16.1%. The unemployment rate is 4.1%. This is 15% lower than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $126,100. Housing costs are 34% lower than the state median of $192,300. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.5x, Carter County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 78.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 15% higher than the state average of 68.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

Carter County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 95.2% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.1%. The Black or African American population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 7.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.1%) is well below the state average of 4.7%. The Asian population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 1.5%.

Education

15.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 43% lower than the state rate of 27.0%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 82.8%.