Elsmere city, Kentucky Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Elsmere city, Kentucky has a total population of 9,151, the 50th largest city in Kentucky, with a median household income of $61,427, which is 2% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 14.7%.
Elsmere city Quick Facts
How Elsmere city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 31 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Elsmere city Rankings in Kentucky
Explore Kentucky Rankings
Cities Similar to Elsmere city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hillview city | 8,735 | $65,732 | $180,300 | 18.7% | 11.2% |
| Harrodsburg city | 9,126 | $46,821 | $145,100 | 18.6% | 15.8% |
| Fort Knox CDP | 8,715 | $74,224 | N/A | 42.1% | 8.0% |
| Middletown city | 9,622 | $74,129 | $298,900 | 50.5% | 11.7% |
| Versailles city | 10,382 | $58,834 | $257,600 | 36.2% | 16.9% |
Population Overview
Elsmere city is a small city located in Kentucky. The total population is 9,151. It ranks as the 50th most populous out of 552 cities and towns in Kentucky.
Age Demographics
The median age in Elsmere city is 31.6 years. This is 19% lower than the state median of 39.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Elsmere city is $61,427. This is 2% lower than the state median of $62,417. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 22% lower. The poverty rate stands at 14.7%. This is 9% lower than the state poverty rate of 16.1%. The unemployment rate is 6.0%. This is 24% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $157,200. Housing costs are 18% lower than the state median of $192,300. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.6x, Elsmere city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 70.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 3% higher than the state average of 68.3%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Elsmere city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 79.3% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 6.2%. The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (2.7% vs 1.5%).
Education
24.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 10% 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 89.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Elsmere city, Kentucky is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Kentucky state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 552 Census-designated places in Kentucky. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Elsmere city, Kentucky?
Elsmere city, Kentucky has a population of 9,151 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Elsmere city, KY?
The median household income in Elsmere city is $61,427, which is 22% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Elsmere city, KY?
The poverty rate in Elsmere city is 14.7%. This means approximately 1,325 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Elsmere city, Kentucky?
Elsmere city's population is 79.3% White, 6.2% Black, 4.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.7% Asian.
What is the median home value in Elsmere city, KY?
The median home value in Elsmere city is $157,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x.
How educated is Elsmere city, Kentucky?
24.2% of adults (25+) in Elsmere city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 2.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.