Harlan County, Kentucky Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Harlan County is located in Kentucky with a total population of 26,185. It is the 44th most populous county out of 120 in Kentucky.

Age Demographics

The median age in Harlan County is 41.2 years. This is 5% higher than the state median of 39.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Harlan County is $37,198. This is 40% lower than the state median of $62,417. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 53% lower. The poverty rate stands at 27.2%. This is 69% higher than the state poverty rate of 16.1%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 11.0%. This is 128% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $73,100. Housing costs are 62% lower than the state median of $192,300. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.0x, Harlan County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 70.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 4% higher than the state average of 68.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

Harlan County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 94.2% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 1.5%. The Black or African American population (1.5%) is well below the state average of 7.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 4.7%. The Asian population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 1.5%.

Education

12.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 53% 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 79.3%.