Letcher County, Kentucky Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Letcher County is located in Kentucky with a total population of 21,146. It is the 53rd most populous county out of 120 in Kentucky.

Age Demographics

The median age in Letcher County is 43.3 years. This is 11% higher than the state median of 39.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Letcher County is $40,501. This is 35% lower than the state median of $62,417. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 48% lower. The poverty rate stands at 26.8%. This is 66% 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 5.8%. This is 21% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $70,500. Housing costs are 63% lower than the state median of $192,300. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.7x, Letcher County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 72.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 6% higher than the state average of 68.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

Letcher County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 96.8% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 0.8%. The Black or African American population (0.7%) is well below the state average of 7.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 4.7%. The Asian population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 1.5%.

Education

13.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 49% 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 79.8%.