Monroe County, Kentucky Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Monroe County is located in Kentucky with a total population of 11,318. It is the 93rd most populous county out of 120 in Kentucky.

Age Demographics

The median age in Monroe County is 41.3 years. This is 6% higher than the state median of 39.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Monroe County is $49,430. This is 21% lower than the state median of $62,417. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 37% lower. The poverty rate stands at 22.2%. This is 38% 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 4.2%. This is 14% lower than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $116,300. Housing costs are 40% lower than the state median of $192,300. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.4x, Monroe County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 69.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 1% higher than the state average of 68.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

Monroe County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 91.6% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 4.4%. The Black or African American population (2.6%) is well below the state average of 7.8%. The Asian population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 1.5%.

Education

14.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 45% 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 82.5%.