Powell County, Kentucky Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Powell County is located in Kentucky with a total population of 13,057. It is the 82nd most populous county out of 120 in Kentucky. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in Powell County is 39.3 years. This is about average than the state median of 39.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Powell County is $39,811. This is 36% lower than the state median of $62,417. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 49% lower. The poverty rate stands at 21.8%. This is 35% 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 7.1%. This is 47% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $142,400. Housing costs are 26% lower than the state median of $192,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x. 69.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 1% higher than the state average of 68.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

Powell County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 93.8% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 1.7%. The Black or African American population (1.7%) is well below the state average of 7.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.4%) is well below the state average of 4.7%.

Education

17.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 36% 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 82.7%.