Rowan County, Kentucky Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Rowan County is located in Kentucky with a total population of 24,525. It is the 46th most populous county out of 120 in Kentucky.

Age Demographics

The median age in Rowan County is 31.2 years. This is 20% lower than the state median of 39.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Rowan County is $53,657. This is 14% lower than the state median of $62,417. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 32% lower. The poverty rate stands at 24.5%. This is 52% 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 4.3%. This is 10% lower than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $155,900. Housing costs are 19% lower than the state median of $192,300. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, Rowan County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 63.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 8% lower than the state average of 68.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

Rowan County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 93.8% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.2%. The Black or African American population (1.8%) is well below the state average of 7.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.2%) is well below the state average of 4.7%.

Education

27.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is about average 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 87.3%.