Adair County, KY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
19,089
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$53,553/yr
6.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
8,648
0.2% year-over-year change

Adair County population

How many people live in Adair County

Adair County is home to 19,089 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.6% of Adair County locals are male, and 49.4% are female.

Total population
19,089
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.6%
9,666
Female
49.4%
9,423
Value Percent YoY change
Male 9,666 50.6% 1.2%
Female 9,423 49.4% -0.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Adair County is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.1% are children under 15, then 16.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.2% of the population, while another 25.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.1%
15 to 24
16.7%
25 to 44
22.2%
45 to 64
25.3%
Over 65
19.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,076 16.1% -1.2%
15 to 24 3,191 16.7% 3.0%
25 to 44 4,230 22.2% 1.1%
45 to 64 4,837 25.3% -1.0%
Over 65 3,755 19.7% 0.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Adair County, 95.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 90.8% of locals are Caucasian, 2.1% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.5%
Non-citizens
2.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 18,246 95.6% -0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 287 1.5% 30.4%
Non-citizens 556 2.9% 9.9%
Racial breakdown
White
90.8%
Black or African American
2.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.3%
Two or more races
5.1%
Other
1.4%
Value Percent
White 17,337 90.8%
Black or African American 395 2.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 3 0%
Asian 45 0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 54 0.3%
Two or more races 980 5.1%
Other 275 1.4%

Households in Adair County

A peek inside Adair County households

Adair County has 7,136 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 65.8% are families, while the remaining 34.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,136
2.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
2,437
Family households
4,699
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,437 34.2% -2.7%
Family households 4,699 65.8% 4.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Adair County

The housing landscape of Adair County

Adair County's housing consists of 8,648 units, with 73.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 17.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
8,648
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,352 73.4%
1 unit, attached 153 1.8%
2 units 114 1.3%
3 or 4 units 113 1.3%
5 to 9 units 237 2.7%
10 to 19 units 91 1%
20 to 49 units 68 0.8%
Mobile home 1,512 17.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 8 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
205
58.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Adair County

In Adair County, the median construction year is 1984. About 7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 604 7% -2.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 227 2.6% 10.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 553 6.4% -6.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,180 13.6% 1.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,348 15.6% 1.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,055 12.2% -6.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,296 15% -0.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,502 17.4% 7.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 678 7.8% -11.1%
Built in 2020 or later 205 2.4% 58.9%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Adair County occupancy rates

Out of the 7,136 occupied housing units in Adair County, 77.2% are owner-occupied, while 22.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 17.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,136
2.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,626
Owner occupied
5,510
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,626 22.8% -2.1%
Owner occupied 5,510 77.2% 3.5%
Unoccupied housing units
17.5%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Adair County housing costs

Housing costs in Adair County come to a median of $637 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $771.

Median housing costs per month
$637/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Adair County
$771/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Adair County

Adair County education at a glance

About 42.1% of the population in Adair County went to high school, while 23% pursued college studies. Another 7.6% earned an associate degree and 11.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,083 7.1% 0.5%
High school diploma 6,448 42.1% -2.0%
College diploma 3,532 23% 3.5%
Associate degree 1,169 7.6% -23.3%
Bachelor's degree 1,717 11.2% 14.7%
Graduate degree 1,379 9% 20.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Adair County

How much people earn in Adair County

The average annual household income in Adair County was $71,223 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $53,553, reflecting a +6.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Adair County
$71,223/year
5.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Adair County
$53,553/year
6.4% year-over-year change

Adair County income by age

In Adair County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $56,753. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $66,705 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $45,221, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $42,100 in earnings. Overall, 81.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $45,221 N/A
25 - 44 $56,753 2.5%
45 - 64 $66,705 10.2%
Over 65 $42,100 8.6%
Above poverty level
14,466
Below poverty level
3,257
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 14,466 81.6% 0.2%
Below poverty level 3,257 18.4% 1.9%

Employment in Adair County

Workforce and job types in Adair County

The job market in Adair County is powered by 8,052 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 67% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 33% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.9% run their own businesses, 61.8% are employed by private companies, and 18.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
8,052
4.5% year-over-year change
White collar
5,398
Blue collar
2,654
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,398 67% 9.3%
Blue collar 2,654 33% -4.0%
Employer type
Self employees
13.9%
Private companies
61.8%
Governmental workers
18.5%
Not for profit companies
5.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,121 13.9% 25.5%
Private companies 4,978 61.8% -2.8%
Governmental workers 1,489 18.5% 18.1%
Not for profit companies 464 5.8% 9.2%
Unemployment rate
6.8%
-8.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Adair County stands at 6.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Adair County

How people get around in Adair County

In Adair County, the average commute time is 24 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 81.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
24 min
-15.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 6,380 81.7% -0.3%
Motorcycle 7 0.1% -22.2%
Walk 191 2.4% 35.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Adair County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
42528 2,126 748 $50,227 $70,857
42715 417 102 $0 $76,843
42728 16,412 6,223 $51,623 $71,798
42741 420 130 $78,269 $94,122
42753 657 276 $54,565 $60,857

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FAQs about Adair County demographics 

What is the total population of Adair County?

Adair County has a total population of 19,089 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Adair County?

The gender ratio in Adair County is as follows:
  • 50.6% males (9,666 residents)
  • 49.4% females (9,423 residents)

What is the median age in Adair County?

The median age in Adair County is 39.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Adair County?

The age distribution in Adair County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.1% (3,076 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.7% (3,191 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.2% (4,230 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.3% (4,837 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.7% (3,755 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Adair County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Adair County is as follows:
  • White: 90.8% (17,337 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.1% (395 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (3 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (45 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.3% (54 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.1% (980 residents)
  • Other: 1.4% (275 residents)

What percentage of the population in Adair County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.6% of the population in Adair County.

How many housing units are there in Adair County?

There are 8,648 housing units in Adair County, reflecting a +0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Adair County and what is the average household size?

Adair County has a total of 7,136 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Adair County?

Adair County has a median household income of $53,553, representing a +6.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Adair County?

The employment rate is 93.2% in Adair County, with a workforce of 8,052 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 67% (5,398 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 33% (2,654 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.9% (1,121 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.8% (4,978 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.5% (1,489 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.8% (464 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025