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

Total population
7,654
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$66,164/yr
2.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,702
-0.1% year-over-year change

Ballard County population

How many people live in Ballard County

Ballard County is home to 7,654 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.9% of Ballard County locals are male, and 49.1% are female.

Total population
7,654
-0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.9%
3,895
Female
49.1%
3,759
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,895 50.9% 0.0%
Female 3,759 49.1% -0.7%
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 Ballard County is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 16% are children under 15, then 11.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.4% of the population, while another 28.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
45
Age breakdown
Under 15
16%
15 to 24
11.6%
25 to 44
22.4%
45 to 64
28.2%
Over 65
21.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,224 16% -2.0%
15 to 24 886 11.6% -3.4%
25 to 44 1,717 22.4% 0.5%
45 to 64 2,162 28.2% 2.1%
Over 65 1,665 21.8% -1.2%
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 Ballard County, 98% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 91.8% of locals are Caucasian, 3.6% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.3%
Non-citizens
0.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 7,499 98% -0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 98 1.3% -21.0%
Non-citizens 57 0.7% 21.3%
Racial breakdown
White
91.8%
Black or African American
3.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.2%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 7,023 91.8%
Black or African American 275 3.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 12 0.2%
Asian 22 0.3%
Two or more races 318 4.2%
Other 4 0%

Households in Ballard County

A peek inside Ballard County households

Ballard County has 3,209 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 68.3% are families, while the remaining 31.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,209
2.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,017
Family households
2,192
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,017 31.7% 7.6%
Family households 2,192 68.3% 0.7%
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 Ballard County

The housing landscape of Ballard County

Ballard County's housing consists of 3,702 units, with 74% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.8% 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 15.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,702
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,739 74%
1 unit, attached 28 0.8%
2 units 89 2.4%
3 or 4 units 170 4.6%
5 to 9 units 62 1.7%
10 to 19 units 25 0.7%
20 to 49 units 3 0.1%
Mobile home 586 15.8%
Homes built since 2020
45
36.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ballard County

In Ballard County, the median construction year is 1982. About 8.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 310 8.4% 2.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 155 4.2% -27.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 368 9.9% -15.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 387 10.4% 11.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 571 15.4% 14.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 338 9.1% -1.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 655 17.7% 1.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 489 13.2% -2.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 384 10.4% 0.0%
Built in 2020 or later 45 1.2% 36.4%
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.

Ballard County occupancy rates

Out of the 3,209 occupied housing units in Ballard County, 76% are owner-occupied, while 24% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,209
2.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
771
Owner occupied
2,438
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 771 24% 21.8%
Owner occupied 2,438 76% -2.0%
Unoccupied housing units
13.3%
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.

Ballard County housing costs

Housing costs in Ballard County come to a median of $801 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $817.

Median housing costs per month
$801/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 Ballard County
$817/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 Ballard County

Ballard County education at a glance

About 45.3% of the population in Ballard County went to high school, while 23.7% pursued college studies. Another 11.8% earned an associate degree and 11.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 115 1.9% 10.6%
High school diploma 2,777 45.3% -1.9%
College diploma 1,453 23.7% 9.8%
Associate degree 726 11.8% -10.2%
Bachelor's degree 726 11.8% -4.0%
Graduate degree 337 5.5% 6.0%
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 Ballard County

How much people earn in Ballard County

The average annual household income in Ballard County was $85,057 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $66,164, reflecting a +2.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ballard County
$85,057/year
2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ballard County
$66,164/year
2.2% year-over-year change

Ballard County income by age

In Ballard County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $85,354. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $72,264 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $30,446, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $46,111 in earnings. Overall, 85% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $30,446 -19.5%
25 - 44 $85,354 21.6%
45 - 64 $72,264 1.1%
Over 65 $46,111 -6.1%
Above poverty level
6,367
Below poverty level
1,124
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 6,367 85% -1.8%
Below poverty level 1,124 15% 9.9%

Employment in Ballard County

Workforce and job types in Ballard County

The job market in Ballard County is powered by 3,397 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 68.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.8% run their own businesses, 66% are employed by private companies, and 15.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,397
1.9% year-over-year change
White collar
2,339
Blue collar
1,058
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,339 68.8% 3.7%
Blue collar 1,058 31.2% -1.9%
Employer type
Self employees
11.8%
Private companies
66%
Governmental workers
15.6%
Not for profit companies
6.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 402 11.8% 23.3%
Private companies 2,242 66% 5.2%
Governmental workers 531 15.6% -9.5%
Not for profit companies 222 6.5% -22.9%
Unemployment rate
1.6%
-60.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ballard County stands at 1.6%, 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 Ballard County

How people get around in Ballard County

Commuting methods vary: 94.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,221 94.8% 3.0%
Ferryboat 8 0.2% 60.0%
Motorcycle 12 0.4% 9.1%
Walk 54 1.6% -20.6%
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 Ballard County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
42053 5,307 2,002 $80,765 $96,944
42056 1,450 637 $56,776 $75,363
42060 28 19 $0 $50,189
42087 2,089 865 $58,802 $74,017
42022 198 63 $92,176 $108,470
42024 1,205 559 $46,925 $73,068

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FAQs about Ballard County demographics 

What is the total population of Ballard County?

Ballard County has a total population of 7,654 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 -0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ballard County?

The gender ratio in Ballard County is as follows:
  • 50.9% males (3,895 residents)
  • 49.1% females (3,759 residents)

What is the median age in Ballard County?

The median age in Ballard County is 45.

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

The age distribution in Ballard County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16% (1,224 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.6% (886 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.4% (1,717 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.2% (2,162 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.8% (1,665 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ballard County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ballard County is as follows:
  • White: 91.8% (7,023 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.6% (275 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (12 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (22 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.2% (318 residents)
  • Other: 0% (4 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98% of the population in Ballard County.

How many housing units are there in Ballard County?

There are 3,702 housing units in Ballard County, reflecting a -0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Ballard County has a total of 3,209 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ballard County?

Ballard County has a median household income of $66,164, representing a +2.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 98.4% in Ballard County, with a workforce of 3,397 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68.8% (2,339 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.2% (1,058 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.8% (402 residents)
  • Private companies: 66% (2,242 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.6% (531 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.5% (222 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