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

Total population
44,938
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$50,628/yr
3.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
20,283
0.9% year-over-year change

Barren County population

How many people live in Barren County

Barren County is home to 44,938 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.5% of Barren County locals are male, and 51.5% are female.

Total population
44,938
0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.5%
21,778
Female
51.5%
23,160
Value Percent YoY change
Male 21,778 48.5% 0.0%
Female 23,160 51.5% 1.1%
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 Barren County is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.5% are children under 15, then 11.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.3% of the population, while another 25.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.5%
15 to 24
11.4%
25 to 44
25.3%
45 to 64
25.7%
Over 65
18.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 8,759 19.5% 0.1%
15 to 24 5,109 11.4% 1.1%
25 to 44 11,364 25.3% 1.2%
45 to 64 11,554 25.7% -0.7%
Over 65 8,152 18.1% 1.9%
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 Barren County, 96.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 88% of locals are Caucasian, 3.8% are African American and 0.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.8%
Non-citizens
1.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 43,380 96.5% 0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 795 1.8% -0.1%
Non-citizens 763 1.7% 21.5%
Racial breakdown
White
88%
Black or African American
3.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
0.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.5%
Other
1.5%
Value Percent
White 39,527 88%
Black or African American 1,713 3.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 158 0.4%
Asian 416 0.9%
Two or more races 2,462 5.5%
Other 662 1.5%

Households in Barren County

A peek inside Barren County households

Barren County has 18,017 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 69.1% are families, while the remaining 30.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
18,017
0.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
5,568
Family households
12,449
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,568 30.9% -4.7%
Family households 12,449 69.1% 2.6%
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 Barren County

The housing landscape of Barren County

Barren County's housing consists of 20,283 units, with 68.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.3% 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 12.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
20,283
0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 13,865 68.4%
1 unit, attached 262 1.3%
2 units 1,107 5.5%
3 or 4 units 1,376 6.8%
5 to 9 units 619 3%
10 to 19 units 217 1.1%
20 to 49 units 79 0.4%
50 or more units 125 0.6%
Mobile home 2,613 12.9%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 20 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
346
98.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Barren County

In Barren County, the median construction year is 1985. About 6.2% 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, 16.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,254 6.2% -20.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 849 4.2% 23.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,547 7.6% -3.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,998 9.8% 5.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,282 16.2% 1.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,330 11.5% -6.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,127 15.4% 2.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,402 16.8% 2.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,148 10.6% 4.3%
Built in 2020 or later 346 1.7% 98.8%
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.

Barren County occupancy rates

Out of the 18,017 occupied housing units in Barren County, 65.2% are owner-occupied, while 34.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
18,017
0.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
6,274
Owner occupied
11,743
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 6,274 34.8% 0.2%
Owner occupied 11,743 65.2% 0.3%
Unoccupied housing units
11.2%
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.

Barren County housing costs

Housing costs in Barren County come to a median of $802 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $796.

Median housing costs per month
$802/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 Barren County
$796/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 Barren County

Barren County education at a glance

About 50.4% of the population in Barren County went to high school, while 19.3% pursued college studies. Another 7.9% earned an associate degree and 11% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,823 5.3% 1.0%
High school diploma 17,256 50.4% -2.0%
College diploma 6,615 19.3% 6.2%
Associate degree 2,705 7.9% -3.7%
Bachelor's degree 3,754 11% 6.4%
Graduate degree 2,055 6% -1.5%
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 Barren County

How much people earn in Barren County

The average annual household income in Barren County was $73,460 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $50,628, reflecting a +3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Barren County
$73,460/year
5.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Barren County
$50,628/year
3.0% year-over-year change

Barren County income by age

In Barren County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $52,427. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $68,350 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $40,538, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $41,629 in earnings. Overall, 80.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $40,538 -4.3%
25 - 44 $52,427 -4.0%
45 - 64 $68,350 23.1%
Over 65 $41,629 6.0%
Above poverty level
35,270
Below poverty level
8,504
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 35,270 80.6% 2.5%
Below poverty level 8,504 19.4% -6.9%

Employment in Barren County

Workforce and job types in Barren County

The job market in Barren County is powered by 18,630 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 65.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.4% run their own businesses, 70.9% are employed by private companies, and 12.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
18,630
1.0% year-over-year change
White collar
12,197
Blue collar
6,433
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 12,197 65.5% -0.1%
Blue collar 6,433 34.5% 3.0%
Employer type
Self employees
9.4%
Private companies
70.9%
Governmental workers
12.9%
Not for profit companies
6.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,758 9.4% -8.1%
Private companies 13,203 70.9% 1.9%
Governmental workers 2,409 12.9% 0.9%
Not for profit companies 1,260 6.8% 5.8%
Unemployment rate
4.2%
-13.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Barren County stands at 4.2%, 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 Barren County

How people get around in Barren County

In Barren County, the average commute time is 23 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 89.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
23 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 16,318 89.3% 0.6%
Bus or trolleybus 74 0.4% 12.1%
Motorcycle 41 0.2% 2.5%
Bicycle 4 0% -50.0%
Walk 275 1.5% -6.8%
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 Barren County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
42123 1,149 473 $61,010 $78,452
42127 7,030 3,012 $42,893 $57,431
42130 124 47 $0 $78,996
42133 1,456 592 $62,353 $74,877
42141 31,506 12,774 $52,896 $76,619
42156 235 100 $98,000 $125,212
42160 2,822 844 $49,364 $60,131
42166 2,691 980 $49,783 $68,292
42171 6,723 2,631 $70,191 $82,445

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FAQs about Barren County demographics 

What is the total population of Barren County?

Barren County has a total population of 44,938 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 +0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Barren County?

The gender ratio in Barren County is as follows:
  • 48.5% males (21,778 residents)
  • 51.5% females (23,160 residents)

What is the median age in Barren County?

The median age in Barren County is 39.8.

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

The age distribution in Barren County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.5% (8,759 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.4% (5,109 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.3% (11,364 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.7% (11,554 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.1% (8,152 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Barren County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Barren County is as follows:
  • White: 88% (39,527 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.8% (1,713 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (158 residents)
  • Asian: 0.9% (416 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.5% (2,462 residents)
  • Other: 1.5% (662 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.5% of the population in Barren County.

How many housing units are there in Barren County?

There are 20,283 housing units in Barren County, reflecting a +0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Barren County has a total of 18,017 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Barren County?

Barren County has a median household income of $50,628, representing a +3.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.8% in Barren County, with a workforce of 18,630 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65.5% (12,197 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34.5% (6,433 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.4% (1,758 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.9% (13,203 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.9% (2,409 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.8% (1,260 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