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

Total population
23,509
-1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$31,354/yr
-3.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
11,631
0.2% year-over-year change

Bell County population

How many people live in Bell County

Bell County is home to 23,509 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.8% of Bell County locals are male, and 50.2% are female.

Total population
23,509
-1.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
11,703
Female
50.2%
11,806
Value Percent YoY change
Male 11,703 49.8% -1.9%
Female 11,806 50.2% -1.2%
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 Bell County is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 18% are children under 15, then 11.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.6% of the population, while another 27.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
18%
15 to 24
11.3%
25 to 44
24.6%
45 to 64
27.1%
Over 65
18.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,231 18% -0.7%
15 to 24 2,651 11.3% -5.8%
25 to 44 5,796 24.6% 1.3%
45 to 64 6,378 27.1% -3.2%
Over 65 4,453 18.9% -0.9%
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 Bell County, 99.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 92.6% of locals are Caucasian, 3% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.3%
Non-citizens
0.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 23,411 99.6% -1.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 66 0.3% 43.5%
Non-citizens 32 0.1% 28.0%
Racial breakdown
White
92.6%
Black or African American
3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.7%
Other
0.3%
Value Percent
White 21,769 92.6%
Black or African American 705 3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 27 0.1%
Asian 61 0.3%
Two or more races 867 3.7%
Other 80 0.3%

Households in Bell County

A peek inside Bell County households

Bell County has 9,939 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 59.6% are families, while the remaining 40.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
9,939
4.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,013
Family households
5,926
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,013 40.4% 12.6%
Family households 5,926 59.6% -0.6%
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 Bell County

The housing landscape of Bell County

Bell County's housing consists of 11,631 units, with 58.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.7% 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 24.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
11,631
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,797 58.4%
1 unit, attached 82 0.7%
2 units 268 2.3%
3 or 4 units 646 5.6%
5 to 9 units 392 3.4%
10 to 19 units 155 1.3%
20 to 49 units 46 0.4%
50 or more units 367 3.2%
Mobile home 2,878 24.7%
Homes built since 2020
93
190.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bell County

In Bell County, the median construction year is 1979. About 7.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 837 7.2% -0.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 791 6.8% 2.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 954 8.2% -2.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,182 10.2% -3.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,266 19.5% 0.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,930 16.6% -2.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,528 13.1% 3.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,437 12.4% -2.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 613 5.3% 7.0%
Built in 2020 or later 93 0.8% 190.6%
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.

Bell County occupancy rates

Out of the 9,939 occupied housing units in Bell County, 58.8% are owner-occupied, while 41.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
9,939
4.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,092
Owner occupied
5,847
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,092 41.2% 10.3%
Owner occupied 5,847 58.8% 0.5%
Unoccupied housing units
14.5%
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.

Bell County housing costs

Housing costs in Bell County come to a median of $473 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $592.

Median housing costs per month
$473/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 Bell County
$592/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 Bell County

Bell County education at a glance

About 49.9% of the population in Bell County went to high school, while 19% pursued college studies. Another 7.9% earned an associate degree and 9.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,529 8.3% 0.5%
High school diploma 9,165 49.9% -2.4%
College diploma 3,495 19% -6.5%
Associate degree 1,457 7.9% -8.9%
Bachelor's degree 1,694 9.2% 7.8%
Graduate degree 1,031 5.6% 20.7%
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 Bell County

How much people earn in Bell County

The average annual household income in Bell County was $49,259 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $31,354, reflecting a -3.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bell County
$49,259/year
2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bell County
$31,354/year
-3.2% year-over-year change

Bell County income by age

In Bell County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $39,783. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $31,172 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $26,492, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $28,744 in earnings. Overall, 71.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $26,492 -15.2%
25 - 44 $39,783 15.1%
45 - 64 $31,172 -8.7%
Over 65 $28,744 -5.7%
Above poverty level
16,035
Below poverty level
6,449
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 16,035 71.3% -4.0%
Below poverty level 6,449 28.7% 3.0%

Employment in Bell County

Workforce and job types in Bell County

The job market in Bell County is powered by 7,262 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9% run their own businesses, 63.8% are employed by private companies, and 16.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
7,262
1.8% year-over-year change
White collar
5,018
Blue collar
2,244
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,018 69.1% -0.1%
Blue collar 2,244 30.9% 6.2%
Employer type
Self employees
9%
Private companies
63.8%
Governmental workers
16.2%
Not for profit companies
11.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 655 9% 26.7%
Private companies 4,631 63.8% 4.4%
Governmental workers 1,173 16.2% -20.7%
Not for profit companies 803 11.1% 14.4%
Unemployment rate
10.1%
-2.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Bell County stands at 10.1%, 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 Bell County

How people get around in Bell County

Commuting methods vary: 89% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.6% 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 6,292 89% 0.5%
Bus or trolleybus 19 0.3% N/A
Bicycle 18 0.2% -28.0%
Walk 399 5.6% 31.2%
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 Bell County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
40813 354 166 $81,204 $71,122
40845 580 213 $23,450 $23,585
40856 745 325 $47,880 $46,612
40902 558 215 $0 $58,166
40913 276 71 $51,023 $62,952
40939 165 36 $0 $0
40940 367 166 $0 $35,483
40958 547 196 $48,721 $52,254
40965 11,561 5,238 $28,685 $46,145
40977 8,367 3,267 $37,917 $55,065

Explore more communities

FAQs about Bell County demographics 

What is the total population of Bell County?

Bell County has a total population of 23,509 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 -1.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bell County?

The gender ratio in Bell County is as follows:
  • 49.8% males (11,703 residents)
  • 50.2% females (11,806 residents)

What is the median age in Bell County?

The median age in Bell County is 41.7.

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

The age distribution in Bell County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18% (4,231 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.3% (2,651 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.6% (5,796 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.1% (6,378 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.9% (4,453 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bell County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bell County is as follows:
  • White: 92.6% (21,769 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3% (705 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (27 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (61 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.7% (867 residents)
  • Other: 0.3% (80 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.6% of the population in Bell County.

How many housing units are there in Bell County?

There are 11,631 housing units in Bell 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 Bell County and what is the average household size?

Bell County has a total of 9,939 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bell County?

Bell County has a median household income of $31,354, representing a -3.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 89.9% in Bell County, with a workforce of 7,262 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.1% (5,018 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.9% (2,244 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9% (655 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.8% (4,631 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.2% (1,173 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.1% (803 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