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

Total population
26,341
-0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$51,235/yr
1.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
12,316
0.3% year-over-year change

Carter County population

How many people live in Carter County

Carter County is home to 26,341 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.3% of Carter County locals are male, and 50.7% are female.

Total population
26,341
-0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.3%
12,983
Female
50.7%
13,358
Value Percent YoY change
Male 12,983 49.3% -0.6%
Female 13,358 50.7% -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 Carter County is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.4% are children under 15, then 12.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.7% of the population, while another 26.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.4%
15 to 24
12.5%
25 to 44
22.7%
45 to 64
26.5%
Over 65
19.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,849 18.4% 0.4%
15 to 24 3,292 12.5% -3.5%
25 to 44 5,980 22.7% 0.6%
45 to 64 6,970 26.5% -1.1%
Over 65 5,250 19.9% -0.7%
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 Carter County, 98.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 95.4% of locals are Caucasian, 0.4% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.7%
Non-citizens
0.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 25,907 98.4% -0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 192 0.7% -15.8%
Non-citizens 242 0.9% 38.3%
Racial breakdown
White
95.4%
Black or African American
0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.4%
Other
0.5%
Value Percent
White 25,142 95.4%
Black or African American 104 0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 6 0%
Asian 70 0.3%
Two or more races 895 3.4%
Other 124 0.5%

Households in Carter County

A peek inside Carter County households

Carter County has 10,794 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 68.2% are families, while the remaining 31.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
10,794
4.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,430
Family households
7,364
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,430 31.8% 0.7%
Family households 7,364 68.2% 5.8%
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 Carter County

The housing landscape of Carter County

Carter County's housing consists of 12,316 units, with 68.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.1% 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 25.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
12,316
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 8,440 68.5%
1 unit, attached 140 1.1%
2 units 57 0.5%
3 or 4 units 176 1.4%
5 to 9 units 175 1.4%
10 to 19 units 105 0.8%
20 to 49 units 99 0.8%
50 or more units 27 0.2%
Mobile home 3,097 25.2%
Homes built since 2020
164
168.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Carter County

In Carter County, the median construction year is 1984. About 4.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 506 4.1% -2.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 454 3.7% -1.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 915 7.4% -12.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,261 10.2% -1.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,221 18% -4.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,788 14.5% 2.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,308 18.7% 6.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,848 15% -0.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 851 6.9% 4.5%
Built in 2020 or later 164 1.3% 168.8%
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.

Carter County occupancy rates

Out of the 10,794 occupied housing units in Carter County, 80% are owner-occupied, while 20% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
10,794
4.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,155
Owner occupied
8,639
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,155 20% -3.6%
Owner occupied 8,639 80% 6.2%
Unoccupied housing units
12.4%
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.

Carter County housing costs

Housing costs in Carter County come to a median of $633 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $740.

Median housing costs per month
$633/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 Carter County
$740/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 Carter County

Carter County education at a glance

About 47.6% of the population in Carter County went to high school, while 21.5% pursued college studies. Another 9.8% earned an associate degree and 8.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,207 5.9% -10.0%
High school diploma 9,707 47.6% -3.7%
College diploma 4,382 21.5% 5.9%
Associate degree 2,009 9.8% -1.2%
Bachelor's degree 1,715 8.4% -1.7%
Graduate degree 1,380 6.8% 10.7%
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 Carter County

How much people earn in Carter County

The average annual household income in Carter County was $69,045 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $51,235, reflecting a +1.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Carter County
$69,045/year
-3.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Carter County
$51,235/year
1.7% year-over-year change

Carter County income by age

In Carter County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $67,308. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $58,348 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $40,408, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $37,027 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 $40,408 33.8%
25 - 44 $67,308 4.1%
45 - 64 $58,348 1.3%
Over 65 $37,027 -0.2%
Above poverty level
20,519
Below poverty level
4,932
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 20,519 80.6% -0.0%
Below poverty level 4,932 19.4% -2.2%

Employment in Carter County

Workforce and job types in Carter County

The job market in Carter County is powered by 9,722 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 67.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 32.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7% run their own businesses, 59.3% are employed by private companies, and 22.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
9,722
-0.8% year-over-year change
White collar
6,569
Blue collar
3,153
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 6,569 67.6% -5.0%
Blue collar 3,153 32.4% 9.2%
Employer type
Self employees
7%
Private companies
59.3%
Governmental workers
22.8%
Not for profit companies
10.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 678 7% 23.1%
Private companies 5,764 59.3% -3.1%
Governmental workers 2,216 22.8% 2.9%
Not for profit companies 1,064 10.9% -7.2%
Unemployment rate
5.3%
29.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Carter County stands at 5.3%, 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 Carter County

How people get around in Carter County

In Carter County, the average commute time is 30 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 91.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
30 min
6.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 8,619 91.9% -1.8%
Bicycle 62 0.7% N/A
Walk 312 3.3% -13.3%
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 Carter County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
41132 469 219 $34,471 $46,768
41142 89 45 $0 $0
41143 13,242 5,388 $49,257 $68,816
41146 517 222 $52,653 $57,664
41164 12,574 5,105 $53,579 $69,475
41168 3,673 1,261 $84,338 $115,510

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FAQs about Carter County demographics 

What is the total population of Carter County?

Carter County has a total population of 26,341 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 -0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Carter County?

The gender ratio in Carter County is as follows:
  • 49.3% males (12,983 residents)
  • 50.7% females (13,358 residents)

What is the median age in Carter County?

The median age in Carter County is 41.4.

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

The age distribution in Carter County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.4% (4,849 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.5% (3,292 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.7% (5,980 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.5% (6,970 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.9% (5,250 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Carter County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Carter County is as follows:
  • White: 95.4% (25,142 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.4% (104 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (6 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (70 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.4% (895 residents)
  • Other: 0.5% (124 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.4% of the population in Carter County.

How many housing units are there in Carter County?

There are 12,316 housing units in Carter County, reflecting a +0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Carter County has a total of 10,794 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Carter County?

Carter County has a median household income of $51,235, representing a +1.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.7% in Carter County, with a workforce of 9,722 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 67.6% (6,569 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 32.4% (3,153 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7% (678 residents)
  • Private companies: 59.3% (5,764 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22.8% (2,216 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.9% (1,064 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