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

Total population
14,035
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$46,051/yr
4.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,864
0.2% year-over-year change

Estill County population

How many people live in Estill County

Estill County is home to 14,035 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.7% of Estill County locals are male, and 50.3% are female.

Total population
14,035
-0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.7%
6,974
Female
50.3%
7,061
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,974 49.7% -0.4%
Female 7,061 50.3% -0.2%
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 Estill County is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.9% are children under 15, then 10.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23% of the population, while another 29.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.9%
15 to 24
10.9%
25 to 44
23%
45 to 64
29.7%
Over 65
19.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,370 16.9% -1.7%
15 to 24 1,528 10.9% 0.9%
25 to 44 3,223 23% -0.2%
45 to 64 4,165 29.7% -0.6%
Over 65 2,749 19.6% 0.6%
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 Estill County, 98% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 96.1% of locals are Caucasian, 0.1% are African American and 1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.8%
Non-citizens
1.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 13,756 98% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 118 0.8% -4.1%
Non-citizens 161 1.2% 27.8%
Racial breakdown
White
96.1%
Black or African American
0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.8%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 13,488 96.1%
Black or African American 10 0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 5 0%
Asian 140 1%
Two or more races 392 2.8%

Households in Estill County

A peek inside Estill County households

Estill County has 5,975 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 66.9% are families, while the remaining 33.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,975
1.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,978
Family households
3,997
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,978 33.1% 5.5%
Family households 3,997 66.9% -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 Estill County

The housing landscape of Estill County

Estill County's housing consists of 6,864 units, with 64.5% 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 22.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,864
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,429 64.5%
1 unit, attached 55 0.8%
2 units 161 2.4%
3 or 4 units 117 1.7%
5 to 9 units 262 3.8%
10 to 19 units 198 2.9%
20 to 49 units 7 0.1%
50 or more units 5 0.1%
Mobile home 1,543 22.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 87 1.3%
Homes built since 2020
106
130.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Estill County

In Estill County, the median construction year is 1981. About 13% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 890 13% 0.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 370 5.4% 28.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 364 5.3% -28.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 651 9.5% 3.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,006 14.7% -3.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,481 21.6% 4.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 745 10.8% -20.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 833 12.1% 6.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 418 6.1% 35.7%
Built in 2020 or later 106 1.5% 130.4%
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.

Estill County occupancy rates

Out of the 5,975 occupied housing units in Estill County, 70.4% are owner-occupied, while 29.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,975
1.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,768
Owner occupied
4,207
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,768 29.6% 8.4%
Owner occupied 4,207 70.4% -1.4%
Unoccupied housing units
13.0%
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.

Estill County housing costs

Housing costs in Estill County come to a median of $648 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $711.

Median housing costs per month
$648/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 Estill County
$711/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 Estill County

Estill County education at a glance

About 54.5% of the population in Estill County went to high school, while 16.7% pursued college studies. Another 7.6% earned an associate degree and 7.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,061 9.6% -8.2%
High school diploma 6,023 54.5% -4.0%
College diploma 1,850 16.7% 1.8%
Associate degree 838 7.6% 5.1%
Bachelor's degree 839 7.6% 20.9%
Graduate degree 440 4% 31.3%
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 Estill County

How much people earn in Estill County

The average annual household income in Estill County was $60,646 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $46,051, reflecting a +4.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Estill County
$60,646/year
5.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Estill County
$46,051/year
4.9% year-over-year change

Estill County income by age

In Estill County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $46,179. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $60,642 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $37,938, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $37,129 in earnings. Overall, 79.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $37,938 -45.3%
25 - 44 $46,179 3.9%
45 - 64 $60,642 36.0%
Over 65 $37,129 -0.3%
Above poverty level
10,809
Below poverty level
2,799
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,809 79.4% 0.2%
Below poverty level 2,799 20.6% -7.4%

Employment in Estill County

Workforce and job types in Estill County

The job market in Estill County is powered by 5,122 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 60.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 39.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7% run their own businesses, 60.1% are employed by private companies, and 22.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,122
0.8% year-over-year change
White collar
3,116
Blue collar
2,006
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,116 60.8% 9.8%
Blue collar 2,006 39.2% -10.7%
Employer type
Self employees
7%
Private companies
60.1%
Governmental workers
22.9%
Not for profit companies
10%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 357 7% -0.3%
Private companies 3,079 60.1% -7.7%
Governmental workers 1,175 22.9% 36.6%
Not for profit companies 511 10% -3.4%
Unemployment rate
7.0%
-2.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Estill County stands at 7%, 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 Estill County

How people get around in Estill County

Commuting methods vary: 85.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.5% 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 4,249 85.9% -4.5%
Bus or trolleybus 6 0.1% 50.0%
Bicycle 40 0.8% N/A
Walk 221 4.5% 2.3%
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 Estill County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
40336 12,718 5,369 $46,367 $61,148
40472 1,276 587 $41,328 $54,006

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FAQs about Estill County demographics 

What is the total population of Estill County?

Estill County has a total population of 14,035 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 Estill County?

The gender ratio in Estill County is as follows:
  • 49.7% males (6,974 residents)
  • 50.3% females (7,061 residents)

What is the median age in Estill County?

The median age in Estill County is 44.4.

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

The age distribution in Estill County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.9% (2,370 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.9% (1,528 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23% (3,223 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.7% (4,165 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.6% (2,749 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Estill County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Estill County is as follows:
  • White: 96.1% (13,488 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.1% (10 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (5 residents)
  • Asian: 1% (140 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.8% (392 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

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

How many housing units are there in Estill County?

There are 6,864 housing units in Estill 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 Estill County and what is the average household size?

Estill County has a total of 5,975 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Estill County?

Estill County has a median household income of $46,051, representing a +4.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93% in Estill County, with a workforce of 5,122 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 60.8% (3,116 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 39.2% (2,006 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7% (357 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.1% (3,079 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22.9% (1,175 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10% (511 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