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

Total population
17,568
1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$63,087/yr
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,280
0.1% year-over-year change

Garrard County population

How many people live in Garrard County

Garrard County is home to 17,568 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.7% of Garrard County locals are male, and 50.3% are female.

Total population
17,568
1.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.7%
8,729
Female
50.3%
8,839
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,729 49.7% 2.6%
Female 8,839 50.3% -0.0%
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 Garrard County is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.5% are children under 15, then 11.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.8% of the population, while another 28.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
43
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.5%
15 to 24
11.2%
25 to 44
23.8%
45 to 64
28.8%
Over 65
18.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,078 17.5% -0.6%
15 to 24 1,966 11.2% 2.5%
25 to 44 4,174 23.8% 2.6%
45 to 64 5,061 28.8% -0.3%
Over 65 3,289 18.7% 3.2%
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 Garrard County, 97.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.6% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 3.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.7%
Non-citizens
1.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 17,175 97.8% 1.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 120 0.7% -27.7%
Non-citizens 273 1.6% 14.2%
Racial breakdown
White
91.9%
Black or African American
2.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.6%
Other
1.9%
Value Percent
White 16,144 91.9%
Black or African American 415 2.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 30 0.2%
Asian 9 0%
Two or more races 634 3.6%
Other 336 1.9%

Households in Garrard County

A peek inside Garrard County households

Garrard County has 6,695 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 72.2% are families, while the remaining 27.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,695
1.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,864
Family households
4,831
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,864 27.8% 1.6%
Family households 4,831 72.2% 0.8%
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 Garrard County

The housing landscape of Garrard County

Garrard County's housing consists of 7,280 units, with 79.5% 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 14.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,280
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,786 79.5%
1 unit, attached 97 1.3%
2 units 127 1.7%
3 or 4 units 191 2.6%
5 to 9 units 38 0.5%
10 to 19 units 6 0.1%
Mobile home 1,035 14.2%
Homes built since 2020
231
12.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Garrard County

In Garrard County, the median construction year is 1988. About 7.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 540 7.4% -8.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 203 2.8% 4.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 365 5% 9.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 942 12.9% -4.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,022 14% 1.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 731 10% 0.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,517 20.8% 1.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,113 15.3% -6.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 616 8.5% 14.1%
Built in 2020 or later 231 3.2% 12.1%
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.

Garrard County occupancy rates

Out of the 6,695 occupied housing units in Garrard County, 79.9% are owner-occupied, while 20.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,695
1.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,346
Owner occupied
5,349
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,346 20.1% 0.4%
Owner occupied 5,349 79.9% 1.2%
Unoccupied housing units
8.0%
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.

Garrard County housing costs

Housing costs in Garrard County come to a median of $852 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $794.

Median housing costs per month
$852/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 Garrard County
$794/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 Garrard County

Garrard County education at a glance

About 50.2% of the population in Garrard County went to high school, while 20.5% pursued college studies. Another 7.5% earned an associate degree and 9.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 623 4.5% 6.5%
High school diploma 6,922 50.2% 3.0%
College diploma 2,819 20.5% 1.7%
Associate degree 1,030 7.5% -2.1%
Bachelor's degree 1,368 9.9% 6.0%
Graduate degree 1,015 7.4% -9.9%
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 Garrard County

How much people earn in Garrard County

The average annual household income in Garrard County was $78,527 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $63,087, reflecting a +0.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Garrard County
$78,527/year
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Garrard County
$63,087/year
0.8% year-over-year change

Garrard County income by age

In Garrard County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $79,729. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $74,193 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $23,250, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $45,994 in earnings. Overall, 84.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $23,250 8.4%
25 - 44 $79,729 0.7%
45 - 64 $74,193 6.0%
Over 65 $45,994 14.7%
Above poverty level
14,543
Below poverty level
2,758
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 14,543 84.1% 3.1%
Below poverty level 2,758 15.9% -5.2%

Employment in Garrard County

Workforce and job types in Garrard County

The job market in Garrard County is powered by 7,387 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 66.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 33.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.5% run their own businesses, 63.2% are employed by private companies, and 18.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
7,387
0.1% year-over-year change
White collar
4,918
Blue collar
2,469
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,918 66.6% -3.9%
Blue collar 2,469 33.4% 9.2%
Employer type
Self employees
10.5%
Private companies
63.2%
Governmental workers
18.9%
Not for profit companies
7.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 773 10.5% -11.8%
Private companies 4,671 63.2% 4.9%
Governmental workers 1,393 18.9% -8.4%
Not for profit companies 550 7.4% 4.2%
Unemployment rate
5.2%
-16.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Garrard County stands at 5.2%, 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 Garrard County

How people get around in Garrard County

Commuting methods vary: 87.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.3% 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 6,328 87.1% -0.5%
Bus or trolleybus 65 0.9% 47.7%
Walk 23 0.3% 0.0%
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 Garrard County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
40403 27,607 10,414 $61,771 $76,897
40419 5,250 1,728 $56,549 $69,080
40444 14,276 5,577 $62,463 $77,184
40461 2,527 928 $71,212 $93,521

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FAQs about Garrard County demographics 

What is the total population of Garrard County?

Garrard County has a total population of 17,568 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 +1.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Garrard County?

The gender ratio in Garrard County is as follows:
  • 49.7% males (8,729 residents)
  • 50.3% females (8,839 residents)

What is the median age in Garrard County?

The median age in Garrard County is 43.

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

The age distribution in Garrard County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.5% (3,078 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.2% (1,966 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.8% (4,174 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.8% (5,061 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.7% (3,289 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Garrard County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Garrard County is as follows:
  • White: 91.9% (16,144 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.4% (415 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (30 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (9 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.6% (634 residents)
  • Other: 1.9% (336 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.8% of the population in Garrard County.

How many housing units are there in Garrard County?

There are 7,280 housing units in Garrard 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 Garrard County and what is the average household size?

Garrard County has a total of 6,695 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Garrard County?

Garrard County has a median household income of $63,087, representing a +0.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.8% in Garrard County, with a workforce of 7,387 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 66.6% (4,918 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 33.4% (2,469 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.5% (773 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.2% (4,671 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.9% (1,393 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.4% (550 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