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

Total population
20,808
-1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$41,793/yr
3.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
10,603
0.1% year-over-year change

Letcher County population

How many people live in Letcher County

Letcher County is home to 20,808 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.2% of Letcher County locals are male, and 49.8% are female.

Total population
20,808
-1.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.2%
10,437
Female
49.8%
10,371
Value Percent YoY change
Male 10,437 50.2% -1.1%
Female 10,371 49.8% -2.1%
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 Letcher County is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.8% are children under 15, then 10.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.2% of the population, while another 27.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.8%
15 to 24
10.6%
25 to 44
23.2%
45 to 64
27.6%
Over 65
20.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,702 17.8% -1.2%
15 to 24 2,197 10.6% -1.1%
25 to 44 4,824 23.2% -1.8%
45 to 64 5,745 27.6% -2.9%
Over 65 4,340 20.9% -0.1%
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 Letcher County, 99.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 96.9% of locals are Caucasian, 0.6% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 1.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.6%
Non-citizens
0.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 20,627 99.1% -1.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 123 0.6% -4.7%
Non-citizens 58 0.3% 314.3%
Racial breakdown
White
96.9%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
1.9%
Other
0.3%
Value Percent
White 20,166 96.9%
Black or African American 128 0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 8 0%
Asian 40 0.2%
Two or more races 400 1.9%
Other 66 0.3%

Households in Letcher County

A peek inside Letcher County households

Letcher County has 8,463 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 66.5% are families, while the remaining 33.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
8,463
1.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,837
Family households
5,626
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,837 33.5% 1.2%
Family households 5,626 66.5% 1.1%
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 Letcher County

The housing landscape of Letcher County

Letcher County's housing consists of 10,603 units, with 62.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.4% 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 32.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
10,603
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,671 62.9%
1 unit, attached 38 0.4%
2 units 93 0.9%
3 or 4 units 63 0.6%
5 to 9 units 99 0.9%
10 to 19 units 90 0.8%
20 to 49 units 46 0.4%
50 or more units 31 0.3%
Mobile home 3,426 32.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 46 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
119
41.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Letcher County

In Letcher County, the median construction year is 1979. About 16.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,780 16.8% 5.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 658 6.2% -16.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 599 5.6% 9.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 606 5.7% -23.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,919 18.1% -1.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,653 15.6% -0.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,512 14.3% -7.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,021 9.6% 6.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 736 6.9% 43.5%
Built in 2020 or later 119 1.1% 41.7%
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.

Letcher County occupancy rates

Out of the 8,463 occupied housing units in Letcher County, 74.1% are owner-occupied, while 25.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 20.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
8,463
1.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,189
Owner occupied
6,274
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,189 25.9% -4.5%
Owner occupied 6,274 74.1% 3.3%
Unoccupied housing units
20.2%
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.

Letcher County housing costs

Housing costs in Letcher County come to a median of $521 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $669.

Median housing costs per month
$521/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 Letcher County
$669/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 Letcher County

Letcher County education at a glance

About 48.7% of the population in Letcher County went to high school, while 21.4% pursued college studies. Another 11.7% earned an associate degree and 6.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,067 6.6% -26.3%
High school diploma 7,920 48.7% 1.1%
College diploma 3,472 21.4% 0.7%
Associate degree 1,904 11.7% 11.9%
Bachelor's degree 1,081 6.6% -2.0%
Graduate degree 822 5% -20.6%
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 Letcher County

How much people earn in Letcher County

The average annual household income in Letcher County was $53,066 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -8.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $41,793, reflecting a +3.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Letcher County
$53,066/year
-8.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Letcher County
$41,793/year
3.2% year-over-year change

Letcher County income by age

In Letcher County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $52,059. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $40,010 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $49,526, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $35,660 in earnings. Overall, 75.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $49,526 6.8%
25 - 44 $52,059 23.0%
45 - 64 $40,010 8.8%
Over 65 $35,660 -0.9%
Above poverty level
15,244
Below poverty level
4,880
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 15,244 75.8% 1.3%
Below poverty level 4,880 24.2% -10.2%

Employment in Letcher County

Workforce and job types in Letcher County

The job market in Letcher County is powered by 6,785 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.7% run their own businesses, 50.5% are employed by private companies, and 28.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,785
-2.7% year-over-year change
White collar
5,118
Blue collar
1,667
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,118 75.4% -5.5%
Blue collar 1,667 24.6% 7.1%
Employer type
Self employees
12.7%
Private companies
50.5%
Governmental workers
28.3%
Not for profit companies
8.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 861 12.7% 11.2%
Private companies 3,428 50.5% -5.7%
Governmental workers 1,921 28.3% 1.2%
Not for profit companies 575 8.5% -13.7%
Unemployment rate
6.2%
3.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Letcher County stands at 6.2%, 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 Letcher County

How people get around in Letcher County

Commuting methods vary: 86.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.4% 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 5,773 86.8% -3.7%
Bus or trolleybus 4 0.1% -87.9%
Walk 158 2.4% -2.5%
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 Letcher County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
41819 289 125 $0 $56,520
41815 796 400 $24,706 $37,598
40826 809 283 $42,795 $50,523
40862 525 213 $41,992 $54,248
41517 120 30 $0 $108,720
41537 3,447 1,637 $35,673 $49,017
41731 927 384 $52,353 $55,184
41804 1,201 411 $0 $63,394
41810 350 150 $0 $59,281
41812 177 109 $0 $27,360

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FAQs about Letcher County demographics 

What is the total population of Letcher County?

Letcher County has a total population of 20,808 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 Letcher County?

The gender ratio in Letcher County is as follows:
  • 50.2% males (10,437 residents)
  • 49.8% females (10,371 residents)

What is the median age in Letcher County?

The median age in Letcher County is 43.5.

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

The age distribution in Letcher County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.8% (3,702 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.6% (2,197 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.2% (4,824 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.6% (5,745 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.9% (4,340 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Letcher County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Letcher County is as follows:
  • White: 96.9% (20,166 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (128 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (8 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (40 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 1.9% (400 residents)
  • Other: 0.3% (66 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.1% of the population in Letcher County.

How many housing units are there in Letcher County?

There are 10,603 housing units in Letcher 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 Letcher County and what is the average household size?

Letcher County has a total of 8,463 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Letcher County?

Letcher County has a median household income of $41,793, 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 Letcher County?

The employment rate is 93.8% in Letcher County, with a workforce of 6,785 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.4% (5,118 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.6% (1,667 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.7% (861 residents)
  • Private companies: 50.5% (3,428 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 28.3% (1,921 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.5% (575 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