Lexington, KY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
321,945
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$78,244/yr
3.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
149,188
0.8% year-over-year change

Lexington population

How many people live in Lexington

Lexington is home to 321,945 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Lexington locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
321,945
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
158,928
Female
50.6%
163,017
Value Percent YoY change
Male 158,928 49.4% 0.7%
Female 163,017 50.6% 0.6%
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 Lexington is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.4% are children under 15, then 16.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.3% of the population, while another 22.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
37
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.4%
15 to 24
16.7%
25 to 44
28.3%
45 to 64
22.7%
Over 65
14.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 56,171 17.4% -0.1%
15 to 24 53,768 16.7% 0.5%
25 to 44 91,129 28.3% 0.9%
45 to 64 73,004 22.7% -0.5%
Over 65 47,873 14.9% 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 Lexington, 86.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 68.5% of locals are Caucasian, 14.5% are African American and 4.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
86.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.4%
Non-citizens
7.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 279,827 86.9% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 17,539 5.4% 6.1%
Non-citizens 24,579 7.6% 11.0%
Racial breakdown
White
68.5%
Black or African American
14.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
4.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.9%
Other
3.6%
Value Percent
White 220,445 68.5%
Black or African American 46,555 14.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 714 0.2%
Asian 14,015 4.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 33 0%
Two or more races 28,654 8.9%
Other 11,530 3.6%

Households in Lexington

A peek inside Lexington households

Lexington has 139,901 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54.5% are families, while the remaining 45.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
139,901
1.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
63,662
Family households
76,239
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 63,662 45.5% 1.9%
Family households 76,239 54.5% 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 Lexington

The housing landscape of Lexington

Lexington's housing consists of 149,188 units, with 58.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.5% 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 1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
149,188
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 87,327 58.5%
1 unit, attached 9,686 6.5%
2 units 4,303 2.9%
3 or 4 units 7,795 5.2%
5 to 9 units 10,489 7%
10 to 19 units 13,347 9%
20 to 49 units 6,650 4.5%
50 or more units 7,987 5.4%
Mobile home 1,541 1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 64 0%
Homes built since 2020
2,545
61.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lexington

In Lexington, the median construction year is 1982. About 6.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 10,131 6.8% 0.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 3,821 2.6% -5.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 12,418 8.3% -1.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 19,406 13% -1.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 21,242 14.2% -0.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 19,148 12.8% -0.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 22,641 15.2% -2.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 23,067 15.5% 7.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 14,769 9.9% 0.1%
Built in 2020 or later 2,545 1.7% 61.0%
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.

Lexington occupancy rates

Out of the 139,901 occupied housing units in Lexington, 53.8% are owner-occupied, while 46.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
139,901
1.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
64,578
Owner occupied
75,324
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 64,578 46.2% 0.9%
Owner occupied 75,324 53.8% 1.7%
Unoccupied housing units
6.2%
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.

Lexington housing costs

Housing costs in Lexington come to a median of $1,229 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,136.

Median housing costs per month
$1,229/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 Lexington
$1,136/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 Lexington

Lexington education at a glance

About 24.7% of the population in Lexington went to high school, while 21.8% pursued college studies. Another 6.8% earned an associate degree and 26.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 17.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 7,030 2.8% 9.9%
High school diploma 62,741 24.7% -0.6%
College diploma 55,494 21.8% -2.1%
Associate degree 17,186 6.8% -1.5%
Bachelor's degree 66,524 26.2% 3.8%
Graduate degree 44,990 17.7% 1.5%
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 Lexington

How much people earn in Lexington

The average annual household income in Lexington was $116,319 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $78,244, reflecting a +3.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lexington
$116,319/year
1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lexington
$78,244/year
3.2% year-over-year change

Lexington income by age

In Lexington, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $79,974. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $111,250 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $33,681, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $69,016 in earnings. Overall, 85.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $33,681 -8.1%
25 - 44 $79,974 1.1%
45 - 64 $111,250 24.9%
Over 65 $69,016 1.6%
Above poverty level
262,754
Below poverty level
45,284
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 262,754 85.3% 1.6%
Below poverty level 45,284 14.7% -4.5%

Average renter income in Lexington

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Lexington, their median household income was $41,622 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$41,622
Rent-to-income ratio
32.8%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Lexington

Workforce and job types in Lexington

83.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.3% run their own businesses, 64.4% are employed by private companies, and 16.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
142,843
Blue collar
28,349
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 142,843 83.4% 1.9%
Blue collar 28,349 16.6% 0.9%
Employer type
Self employees
9.3%
Private companies
64.4%
Governmental workers
16.6%
Not for profit companies
9.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 15,893 9.3% -0.9%
Private companies 110,249 64.4% 3.1%
Governmental workers 28,473 16.6% -0.6%
Not for profit companies 16,577 9.7% -0.4%

Transportation in Lexington

How people get around in Lexington

In Lexington, the average commute time is 121 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 94% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
121 min
-20.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 136,803 94% -0.0%
Taxicab 289 0.2% 87.7%
Bus or trolleybus 2,455 1.7% 15.3%
Ferryboat 17 0% -22.7%
Motorcycle 240 0.2% -10.1%
Bicycle 777 0.5% -9.1%
Walk 4,898 3.4% 2.2%
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 Lexington by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
40502 26,122 13,075 $76,948 $135,544
40503 27,451 12,615 $76,482 $106,180
40504 25,816 12,412 $46,055 $62,692
40505 25,594 11,223 $58,206 $78,672
40507 2,159 1,573 $41,329 $100,402
40508 23,756 9,665 $29,440 $57,194
40509 47,036 19,395 $94,804 $124,548
40510 1,904 417 $161,938 $191,191
40511 38,176 14,824 $79,540 $100,183
40513 11,032 4,565 $128,013 $165,706

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FAQs about Lexington demographics 

What is the total population of Lexington?

Lexington has a total population of 321,945 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 Lexington?

The gender ratio in Lexington is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (158,928 residents)
  • 50.6% females (163,017 residents)

What is the median age in Lexington?

The median age in Lexington is 37.

What is the age distribution of the population in Lexington?

The age distribution in Lexington is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.4% (56,171 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.7% (53,768 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.3% (91,129 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.7% (73,004 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.9% (47,873 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lexington?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lexington is as follows:
  • White: 68.5% (220,445 residents)
  • Black or African American: 14.5% (46,555 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (714 residents)
  • Asian: 4.4% (14,015 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (33 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.9% (28,654 residents)
  • Other: 3.6% (11,530 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 86.9% of the population in Lexington.

How many housing units are there in Lexington?

There are 149,188 housing units in Lexington, reflecting a +0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Lexington has a total of 139,901 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lexington?

Lexington has a median household income of $78,244, representing a +3.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Lexington?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.4% (142,843 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.6% (28,349 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.3% (15,893 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.4% (110,249 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.6% (28,473 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.7% (16,577 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