Southeast Lexington, Lexington, KY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
49,757
3.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$84,510/yr
-1.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
21,694
1.8% year-over-year change

Southeast Lexington population

How many people live in Southeast Lexington

Southeast Lexington is home to 49,757 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.4% of Southeast Lexington locals are male, and 51.6% are female.

Total population
49,757
3.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.4%
24,066
Female
51.6%
25,691
Value Percent YoY change
Male 24,066 48.4% 3.7%
Female 25,691 51.6% 3.0%
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 Southeast Lexington is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 21% are children under 15, then 11.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.3% of the population, while another 24.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
21%
15 to 24
11.7%
25 to 44
28.3%
45 to 64
24.9%
Over 65
14.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 10,434 21% 1.9%
15 to 24 5,831 11.7% 8.7%
25 to 44 14,073 28.3% 3.1%
45 to 64 12,402 24.9% 2.7%
Over 65 7,017 14.1% 3.0%
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 Southeast Lexington, 85.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 65.6% of locals are Caucasian, 16% are African American and 6.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
85.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.7%
Non-citizens
8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 42,455 85.3% 0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3,327 6.7% 12.5%
Non-citizens 3,975 8% 31.5%
Racial breakdown
White
65.6%
Black or African American
16%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
6.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.9%
Other
3%
Value Percent
White 32,616 65.6%
Black or African American 7,947 16%
American Indian and Alaska Native 47 0.1%
Asian 3,217 6.5%
Two or more races 4,425 8.9%
Other 1,505 3%

Households in Southeast Lexington

A peek inside Southeast Lexington households

Southeast Lexington has 20,715 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 61% are families, while the remaining 39% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
20,715
3.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
8,083
Family households
12,632
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 8,083 39% 4.7%
Family households 12,632 61% 2.4%
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 Southeast Lexington

The housing landscape of Southeast Lexington

Southeast Lexington's housing consists of 21,694 units, with 62.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 10.6% 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
21,694
1.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 13,602 62.7%
1 unit, attached 2,290 10.6%
2 units 359 1.6%
3 or 4 units 791 3.6%
5 to 9 units 1,423 6.6%
10 to 19 units 1,641 7.6%
20 to 49 units 538 2.5%
50 or more units 825 3.8%
Mobile home 221 1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 2 0%
Homes built since 2020
524
51.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Southeast Lexington

In Southeast Lexington, the median construction year is 1992. About 2.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 23.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 20.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 452 2.1% -4.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 434 2% 2.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 624 2.9% -14.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,714 7.9% 3.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,486 6.8% -9.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,743 8% 1.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 5,164 23.8% 1.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 5,084 23.4% 4.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 4,468 20.6% 3.2%
Built in 2020 or later 524 2.4% 51.0%
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.

Southeast Lexington occupancy rates

Out of the 20,715 occupied housing units in Southeast Lexington, 60.8% are owner-occupied, while 39.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
20,715
3.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
8,116
Owner occupied
12,599
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 8,116 39.2% 6.0%
Owner occupied 12,599 60.8% 1.5%
Unoccupied housing units
4.5%
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.

Southeast Lexington housing costs

Housing costs in Southeast Lexington come to a median of $1,229 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,114.

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 Southeast Lexington
$1,114/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 Southeast Lexington

Southeast Lexington education at a glance

About 23.3% of the population in Southeast Lexington went to high school, while 17.9% pursued college studies. Another 6.9% earned an associate degree and 29.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 19.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 999 2.7% 19.4%
High school diploma 8,646 23.3% 0.8%
College diploma 6,627 17.9% 3.9%
Associate degree 2,548 6.9% 0.0%
Bachelor's degree 10,962 29.6% 5.2%
Graduate degree 7,306 19.7% 1.1%
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 Southeast Lexington

How much people earn in Southeast Lexington

The average annual household income in Southeast Lexington was $118,520 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $84,510, reflecting a -1.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Southeast Lexington
$118,520/year
2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Southeast Lexington
$84,510/year
-1.3% year-over-year change

Southeast Lexington income by age

In Southeast Lexington, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $85,795. 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 $31,893, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $68,776 in earnings. Overall, 90.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $31,893 3.0%
25 - 44 $85,795 -5.6%
45 - 64 $111,250 -6.7%
Over 65 $68,776 0.1%
Above poverty level
44,070
Below poverty level
4,787
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 44,070 90.2% 3.2%
Below poverty level 4,787 9.8% 3.6%

Employment in Southeast Lexington

Workforce and job types in Southeast Lexington

84.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.8% run their own businesses, 67.7% are employed by private companies, and 14.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
22,589
Blue collar
4,188
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 22,589 84.4% 4.2%
Blue collar 4,188 15.6% 1.6%
Employer type
Self employees
8.8%
Private companies
67.7%
Governmental workers
14.3%
Not for profit companies
9.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,364 8.8% -1.1%
Private companies 18,118 67.7% 4.0%
Governmental workers 3,836 14.3% 2.8%
Not for profit companies 2,460 9.2% 8.8%

Transportation in Southeast Lexington

How people get around in Southeast Lexington

In Southeast Lexington, the average commute time is 20 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 97.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
20 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 22,033 97.2% 0.5%
Taxicab 46 0.2% 155.6%
Bus or trolleybus 260 1.2% 64.6%
Ferryboat 5 0% -28.6%
Motorcycle 42 0.2% -6.7%
Bicycle 10 0% 400.0%
Walk 263 1.2% 4.8%
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 Southeast Lexington by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
40505 25,594 11,223 $58,206 $78,672
40509 47,036 19,395 $94,804 $124,548
40516 2,926 1,184 $84,510 $105,090

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FAQs about Southeast Lexington demographics 

What is the total population of Southeast Lexington?

Southeast Lexington has a total population of 49,757 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 +3.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Southeast Lexington?

The gender ratio in Southeast Lexington is as follows:
  • 48.4% males (24,066 residents)
  • 51.6% females (25,691 residents)

What is the median age in Southeast Lexington?

The median age in Southeast Lexington is 38.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Southeast Lexington?

The age distribution in Southeast Lexington is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21% (10,434 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.7% (5,831 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.3% (14,073 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.9% (12,402 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.1% (7,017 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Southeast Lexington?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Southeast Lexington is as follows:
  • White: 65.6% (32,616 residents)
  • Black or African American: 16% (7,947 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (47 residents)
  • Asian: 6.5% (3,217 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.9% (4,425 residents)
  • Other: 3% (1,505 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 85.3% of the population in Southeast Lexington.

How many housing units are there in Southeast Lexington?

There are 21,694 housing units in Southeast Lexington, reflecting a +1.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Southeast Lexington has a total of 20,715 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Southeast Lexington?

Southeast Lexington has a median household income of $84,510, representing a -1.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Southeast Lexington?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84.4% (22,589 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15.6% (4,188 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.8% (2,364 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.7% (18,118 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.3% (3,836 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.2% (2,460 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