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

Total population
7,708
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$59,531/yr
11.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,333
0.0% year-over-year change

Nicholas County population

How many people live in Nicholas County

Nicholas County is home to 7,708 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.5% of Nicholas County locals are male, and 50.5% are female.

Total population
7,708
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.5%
3,816
Female
50.5%
3,892
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,816 49.5% -1.0%
Female 3,892 50.5% 2.4%
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 Nicholas County is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.3% are children under 15, then 12.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.1% of the population, while another 27.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.3%
15 to 24
12.5%
25 to 44
23.1%
45 to 64
27.3%
Over 65
16.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,562 20.3% 1.0%
15 to 24 962 12.5% 3.5%
25 to 44 1,782 23.1% -7.8%
45 to 64 2,103 27.3% 6.9%
Over 65 1,299 16.8% 1.6%
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 Nicholas County, 99.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 2.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.4%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 7,675 99.6% 0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 32 0.4% 23.1%
Non-citizens 1 0% -83.3%
Racial breakdown
White
96.2%
Black or African American
1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.4%
Other
0.1%
Value Percent
White 7,413 96.2%
Black or African American 91 1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 16 0.2%
Two or more races 181 2.4%
Other 7 0.1%

Households in Nicholas County

A peek inside Nicholas County households

Nicholas County has 2,776 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 66.2% are families, while the remaining 33.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,776
1.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
937
Family households
1,839
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 937 33.8% 1.5%
Family households 1,839 66.2% 0.9%
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 Nicholas County

The housing landscape of Nicholas County

Nicholas County's housing consists of 3,333 units, with 72.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 19.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,333
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,412 72.4%
2 units 132 4%
3 or 4 units 66 2%
5 to 9 units 7 0.2%
10 to 19 units 57 1.7%
20 to 49 units 10 0.3%
50 or more units 8 0.2%
Mobile home 641 19.2%
Homes built since 2020
61
64.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Nicholas County

In Nicholas County, the median construction year is 1972. About 22.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 763 22.9% 3.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 162 4.9% -14.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 346 10.4% -12.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 311 9.3% -1.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 491 14.7% 3.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 384 11.5% -4.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 331 9.9% 5.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 293 8.8% 60.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 191 5.7% -33.2%
Built in 2020 or later 61 1.8% 64.9%
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.

Nicholas County occupancy rates

Out of the 2,776 occupied housing units in Nicholas County, 74.5% are owner-occupied, while 25.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,776
1.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
708
Owner occupied
2,068
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 708 25.5% -9.3%
Owner occupied 2,068 74.5% 5.3%
Unoccupied housing units
16.7%
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.

Nicholas County housing costs

Housing costs in Nicholas County come to a median of $648 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $728.

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 Nicholas County
$728/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 Nicholas County

Nicholas County education at a glance

About 52.3% of the population in Nicholas County went to high school, while 21.1% pursued college studies. Another 12.1% earned an associate degree and 5.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 275 4.7% -22.1%
High school diploma 3,048 52.3% -0.5%
College diploma 1,230 21.1% -1.7%
Associate degree 703 12.1% 14.7%
Bachelor's degree 332 5.7% 4.4%
Graduate degree 241 4.1% 19.3%
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 Nicholas County

How much people earn in Nicholas County

The average annual household income in Nicholas County was $64,385 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $59,531, reflecting a +11% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Nicholas County
$64,385/year
3.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Nicholas County
$59,531/year
11.0% year-over-year change

Nicholas County income by age

In Nicholas County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $86,989. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $66,213 overall. Overall, 82.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $86,989 3.5%
45 - 64 $66,213 8.8%
Over 65 $36,485 0.3%
Above poverty level
6,240
Below poverty level
1,313
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 6,240 82.6% 1.8%
Below poverty level 1,313 17.4% -4.9%

Employment in Nicholas County

Workforce and job types in Nicholas County

The job market in Nicholas County is powered by 3,161 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.5% run their own businesses, 69.9% are employed by private companies, and 16.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,161
4.7% year-over-year change
White collar
2,213
Blue collar
948
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,213 70% 7.8%
Blue collar 948 30% -2.1%
Employer type
Self employees
8.5%
Private companies
69.9%
Governmental workers
16.3%
Not for profit companies
5.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 269 8.5% -15.7%
Private companies 2,210 69.9% 3.2%
Governmental workers 514 16.3% 19.8%
Not for profit companies 168 5.3% 29.2%
Unemployment rate
6.1%
-12.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Nicholas County stands at 6.1%, 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 Nicholas County

How people get around in Nicholas County

Commuting methods vary: 94.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.4% 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 2,929 94.3% 6.2%
Walk 43 1.4% -21.8%
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 Nicholas County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
40311 7,672 2,795 $61,348 $65,151
40350 73 40 $0 $0
40374 2,562 767 $43,607 $70,412
41039 2,974 1,059 $59,250 $78,449

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FAQs about Nicholas County demographics 

What is the total population of Nicholas County?

Nicholas County has a total population of 7,708 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 Nicholas County?

The gender ratio in Nicholas County is as follows:
  • 49.5% males (3,816 residents)
  • 50.5% females (3,892 residents)

What is the median age in Nicholas County?

The median age in Nicholas County is 40.6.

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

The age distribution in Nicholas County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.3% (1,562 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.5% (962 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.1% (1,782 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.3% (2,103 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.8% (1,299 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Nicholas County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Nicholas County is as follows:
  • White: 96.2% (7,413 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.2% (91 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (16 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.4% (181 residents)
  • Other: 0.1% (7 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.6% of the population in Nicholas County.

How many housing units are there in Nicholas County?

There are 3,333 housing units in Nicholas County, reflecting a 0.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Nicholas County has a total of 2,776 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Nicholas County?

Nicholas County has a median household income of $59,531, representing a +11.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.9% in Nicholas County, with a workforce of 3,161 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70% (2,213 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30% (948 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.5% (269 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.9% (2,210 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.3% (514 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.3% (168 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