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

Total population
16,163
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$48,862/yr
1.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,391
0.2% year-over-year change

Rockcastle County population

How many people live in Rockcastle County

Rockcastle County is home to 16,163 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.5% of Rockcastle County locals are male, and 50.5% are female.

Total population
16,163
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.5%
7,994
Female
50.5%
8,169
Value Percent YoY change
Male 7,994 49.5% 0.3%
Female 8,169 50.5% -0.1%
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 Rockcastle County is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.2% are children under 15, then 11.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.3% of the population, while another 28.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.2%
15 to 24
11.6%
25 to 44
23.3%
45 to 64
28.6%
Over 65
19.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,777 17.2% -0.3%
15 to 24 1,879 11.6% 0.8%
25 to 44 3,770 23.3% 1.0%
45 to 64 4,621 28.6% -0.8%
Over 65 3,116 19.3% 0.3%
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 Rockcastle County, 99.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 95.7% of locals are Caucasian, 0.6% are African American and 0.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.5%
Non-citizens
0.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 16,061 99.4% 0.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 82 0.5% 34.4%
Non-citizens 20 0.1% -20.0%
Racial breakdown
White
95.7%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
2.4%
Other
1%
Value Percent
White 15,473 95.7%
Black or African American 97 0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 5 0%
Asian 13 0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 23 0.1%
Two or more races 390 2.4%
Other 162 1%

Households in Rockcastle County

A peek inside Rockcastle County households

Rockcastle County has 6,534 households, with an average of 2 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
6,534
1.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,208
Family households
4,326
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,208 33.8% 12.5%
Family households 4,326 66.2% -3.1%
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 Rockcastle County

The housing landscape of Rockcastle County

Rockcastle County's housing consists of 7,391 units, with 65.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.6% 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 25.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,391
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,870 65.9%
1 unit, attached 47 0.6%
2 units 146 2%
3 or 4 units 136 1.8%
5 to 9 units 278 3.8%
10 to 19 units 4 0%
20 to 49 units 38 0.5%
50 or more units 5 0.1%
Mobile home 1,867 25.3%
Homes built since 2020
175
75.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Rockcastle County

In Rockcastle County, the median construction year is 1990. About 5.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.8% 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 423 5.7% 5.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 350 4.7% 30.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 451 6.1% 4.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 544 7.4% -23.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 774 10.5% -15.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,203 16.3% 0.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,653 22.4% -1.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,096 14.8% -0.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 722 9.8% 24.9%
Built in 2020 or later 175 2.4% 75.0%
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.

Rockcastle County occupancy rates

Out of the 6,534 occupied housing units in Rockcastle County, 74.3% are owner-occupied, while 25.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,534
1.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,677
Owner occupied
4,857
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,677 25.7% 10.6%
Owner occupied 4,857 74.3% -1.1%
Unoccupied housing units
11.6%
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.

Rockcastle County housing costs

Housing costs in Rockcastle County come to a median of $541 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $676.

Median housing costs per month
$541/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 Rockcastle County
$676/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 Rockcastle County

Rockcastle County education at a glance

About 55.9% of the population in Rockcastle County went to high school, while 18.9% pursued college studies. Another 5.2% earned an associate degree and 5.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 897 7.1% -7.9%
High school diploma 7,085 55.9% 0.6%
College diploma 2,392 18.9% -1.3%
Associate degree 655 5.2% 8.3%
Bachelor's degree 745 5.9% 0.9%
Graduate degree 909 7.2% 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 Rockcastle County

How much people earn in Rockcastle County

The average annual household income in Rockcastle County was $65,485 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $48,862, reflecting a +1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Rockcastle County
$65,485/year
-3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Rockcastle County
$48,862/year
1.0% year-over-year change

Rockcastle County income by age

In Rockcastle County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $71,510. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $58,925 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $29,138, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $33,222 in earnings. Overall, 74.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $29,138 -10.8%
25 - 44 $71,510 -4.4%
45 - 64 $58,925 2.4%
Over 65 $33,222 13.4%
Above poverty level
11,543
Below poverty level
3,930
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 11,543 74.6% -1.9%
Below poverty level 3,930 25.4% 5.0%

Employment in Rockcastle County

Workforce and job types in Rockcastle County

The job market in Rockcastle County is powered by 6,093 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 65.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.4% run their own businesses, 62.4% are employed by private companies, and 19.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,093
2.0% year-over-year change
White collar
3,997
Blue collar
2,096
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,997 65.6% 2.4%
Blue collar 2,096 34.4% 1.3%
Employer type
Self employees
9.4%
Private companies
62.4%
Governmental workers
19.4%
Not for profit companies
8.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 572 9.4% 13.7%
Private companies 3,804 62.4% -2.6%
Governmental workers 1,180 19.4% 9.5%
Not for profit companies 537 8.8% 10.3%
Unemployment rate
4.6%
-24.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Rockcastle County stands at 4.6%, 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 Rockcastle County

How people get around in Rockcastle County

Commuting methods vary: 86.8% 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 5,127 86.8% -0.3%
Bus or trolleybus 14 0.2% 27.3%
Walk 81 1.4% 5.2%
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 Rockcastle County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
40409 3,445 1,402 $52,619 $66,797
40419 5,250 1,728 $56,549 $69,080
40445 755 287 $39,449 $77,379
40456 8,370 3,645 $46,907 $66,064
40460 1,358 416 $35,417 $52,726

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FAQs about Rockcastle County demographics 

What is the total population of Rockcastle County?

Rockcastle County has a total population of 16,163 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 +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Rockcastle County?

The gender ratio in Rockcastle County is as follows:
  • 49.5% males (7,994 residents)
  • 50.5% females (8,169 residents)

What is the median age in Rockcastle County?

The median age in Rockcastle County is 42.8.

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

The age distribution in Rockcastle County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.2% (2,777 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.6% (1,879 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.3% (3,770 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.6% (4,621 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.3% (3,116 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Rockcastle County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Rockcastle County is as follows:
  • White: 95.7% (15,473 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (97 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (5 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (13 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (23 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.4% (390 residents)
  • Other: 1% (162 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.4% of the population in Rockcastle County.

How many housing units are there in Rockcastle County?

There are 7,391 housing units in Rockcastle County, reflecting a +0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Rockcastle County has a total of 6,534 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Rockcastle County?

Rockcastle County has a median household income of $48,862, representing a +1.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.4% in Rockcastle County, with a workforce of 6,093 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65.6% (3,997 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34.4% (2,096 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.4% (572 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.4% (3,804 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.4% (1,180 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.8% (537 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