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

Total population
24,578
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$54,321/yr
1.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
10,623
0.4% year-over-year change

Rowan County population

How many people live in Rowan County

Rowan County is home to 24,578 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.3% of Rowan County locals are male, and 51.7% are female.

Total population
24,578
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
11,872
Female
51.7%
12,706
Value Percent YoY change
Male 11,872 48.3% -0.0%
Female 12,706 51.7% 0.4%
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 Rowan County is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.2% are children under 15, then 25.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.5% of the population, while another 21.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15% are 65 or older.

Median age
31.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.2%
15 to 24
25.2%
25 to 44
22.5%
45 to 64
21.1%
Over 65
15%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,985 16.2% 0.9%
15 to 24 6,184 25.2% 1.2%
25 to 44 5,530 22.5% -3.1%
45 to 64 5,196 21.1% -1.4%
Over 65 3,683 15% 5.5%
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 Rowan County, 98.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 93.6% of locals are Caucasian, 1.8% are African American and 1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1%
Non-citizens
0.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 24,191 98.4% 1.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 253 1% -27.5%
Non-citizens 134 0.6% -59.3%
Racial breakdown
White
93.6%
Black or African American
1.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3%
Other
0.2%
Value Percent
White 23,010 93.6%
Black or African American 429 1.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 124 0.5%
Asian 233 1%
Two or more races 742 3%
Other 40 0.2%

Households in Rowan County

A peek inside Rowan County households

Rowan County has 9,592 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 56.3% are families, while the remaining 43.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
9,592
2.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,190
Family households
5,402
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,190 43.7% 7.9%
Family households 5,402 56.3% -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 Rowan County

The housing landscape of Rowan County

Rowan County's housing consists of 10,623 units, with 61% 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 22.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
10,623
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,482 61%
1 unit, attached 60 0.6%
2 units 323 3%
3 or 4 units 394 3.7%
5 to 9 units 480 4.5%
10 to 19 units 338 3.2%
20 to 49 units 116 1.1%
Mobile home 2,403 22.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 27 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
167
119.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Rowan County

In Rowan County, the median construction year is 1992. About 2.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 19.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 271 2.6% 9.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 165 1.6% -8.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 656 6.2% 29.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 773 7.3% -0.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,277 12% -21.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,788 16.8% 15.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,454 23.1% 1.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,043 19.2% 2.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,029 9.7% -13.4%
Built in 2020 or later 167 1.6% 119.7%
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.

Rowan County occupancy rates

Out of the 9,592 occupied housing units in Rowan County, 61.5% are owner-occupied, while 38.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
9,592
2.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,691
Owner occupied
5,901
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,691 38.5% 7.0%
Owner occupied 5,901 61.5% 0.1%
Unoccupied housing units
9.7%
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.

Rowan County housing costs

Housing costs in Rowan County come to a median of $776 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $825.

Median housing costs per month
$776/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 Rowan County
$825/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 Rowan County

Rowan County education at a glance

About 35.9% of the population in Rowan County went to high school, while 31.9% pursued college studies. Another 6.8% earned an associate degree and 9.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 864 4.4% 4.2%
High school diploma 7,089 35.9% -0.5%
College diploma 6,307 31.9% 4.4%
Associate degree 1,343 6.8% -3.5%
Bachelor's degree 1,960 9.9% -6.0%
Graduate degree 2,194 11.1% -2.8%
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 Rowan County

How much people earn in Rowan County

The average annual household income in Rowan County was $75,885 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $54,321, reflecting a +1.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Rowan County
$75,885/year
-3.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Rowan County
$54,321/year
1.2% year-over-year change

Rowan County income by age

In Rowan County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $66,907. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $70,155 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $35,598, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $33,622 in earnings. Overall, 75.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $35,598 24.8%
25 - 44 $66,907 1.1%
45 - 64 $70,155 -1.1%
Over 65 $33,622 -4.2%
Above poverty level
16,062
Below poverty level
5,163
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 16,062 75.7% -0.7%
Below poverty level 5,163 24.3% -0.1%

Employment in Rowan County

Workforce and job types in Rowan County

The job market in Rowan County is powered by 11,016 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 74.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.2% run their own businesses, 59% are employed by private companies, and 24.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
11,016
-1.7% year-over-year change
White collar
8,250
Blue collar
2,766
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 8,250 74.9% -0.9%
Blue collar 2,766 25.1% -3.8%
Employer type
Self employees
6.2%
Private companies
59%
Governmental workers
24.5%
Not for profit companies
10.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 688 6.2% -1.0%
Private companies 6,496 59% 0.6%
Governmental workers 2,695 24.5% -5.3%
Not for profit companies 1,137 10.3% -5.6%
Unemployment rate
4.1%
-6.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Rowan County stands at 4.1%, 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 Rowan County

How people get around in Rowan County

In Rowan County, the average commute time is 25 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 83% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 7.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
25 min
7.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 8,778 83% -2.8%
Bus or trolleybus 42 0.4% -48.8%
Walk 802 7.6% 8.7%
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 Rowan County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
40313 2,832 1,236 $65,409 $77,174
40351 22,322 8,528 $51,835 $75,046

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FAQs about Rowan County demographics 

What is the total population of Rowan County?

Rowan County has a total population of 24,578 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 +0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Rowan County?

The gender ratio in Rowan County is as follows:
  • 48.3% males (11,872 residents)
  • 51.7% females (12,706 residents)

What is the median age in Rowan County?

The median age in Rowan County is 31.7.

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

The age distribution in Rowan County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.2% (3,985 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 25.2% (6,184 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.5% (5,530 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.1% (5,196 residents)
  • Over 65: 15% (3,683 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Rowan County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Rowan County is as follows:
  • White: 93.6% (23,010 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.8% (429 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (124 residents)
  • Asian: 1% (233 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3% (742 residents)
  • Other: 0.2% (40 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.4% of the population in Rowan County.

How many housing units are there in Rowan County?

There are 10,623 housing units in Rowan County, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Rowan County has a total of 9,592 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Rowan County?

Rowan County has a median household income of $54,321, representing a +1.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.9% in Rowan County, with a workforce of 11,016 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 74.9% (8,250 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25.1% (2,766 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.2% (688 residents)
  • Private companies: 59% (6,496 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 24.5% (2,695 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.3% (1,137 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