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

Total population
18,221
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$44,738/yr
-11.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
10,169
0.2% year-over-year change

Russell County population

How many people live in Russell County

Russell County is home to 18,221 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.5% of Russell County locals are male, and 50.5% are female.

Total population
18,221
0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.5%
9,020
Female
50.5%
9,201
Value Percent YoY change
Male 9,020 49.5% 0.9%
Female 9,201 50.5% 0.2%
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 Russell County is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 19% are children under 15, then 12.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.9% of the population, while another 26.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
42
Age breakdown
Under 15
19%
15 to 24
12.1%
25 to 44
21.9%
45 to 64
26.5%
Over 65
20.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,456 19% 0.3%
15 to 24 2,198 12.1% 1.3%
25 to 44 3,997 21.9% 2.5%
45 to 64 4,822 26.5% -1.1%
Over 65 3,748 20.6% 0.5%
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 Russell County, 98% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 92.5% of locals are Caucasian, 1.2% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.4%
Non-citizens
1.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 17,855 98% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 73 0.4% -8.8%
Non-citizens 293 1.6% 48.0%
Racial breakdown
White
92.5%
Black or African American
1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
4.3%
Other
1.6%
Value Percent
White 16,853 92.5%
Black or African American 224 1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 3 0%
Asian 50 0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 13 0.1%
Two or more races 777 4.3%
Other 301 1.6%

Households in Russell County

A peek inside Russell County households

Russell County has 7,562 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63.8% are families, while the remaining 36.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,562
4.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,736
Family households
4,826
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,736 36.2% 6.5%
Family households 4,826 63.8% 4.0%
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 Russell County

The housing landscape of Russell County

Russell County's housing consists of 10,169 units, with 69.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.2% 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 21% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
10,169
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 7,110 69.9%
1 unit, attached 117 1.2%
2 units 158 1.6%
3 or 4 units 245 2.4%
5 to 9 units 154 1.5%
10 to 19 units 104 1%
20 to 49 units 133 1.3%
50 or more units 9 0.1%
Mobile home 2,136 21%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 3 0%
Homes built since 2020
273
34.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Russell County

In Russell County, the median construction year is 1991. About 3.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 16.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 322 3.2% -33.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 108 1.1% -43.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 613 6% -5.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 645 6.3% 8.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,776 17.5% -6.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,456 14.3% -0.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,189 21.5% 5.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,700 16.7% 5.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,087 10.7% 10.5%
Built in 2020 or later 273 2.7% 34.5%
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.

Russell County occupancy rates

Out of the 7,562 occupied housing units in Russell County, 70.8% are owner-occupied, while 29.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 25.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,562
4.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,208
Owner occupied
5,354
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,208 29.2% 15.6%
Owner occupied 5,354 70.8% 1.0%
Unoccupied housing units
25.6%
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.

Russell County housing costs

Housing costs in Russell County come to a median of $611 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $681.

Median housing costs per month
$611/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 Russell County
$681/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 Russell County

Russell County education at a glance

About 48.9% of the population in Russell County went to high school, while 19.2% pursued college studies. Another 10.6% earned an associate degree and 7.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 909 6.5% -0.7%
High school diploma 6,856 48.9% -0.5%
College diploma 2,696 19.2% 0.4%
Associate degree 1,481 10.6% 4.5%
Bachelor's degree 1,099 7.8% 2.2%
Graduate degree 968 6.9% 1.4%
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 Russell County

How much people earn in Russell County

The average annual household income in Russell County was $68,696 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $44,738, reflecting a -11.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Russell County
$68,696/year
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Russell County
$44,738/year
-11.4% year-over-year change

Russell County income by age

In Russell County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $59,583. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $48,004 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $40,682, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $35,586 in earnings. Overall, 76.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $40,682 0.8%
25 - 44 $59,583 6.8%
45 - 64 $48,004 -16.2%
Over 65 $35,586 -0.6%
Above poverty level
13,612
Below poverty level
4,110
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 13,612 76.8% 1.1%
Below poverty level 4,110 23.2% -0.1%

Employment in Russell County

Workforce and job types in Russell County

The job market in Russell County is powered by 7,327 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 67.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 32.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.2% run their own businesses, 68.7% are employed by private companies, and 13% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
7,327
1.7% year-over-year change
White collar
4,919
Blue collar
2,408
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,919 67.1% 0.6%
Blue collar 2,408 32.9% 4.1%
Employer type
Self employees
12.2%
Private companies
68.7%
Governmental workers
13%
Not for profit companies
6.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 892 12.2% 18.5%
Private companies 5,034 68.7% 3.9%
Governmental workers 950 13% -16.0%
Not for profit companies 451 6.2% -5.2%
Unemployment rate
6.4%
9.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Russell County stands at 6.4%, 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 Russell County

How people get around in Russell County

In Russell County, the average commute time is 20 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 92.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.1% 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
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 6,623 92.3% 0.3%
Walk 149 2.1% 3.5%
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 Russell County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
42528 2,126 748 $50,227 $70,857
42544 5,520 2,313 $60,895 $88,949
42629 5,152 2,163 $36,484 $70,854
42642 13,459 5,535 $52,633 $66,792

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FAQs about Russell County demographics 

What is the total population of Russell County?

Russell County has a total population of 18,221 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 +0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Russell County?

The gender ratio in Russell County is as follows:
  • 49.5% males (9,020 residents)
  • 50.5% females (9,201 residents)

What is the median age in Russell County?

The median age in Russell County is 42.

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

The age distribution in Russell County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19% (3,456 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.1% (2,198 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.9% (3,997 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.5% (4,822 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.6% (3,748 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Russell County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Russell County is as follows:
  • White: 92.5% (16,853 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.2% (224 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (3 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (50 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (13 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.3% (777 residents)
  • Other: 1.6% (301 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98% of the population in Russell County.

How many housing units are there in Russell County?

There are 10,169 housing units in Russell 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 Russell County and what is the average household size?

Russell County has a total of 7,562 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Russell County?

Russell County has a median household income of $44,738, representing a -11.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.6% in Russell County, with a workforce of 7,327 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 67.1% (4,919 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 32.9% (2,408 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.2% (892 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.7% (5,034 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13% (950 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.2% (451 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