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

Total population
19,972
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$59,858/yr
4.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
8,627
2.0% year-over-year change

Simpson County population

How many people live in Simpson County

Simpson County is home to 19,972 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.7% of Simpson County locals are male, and 50.3% are female.

Total population
19,972
0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.7%
9,934
Female
50.3%
10,038
Value Percent YoY change
Male 9,934 49.7% 0.5%
Female 10,038 50.3% 1.3%
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 Simpson County is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.6% are children under 15, then 12.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.1% of the population, while another 26.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.6%
15 to 24
12.1%
25 to 44
26.1%
45 to 64
26.1%
Over 65
16.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,907 19.6% 0.2%
15 to 24 2,424 12.1% -3.4%
25 to 44 5,218 26.1% 4.8%
45 to 64 5,204 26.1% -0.5%
Over 65 3,219 16.1% 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 Simpson County, 97.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 84.1% of locals are Caucasian, 6.9% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1%
Non-citizens
1.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 19,535 97.8% 0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 193 1% 21.4%
Non-citizens 244 1.2% 68.3%
Racial breakdown
White
84.1%
Black or African American
6.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.2%
Other
0.5%
Value Percent
White 16,804 84.1%
Black or African American 1,381 6.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 22 0.1%
Asian 31 0.2%
Two or more races 1,638 8.2%
Other 96 0.5%

Households in Simpson County

A peek inside Simpson County households

Simpson County has 8,025 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.7% are families, while the remaining 37.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
8,025
4.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,993
Family households
5,032
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,993 37.3% 7.9%
Family households 5,032 62.7% 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 Simpson County

The housing landscape of Simpson County

Simpson County's housing consists of 8,627 units, with 77.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.3% 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 8.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
8,627
2.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,676 77.4%
1 unit, attached 110 1.3%
2 units 337 3.9%
3 or 4 units 212 2.5%
5 to 9 units 459 5.3%
10 to 19 units 109 1.3%
20 to 49 units 24 0.3%
Mobile home 700 8.1%
Homes built since 2020
305
41.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Simpson County

In Simpson County, the median construction year is 1979. About 11.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,022 11.8% -6.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 369 4.3% 6.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 774 9% 16.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,010 11.7% 0.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,296 15% 0.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 807 9.4% 19.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,177 13.6% -15.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,191 13.8% 13.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 676 7.8% -5.8%
Built in 2020 or later 305 3.5% 41.2%
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.

Simpson County occupancy rates

Out of the 8,025 occupied housing units in Simpson County, 66.7% are owner-occupied, while 33.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
8,025
4.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,674
Owner occupied
5,351
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,674 33.3% 3.2%
Owner occupied 5,351 66.7% 5.0%
Unoccupied housing units
7.0%
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.

Simpson County housing costs

Housing costs in Simpson County come to a median of $982 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,012.

Median housing costs per month
$982/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 Simpson County
$1,012/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 Simpson County

Simpson County education at a glance

About 50.3% of the population in Simpson County went to high school, while 20.2% pursued college studies. Another 10.5% earned an associate degree and 9.6% 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 330 2.2% -15.4%
High school diploma 7,695 50.3% -0.3%
College diploma 3,095 20.2% -6.4%
Associate degree 1,610 10.5% 9.0%
Bachelor's degree 1,464 9.6% 4.5%
Graduate degree 1,099 7.2% 30.8%
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 Simpson County

How much people earn in Simpson County

The average annual household income in Simpson County was $75,938 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $59,858, reflecting a +4.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Simpson County
$75,938/year
7.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Simpson County
$59,858/year
4.3% year-over-year change

Simpson County income by age

In Simpson County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $72,590. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $66,971 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $18,720, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $48,281 in earnings. Overall, 84.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $18,720 N/A
25 - 44 $72,590 2.8%
45 - 64 $66,971 7.7%
Over 65 $48,281 -0.1%
Above poverty level
16,373
Below poverty level
2,996
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 16,373 84.5% 0.7%
Below poverty level 2,996 15.5% 2.8%

Employment in Simpson County

Workforce and job types in Simpson County

The job market in Simpson County is powered by 9,247 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 65.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.1% run their own businesses, 69% are employed by private companies, and 15.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
9,247
2.8% year-over-year change
White collar
6,082
Blue collar
3,165
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 6,082 65.8% 5.1%
Blue collar 3,165 34.2% -1.4%
Employer type
Self employees
11.1%
Private companies
69%
Governmental workers
15.4%
Not for profit companies
4.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,028 11.1% 1.1%
Private companies 6,376 69% -0.7%
Governmental workers 1,427 15.4% 14.2%
Not for profit companies 416 4.5% 34.6%
Unemployment rate
3.6%
-7.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Simpson County stands at 3.6%, 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 Simpson County

How people get around in Simpson County

Commuting methods vary: 92.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% 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 8,361 92.4% 3.6%
Subway or elevated 11 0.1% N/A
Ferryboat 11 0.1% -21.4%
Bicycle 8 0.1% N/A
Walk 148 1.6% 6.5%
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 Simpson County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
42134 19,380 7,674 $59,113 $76,215
42170 1,938 594 $96,111 $107,472
42206 5,897 2,183 $66,815 $77,413

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FAQs about Simpson County demographics 

What is the total population of Simpson County?

Simpson County has a total population of 19,972 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 +0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Simpson County?

The gender ratio in Simpson County is as follows:
  • 49.7% males (9,934 residents)
  • 50.3% females (10,038 residents)

What is the median age in Simpson County?

The median age in Simpson County is 38.8.

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

The age distribution in Simpson County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.6% (3,907 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.1% (2,424 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.1% (5,218 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.1% (5,204 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.1% (3,219 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Simpson County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Simpson County is as follows:
  • White: 84.1% (16,804 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.9% (1,381 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (22 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (31 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.2% (1,638 residents)
  • Other: 0.5% (96 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.8% of the population in Simpson County.

How many housing units are there in Simpson County?

There are 8,627 housing units in Simpson County, reflecting a +2.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Simpson County has a total of 8,025 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Simpson County?

Simpson County has a median household income of $59,858, representing a +4.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.4% in Simpson County, with a workforce of 9,247 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65.8% (6,082 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34.2% (3,165 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.1% (1,028 residents)
  • Private companies: 69% (6,376 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.4% (1,427 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.5% (416 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