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

Total population
36,920
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$44,615/yr
6.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
15,629
0.5% year-over-year change

Whitley County population

How many people live in Whitley County

Whitley County is home to 36,920 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.3% of Whitley County locals are male, and 50.7% are female.

Total population
36,920
0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.3%
18,216
Female
50.7%
18,704
Value Percent YoY change
Male 18,216 49.3% 0.8%
Female 18,704 50.7% 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 Whitley County is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.8% are children under 15, then 15.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.9% of the population, while another 23.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.8%
15 to 24
15.6%
25 to 44
23.9%
45 to 64
23.1%
Over 65
15.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 8,048 21.8% 0.6%
15 to 24 5,741 15.6% 1.9%
25 to 44 8,820 23.9% 0.6%
45 to 64 8,527 23.1% -0.5%
Over 65 5,784 15.7% 0.1%
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 Whitley County, 98.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 95.4% of locals are Caucasian, 1.1% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1%
Non-citizens
0.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 36,369 98.5% 0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 368 1% -8.2%
Non-citizens 183 0.5% 3.4%
Racial breakdown
White
95.4%
Black or African American
1.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.4%
Other
0.8%
Value Percent
White 35,210 95.4%
Black or African American 404 1.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 21 0.1%
Asian 96 0.3%
Two or more races 894 2.4%
Other 295 0.8%

Households in Whitley County

A peek inside Whitley County households

Whitley County has 13,541 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 67% are families, while the remaining 33% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
13,541
-0.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
4,468
Family households
9,073
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,468 33% -0.9%
Family households 9,073 67% 0.1%
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 Whitley County

The housing landscape of Whitley County

Whitley County's housing consists of 15,629 units, with 63.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.9% 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 24.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
15,629
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 9,919 63.5%
1 unit, attached 136 0.9%
2 units 670 4.3%
3 or 4 units 395 2.5%
5 to 9 units 335 2.1%
10 to 19 units 230 1.5%
20 to 49 units 134 0.9%
50 or more units 16 0.1%
Mobile home 3,771 24.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 23 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
303
51.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Whitley County

In Whitley County, the median construction year is 1987. About 6.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 16.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 972 6.2% 6.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 290 1.9% -32.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 691 4.4% -3.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,156 7.4% -4.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,013 19.3% -6.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,568 16.4% -2.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,849 18.2% 5.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,552 16.3% 7.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,235 7.9% 5.7%
Built in 2020 or later 303 1.9% 51.5%
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.

Whitley County occupancy rates

Out of the 13,541 occupied housing units in Whitley County, 66.8% are owner-occupied, while 33.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
13,541
-0.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,498
Owner occupied
9,043
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,498 33.2% -0.4%
Owner occupied 9,043 66.8% -0.1%
Unoccupied housing units
13.4%
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.

Whitley County housing costs

Housing costs in Whitley County come to a median of $697 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $798.

Median housing costs per month
$697/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 Whitley County
$798/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 Whitley County

Whitley County education at a glance

About 49.7% of the population in Whitley County went to high school, while 19.6% pursued college studies. Another 5.4% earned an associate degree and 10.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,569 5.8% -7.3%
High school diploma 13,552 49.7% 0.4%
College diploma 5,348 19.6% -3.6%
Associate degree 1,481 5.4% 3.2%
Bachelor's degree 2,933 10.8% 15.1%
Graduate degree 2,380 8.7% -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 Whitley County

How much people earn in Whitley County

The average annual household income in Whitley County was $63,305 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $44,615, reflecting a +6.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Whitley County
$63,305/year
2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Whitley County
$44,615/year
6.9% year-over-year change

Whitley County income by age

In Whitley County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $62,099. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $46,469 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $32,217, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $29,460 in earnings. Overall, 74% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $32,217 -10.3%
25 - 44 $62,099 16.1%
45 - 64 $46,469 4.6%
Over 65 $29,460 -0.6%
Above poverty level
25,572
Below poverty level
8,999
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 25,572 74% -1.1%
Below poverty level 8,999 26% 4.6%

Employment in Whitley County

Workforce and job types in Whitley County

The job market in Whitley County is powered by 13,839 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 74.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.5% run their own businesses, 61.8% are employed by private companies, and 18.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
13,839
1.9% year-over-year change
White collar
10,268
Blue collar
3,571
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 10,268 74.2% 2.9%
Blue collar 3,571 25.8% -0.8%
Employer type
Self employees
8.5%
Private companies
61.8%
Governmental workers
18.5%
Not for profit companies
11.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,174 8.5% -5.4%
Private companies 8,546 61.8% 1.6%
Governmental workers 2,557 18.5% 12.7%
Not for profit companies 1,562 11.3% -5.9%
Unemployment rate
5.4%
5.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Whitley County stands at 5.4%, 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 Whitley County

How people get around in Whitley County

Commuting methods vary: 86.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.4% 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 11,823 86.9% -0.3%
Bus or trolleybus 15 0.1% -31.8%
Bicycle 37 0.3% 48.0%
Walk 334 2.4% 6.4%
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 Whitley County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
40763 411 162 $0 $96,456
40769 18,218 6,103 $43,878 $60,930
40771 1,915 738 $0 $35,723
40701 30,526 12,374 $47,204 $62,416
40759 3,122 1,058 $34,909 $46,219
40940 367 166 $0 $35,483

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FAQs about Whitley County demographics 

What is the total population of Whitley County?

Whitley County has a total population of 36,920 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 +0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Whitley County?

The gender ratio in Whitley County is as follows:
  • 49.3% males (18,216 residents)
  • 50.7% females (18,704 residents)

What is the median age in Whitley County?

The median age in Whitley County is 35.2.

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

The age distribution in Whitley County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.8% (8,048 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.6% (5,741 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.9% (8,820 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.1% (8,527 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.7% (5,784 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Whitley County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Whitley County is as follows:
  • White: 95.4% (35,210 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.1% (404 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (21 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (96 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.4% (894 residents)
  • Other: 0.8% (295 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.5% of the population in Whitley County.

How many housing units are there in Whitley County?

There are 15,629 housing units in Whitley County, reflecting a +0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Whitley County has a total of 13,541 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Whitley County?

Whitley County has a median household income of $44,615, representing a +6.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.6% in Whitley County, with a workforce of 13,839 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 74.2% (10,268 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25.8% (3,571 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.5% (1,174 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.8% (8,546 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.5% (2,557 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.3% (1,562 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