Kentucky Population Expected to Grow About 5% by 2050, Except for Owsley and Two Other Counties

Kentucky’s population is projected to increase by 5.1% by 2050, according to a new report from the Kentucky State Data Center at the University of Louisville. The report outlines population and household projections across the state over the next 25 years.

Growth is expected to be strongest in the Central Kentucky Bluegrass Region, where the population is projected to rise by about 14%, significantly outpacing the statewide average.

The report also predicts that the number of households in Kentucky will grow faster than the population itself. Households are expected to increase by 7.7%, a trend that reflects a decline in average household size.

Fayette County is expected to remain Kentucky’s second-most populous county, while Jefferson County is projected to retain its position as the largest county in the Commonwealth.

Meanwhile, Warren County is forecast to surpass Kenton County and become the state’s third-most populous county by 2050.

Despite overall population growth statewide, Robertson, Owsley, and Hickman counties are expected to remain Kentucky’s least populous counties through 2050, according to the Kentucky State Data Center.