New data from the U.S. Census Bureau reveal that the population grew in Kentucky by .5% from 2024-25, an increase of 22,818 people. From 2020-25, the population of the state grew by 2.19%. Nationally, the U.S. population grew by .52% from 2024-25 and 3.08% from 2020-25.
County population change, 2024-25
From 2024-25, 81 counties experienced positive population growth, while 39 counties saw declines. The top five growing counties were Simpson (1.8%), Warren (1.9%), Allen (2%), Madison (2.1%) and Nicholas (2.5%).
More than one-third of the total population growth across the state occurred in five counties: Warren, Fayette, Madison, Boone and Campbell, with Warren County growing the most, adding 2,809 people.
County population changes, 2020-25
From 2020-25, the population increased in 73 counties and decreased in 37. The counties with the largest increase in population during this period were Jessamine (7.7%), Scott (8.2%), Madison (9.3%), Allen (9.5%) and Warren (10.6%).
In raw numbers, a majority of the population growth was driven by five counties: Warren, Jefferson, Boone, Madison and Fayette. Warren County added 14,336 people during this period – the most of any county.
Annual estimates of the resident population for counties in Kentucky: April 1, 2020, to July 1, 2025 (CO-EST2025-POP-21)
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division
Release Date: March 2026
