Cities in Kentucky
550 cities and towns · Population 2,683,941
About Kentucky
Kentucky is home to 550 cities and towns with a combined population of 2,683,941 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. The largest city is Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky, and the median household income across the state is $66,273 per year. Browse the table below to compare cities by population and income, or explore the full Kentucky city rankings. See how cities compare on housing costs in our Kentucky cost of living guide.
Economy & Income
The economic landscape of Kentucky features a median household income of $66,273. The wealthiest community by income is Glenview at $250,001 per year. The state's average unemployment rate is 7.4% and the poverty rate averages 20.4% across all communities. 25.9% of residents statewide hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Housing & Cost of Living
The typical home in Kentucky is valued at $182,504, with median monthly rent at $910. The home-value-to-income ratio is approximately 2.8x the median income, suggesting relatively affordable housing conditions for residents. For city-by-city housing data, see our Kentucky cost of living breakdown.
Demographics
The population of Kentucky is distributed across 550 communities, ranging from Lovelaceville (12 residents) to Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky (627,210 residents). The median age across Kentucky is 41.6 years. Explore individual city pages for detailed demographic breakdowns including race, ethnicity, education, and employment data.
Largest Cities in Kentucky
| City | Population | Median Income |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky | 627,210 | $64,731 |
| Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky | 321,122 | $67,631 |
| Bowling Green | 73,638 | $48,419 |
| Owensboro | 60,112 | $53,295 |
| Covington | 40,902 | $58,814 |
| Georgetown | 38,206 | $78,373 |
| Richmond | 35,498 | $48,223 |
| Florence | 32,334 | $68,508 |
| Elizabethtown | 31,870 | $56,250 |
| Nicholasville | 31,625 | $67,514 |
| Hopkinsville | 31,011 | $47,428 |
| Independence | 29,024 | $98,653 |
| Jeffersontown | 28,988 | $78,185 |
| Frankfort | 28,452 | $54,438 |
| Henderson | 27,994 | $47,176 |
| Paducah | 26,894 | $51,243 |
| Radcliff | 22,967 | $60,976 |
| Ashland | 21,405 | $52,199 |
| Erlanger | 19,677 | $78,420 |
| Madisonville | 19,442 | $56,902 |
All Cities in Kentucky
Kentucky City Rankings
Frequently Asked Questions about Kentucky
How many cities are in Kentucky?
Kentucky has 550 cities and towns with a combined population of 2,683,941 residents according to US Census Bureau data.
What is the largest city in Kentucky?
The largest city in Kentucky is Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky by population. It has 627,210 residents and a median household income of $64,731.
What is the median household income in Kentucky?
The median household income across Kentucky is $66,273 per year. The highest-income city is Glenview at $250,001.
What is the most popular city in Kentucky?
Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky is the most populated city in Kentucky with 627,210 residents and a median income of $64,731.
What are the top 5 cities in Kentucky by population?
The five largest cities in Kentucky are: 1. Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky (627,210), 2. Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky (321,122), 3. Bowling Green (73,638), 4. Owensboro (60,112), 5. Covington (40,902).
What is the smallest city in Kentucky?
The smallest city in Kentucky by population is Lovelaceville with 12 residents.
What is the cost of living in Kentucky?
The median household income in Kentucky is $66,273. The median home value across the state is $182,504 and median rent is $910/month. See our detailed cost of living guide for Kentucky for city-level breakdowns.