Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky, KY
Population 321,122 · Kentucky
About Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky, KY
Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky is a major city located in Kentucky with a population of 321,122 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,631 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.2 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky features a median home value of $272,100, which is 11% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,101, 5% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 147,720 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (73,881 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (63,922 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky shows an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 15.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky have an average one-way commute time of 20.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
47.3% of Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 5.9% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 2.4% Asian residents, with 11.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky Ranks in Kentucky
Cost of Living in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky, KY
Compared to national averages, Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky has a median household income of $67,631 (10% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $272,100, which is 11% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,101 is 5% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky's income is 2% above the state average of $66,273, and home values are 49% above the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky, KY?
Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,101/month, and a well-educated community where 47.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 20.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,631) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky has a population of 321,122 with a median age of 35.2 years. Compare Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green | 73,638 | $48,419 | $232,100 | Compare |
| Owensboro | 60,112 | $53,295 | $162,900 | Compare |
| Covington | 40,902 | $58,814 | $167,900 | Compare |
| Georgetown | 38,206 | $78,373 | $244,200 | Compare |
| Richmond | 35,498 | $48,223 | $205,900 | Compare |
| Florence | 32,334 | $68,508 | $196,200 | Compare |
| Elizabethtown | 31,870 | $56,250 | $223,200 | Compare |
| Nicholasville | 31,625 | $67,514 | $210,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Kentucky
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky
What is the population of Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky, KY?
The population of Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky, KY is 321,122 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Kentucky.
What is the median household income in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky?
The median household income in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky, KY is $67,631 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky?
The median home value in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky, KY is $272,100, which is 11% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky?
The median monthly rent in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky, KY is $1,101, which is 5% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky?
The unemployment rate in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky, KY is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky, KY a good place to live?
Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 321,122 and a median age of 35.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky, KY?
47.3% of residents in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky, KY: median home value is $272,100 (11% above national), median rent is $1,101/month, and median household income is $67,631. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky?
The poverty rate in Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky, KY is 15.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky, KY?
Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky's population is 5.9% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 2.4% Asian, and 14.3% two or more races. 11.0% of residents are foreign-born.