| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1790 | 73,677 | — | |
| 1800 | 220,955 | 199.9% | |
| 1810 | 406,511 | 84.0% | |
| 1820 | 564,317 | 38.8% | |
| 1830 | 687,917 | 21.9% | |
| 1840 | 779,828 | 13.4% | |
| 1850 | 982,405 | 26.0% | |
| 1860 | 1,155,684 | 17.6% | |
| 1870 | 1,321,011 | 14.3% | |
| 1880 | 1,648,690 | 24.8% | |
| 1890 | 1,858,635 | 12.7% | |
| 1900 | 2,147,174 | 15.5% | |
| 1910 | 2,289,905 | 6.6% | |
| 1920 | 2,416,630 | 5.5% | |
| 1930 | 2,614,589 | 8.2% | |
| 1940 | 2,845,627 | 8.8% | |
| 1950 | 2,944,806 | 3.5% | |
| 1960 | 3,038,156 | 3.2% | |
| 1970 | 3,218,706 | 5.9% | |
| 1980 | 3,660,777 | 13.7% | |
| 1990 | 3,685,296 | 0.7% | |
| 2000 | 4,041,769 | 9.7% | |
| 2010 | 4,339,367 | 7.4% | |
| 2020 | 4,505,836 | 3.8% | |
| Source: 1790-2000[1] 1910–2020[2] | |||
As of the 2010 census, the United States Commonwealth of Kentucky had an estimated population of 4,339,367, which is an increase of 297,174, or 7.4%, since the year 2000. Approximately 4.4% of Kentucky's population was foreign-born as of 2010. The population density of the state is 107.4 people per square mile.[3]
Kentucky's total population has grown during every decade since records began. However, during most decades of the 20th century there was also net out-migration from Kentucky. Since 1900, rural Kentucky counties have experienced a net loss of over 1 million people from migration, while urban areas have experienced a slight net gain.[4]
The center of population of Kentucky is located in Washington County, in the city of Willisburg.[5]
- ^ "Kentucky population". Retrieved December 7, 2011.
- ^ "Historical Population Change Data (1910–2020)". Census.gov. United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on April 29, 2021. Retrieved May 1, 2021.
- ^ "Explore Census Data".
- ^ Price, Michael. "Migration in Kentucky: Will the Circle Be Unbroken?". Exploring the Frontier of the Future: How Kentucky Will Live, Learn and Work. University of Louisville. pp. 5–10. Archived from the original on March 27, 2009. Retrieved April 30, 2007.
- ^ "Population and Population Centers by State: 2000". U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original (TXT) on July 5, 2013. Retrieved December 27, 2006.