Moving to Kentucky statistics (2025 data)

How many people move to Kentucky?

Approximately 106,797 people moved to Kentucky in 2023, while 92,582 moved out. This represents a net gain of 14,215 residents. While the overall population has only seen slight growth in recent years, the Bluegrass State managed to attract roughly 45 movers per day between 2022 and 2023.

Though Kentucky’s growth has struggled in the face of having more deaths than births, domestic migration remains positive. According to a recent ConsumerAffairs study based on a sample of 143,506 ConsumerAffairs.com users who expressed an interest in moving between January 2023 and March 2024, Kentucky ranked as the 14th most desired state for relocation.

Top 5 cities that people moved to in Kentucky

With high safety and quality of life scores based on data collected from several sources and accounting for weighted factors, Kentucky ranks as the 27th best U.S. state to move to in 2024. A low economic score is the primary factor holding the state back, but many are still attracted to the overall safety and relatively low cost of living.

Migrants to the Bluegrass State are choosing from a diverse array of locations, with Bowling Green being the most popular (3,901 new residents between 2020 and 2023) followed by cities within commuting distance to Lexington. These regions offer robust job opportunities and a high quality of life. Richmond, Georgetown and Nicholasville — all under an hour from Lexington — attracted 2,617, 1,913 and 1,310 new residents, respectively, between 2020 and 2023. Richmond also saw the highest population growth, growing by 7.6% over the same period.

The top five cities people moved to in Kentucky between 2020 and 2023 were as follows:

Why do people move to Kentucky?

An affordable housing market and growing job opportunities are the primary drivers of domestic immigration to Kentucky. Housing costs are 39.2% below the national median — representing significant savings that aid in the state’s below-average median household income.

High job availability is another factor driving movers to the state. The largest industries are trade, transportation, and utilities, government, and education and health services. Collectively, these industries employ roughly 52% of nonfarm workers. The fastest-growing industry in the state is mining and logging, growing at a rate of 7% between July 2023 and July 2024.

Kentucky housing statistics

With a median rent price of roughly $1,367 and a median home sale price of $255,800, Kentucky renters and homeowners can expect to pay nearly 40% less than the national median for housing.

At 0.83%, Kentucky also has a lower-than-average property tax rate, ranking it as the 20th lowest in the nation. The tax rate is less than half that of the six most expensive states, including Texas.

In 2021, the average property owner in Warren County — where Bowling Green is located — paid far less in annual property taxes ($1,382) than those in most American cities. In general, the average property tax paid in Kentucky varies greatly by county, with residents in Oldham County paying $3,058 annually in 2021, while those in Adair County paid substantially less with an average of $815.

Cost-of-living statistics in Kentucky

Kentucky’s cost-of-living index is 93.8, making it the 19th most affordable state in the country. The median household income here is $60,070 — roughly 20% below the national average — but median housing costs nearly 40% below average help alleviate this challenge. Would-be movers would be wise to take heed of the unemployment rate of 4.6% — a bit higher than the national average (4.2%).

The price per gallon of gas in the Bluegrass State ($3.28) is just slightly higher than the national average of $3.26. Despite producing less oil and gas than neighboring Ohio and West Virginia, Kentucky offers the most affordable gas prices of the three. This is potentially due to fewer logistic challenges in some regions. However, the state generally lacks green initiatives, ranking low as the 45th most green state in the country.

For potential movers, Kentucky offers a low cost of living that’s somewhat offset by its lower-than-average median household income. Researching job opportunities and budgeting before you move can help reduce potential challenges.

Who lives in Kentucky?

An estimated 4,526,154 people live in Kentucky as of 2023, making it the 26th largest state in terms of population. This represents a population increase of 14,591 people compared to 2022.

Kentucky’s population is skewed female, with women accounting for about 50.4% of the population and men accounting for 49.6%. In 2023, around 2.28 million Kentucky residents were female, and 2.24 million were male.

On average, Kentucky’s population is also slightly older (39.4 years old) than the U.S. average of 38.9 years. Those between 45 and 64 years old make up the largest age demographic, accounting for 25.9% of the population, or 1.17 million people.

White residents account for the largest share of Kentuckians, approximating 86.7% of the population (3.9 million people). Kentucky also has a noteworthy share of Black and Hispanic residents, representing 8.8% and 5% of the population, respectively.

Tips for moving to Kentucky

Not sure how to start your move to Kentucky? Consider these step-by-step moving tips:

1. Understand the cost of living

While Kentucky’s cost of living is below the national average, popular cities like Bowling Green, Lexington and Louisville will likely have higher living expenses. Conversely, many rural areas in the mountainous eastern half of the state are some of the most affordable in the country, though many are also facing economic hardship. To plan your move effectively, visit resources on Kentucky.gov to research each region’s property taxes, utility costs and local housing trends.

2. Explore the job market

With growing opportunities in both mining and logging and education and health care, Kentucky offers a wide array of job opportunities to choose from. Louisville, Lexington and Bowling Green are also major automotive manufacturing hubs. Regardless of what type of employment you’re seeking, resources like the Kentucky Career Center and local job boards can help you find openings in your field.

3. Prepare for seasonal weather

Whether in the mountainous east or flatlands of the West, Kentucky experiences all four seasons. Expect hot, humid summers and occasionally icy or snowy winters. We recommend preparing for seasonal shifts, from investing in summer clothing and fans to warm coats and snow shovels. Stay updated on weather patterns by checking the National Weather Service website for Kentucky-specific alerts.

4. Research transportation options

While Kentucky’s major cities — including Louisville and Lexington — feature bus systems, most of the state lacks public transportation. While ride-share services can help you navigate urban areas, a personal vehicle is the easiest way to travel throughout the state. When traveling in the East, also be mindful of winter road closures and inclement mountain weather. Visit the Team Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website for transportation resources, routes and traffic updates to streamline your travel plans.

5. Be aware of natural hazards

Kentucky faces a few different natural hazard risks depending on the region. The East is prone to flooding and severe storms, especially in spring, while tornadoes are the primary concern in the West. Peak tornado season is typically between March and June, so we recommend staying informed by signing up for local weather alerts and familiarizing yourself with emergency plans through the Kentucky Emergency Management website.

6. Embrace Kentucky’s attractions

From sprawling caves to bustling cultural hubs, Kentucky offers something for everyone. Bardstown — located just South of Louisville — is known as the bourbon capital of the world and part of the state’s famous Bourbon Trail. Lexington is also a cultural powerhouse and home to the iconic Kentucky Derby. Regardless of your personal interests, you can use KentuckyTourism.com to explore everything the state has to offer.

7. Understand mover quotes and tipping

When moving to Kentucky, carefully review and compare moving company quotes. Be sure to account for potential additional fees depending on where you’re relocating to. Tipping movers is customary; a tip of 10% to 20% of the total cost is standard based on the quality of service.