Demographic topics include total population, age, gender, race and ethnicity, household type, and household size.

There are several sources of demographic data discussed here.

The Decennial Census is the authoritative source of demographic data in the United States. It is mandated by Article 1, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution and used for reapportionment and redistricting. The Decennial Census is the official count of the U.S. population and housing that occurs every 10 years.

A selection of data tables from decennial census data are available on our Decennial Census Data Download page.

Access Decennial Census data on the Census Bureau’s search engine American Fact Finder from the 2010 Census and the 2000 Census.

For Census years prior to 2000, check out the National Historical Geographic Information System.

The American Community Survey (ACS), a product of the U.S. Census Bureau, is an ongoing survey that collects information on the characteristics of the population. The data are available for small geographies and areas with small populations. Although the American Community Survey produces demographic estimates, it is the Census Bureau’s Population Estimates Program that produces and disseminates the official estimates of the population for the nation, states, counties, and cities.

Demographic topics included in the ACS are:

Age and Sex

Race and Ethnicity

Household Type

Household Size

Marital Status

Population estimates provide demographic data in between Decennial Census years.  The Census Bureau in conjunction with the Federal-State Cooperative Program for Population Estimates produce annual estimates of the total resident population for the nation, states, counties, and incorporated cities.

Population estimates are produced using mathematical models that incorporate data on births, deaths, IRS tax returns, and Social Security Administration records.

Population estimates are released annually and with each release, previous estimates are revised.

The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) produces a revised version of the Census Bureau’s estimates.  The population estimates available through NCHS use bridged-race categories that are consistent with the race categories used by the state network of vital statistics.  The population estimates available through NCHS are also available in single year of age for counties.

Population Estimates data are available on our Estimates Data Download page.

The Census Bureau’s Population Estimates are available on American Fact Finder.

The National Center for Health Statistics Population Estimates are available through the WONDER Database.

Population projections are forecasts of population in future time periods. The Kentucky State Data Center is responsible for developing population projections for Kentucky, the Area Development Districts, and all 120 counties.

Go to the Projections Data Download page.