The 2020 Census results are in, and the growth is real. Jefferson County’s population now stands at 782,969 residents, up 5.7% from 2010, according to new data.
In other words, that equates to 1 new resident every 4 hours for the past decade.
The growth is lower compared to neighboring states: Indiana (4.7%), Tennessee (8.9%) + Virginia (7.9%).
Why is this happening now?
Every 10 years, the US Census Bureau collects nationwide population and demographic data, which is used to redraw congressional and state legislative district lines + determine federal spending.
What did we find?
- In terms of population growth, Jefferson County ranked in at 26 for statewide population gains. Bordering counties all recorded double-digit increases: Oldham (12.1%), Shelby (14.2%), Spencer (14.2%) + Bullitt (10.6%)
- Kentucky’s overall population increased 3.8% to 4.5 million, putting the state in the middle of percentage growth compared to neighboring states, TN (8.9%), IN (4.7%), VA (7.9%) + OH (2.3%).
- Metropolitan areas surrounding Louisville + Lexington showed strong increases while rural counties slipped into decline, specifically in Appalachian.
- Louisville’s total housing units — occupied + unoccupied houses, condos, apartments, and mobile homes — increased 5.7%, from nearly 336,545 to almost 356, 887 + 92% of all housing is occupied.
- The growth spurts beyond Louisville: Fayette County, which spans as the no. 2 largest city in KY, Lexington, grew 9.0% over the past decade, bringing the total population to over 322,500 residents. Additionally, Scott County’s population, home of Georgetown, grew 21.2% over the past decade, bringing the total population to over 22,700 residents.
Why does this matter?
Redistricting, or the process of redrawing council and school districts, is completed every 10 years after the US Census is finalized. New voting district boundaries must be balanced by population and follow traditional redistricting criteria.
With the census data now available, legislators will begin the process of redistricting 138 state house and senate districts in January 2022.
Louisville Metro Council began the process of redistricting with the AD Hoc Committee July 28. The goal of the Ad Hoc Committee is to reapportion the boundaries for each of the 26 Metro Council legislative districts. The next meeting takes place on Aug. 25.