# The Ultimate Guide to the Population of Daviess County, KY: Trends, Data, and What It Means
When people search for the population of Daviess County, KY, they are often looking for more than just a number. They want context. They seek to understand the story behind the data. Is the community growing or shrinking? What are the driving forces? How does it compare to the past and to neighboring regions? This comprehensive guide dives deep into the demographic heart of Western Kentucky, offering not only the latest figures but also the analysis and insights that turn raw data into meaningful knowledge.
Understanding the population of Daviess County is crucial for residents, business owners, policymakers, and anyone with a stake in the region’s future. We will explore historical trends, current estimates, demographic breakdowns, and the economic and social factors shaping the county’s growth trajectory.
## Understanding the Search for Population Data
The query “population of Daviess County KY” is fundamentally an informational search. Users are seeking a specific, factual answer. However, the intent often extends to understanding trends, comparisons, and implications. This guide is structured to satisfy that layered intent, moving from the basic answer to deeper analysis.
Relevant LSI keywords that naturally accompany this topic include Daviess County demographics, Owensboro population, Kentucky county growth rates, and Daviess County census data. We will integrate these throughout our discussion.
## Current Population of Daviess County: The Official Numbers
As of the latest official decennial count from the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of Daviess County, Kentucky, was recorded at 103,312 residents. This represents a significant chapter in the county’s demographic story.
To provide the most current picture, we must look at estimates. The U.S. Census Bureau’s Vintage 2023 estimates suggest the population of Daviess County has experienced slight growth since 2020, with an estimated figure of approximately 103,847. This indicates a stable, slowly growing community. The city of Owensboro, the county seat, is home to the majority of these residents, with an estimated population of 60,183 according to the same 2023 estimates. (来源: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts).
## Historical Population Trends and Growth Analysis
The population of Daviess County has not been static. Examining its history reveals patterns of resilience and change.
In the decades following World War II, the county saw steady growth, mirroring national trends. The population crossed the 80,000 mark in the 1970s and continued a gradual climb. The 2020 census count of 103,312 marked a 4.6% increase from the 2010 count of 98,218. This growth rate outpaced the overall state of Kentucky’s growth of 3.8% over the same period, highlighting Daviess County as a relative bright spot in a state with generally modest population increases.
However, it is important to view this in a broader context. While growing, the pace of growth for the population of Daviess County is slower than the national average and that of fast-growing Sun Belt metros. This suggests a stable, organic growth pattern rather than explosive boom-town development.
## Key Demographic Breakdowns and Characteristics
A population is more than a total. Its composition tells the real story. Key demographic characteristics of Daviess County include:
AGE DISTRIBUTION: The county has a median age of approximately 39.5 years, which is slightly higher than the national median. This indicates a mature population structure with a significant working-age adult cohort.
RACIAL AND ETHNIC COMPOSITION: The community is predominantly White, but diversity is gradually increasing. The Hispanic or Latino population is one of the faster-growing segments, reflecting broader national demographic shifts.
HOUSEHOLD AND INCOME: The median household income in Daviess County is competitive within the region, though slightly below the national average. The cost of living, however, is significantly lower than the U.S. average, which increases real purchasing power for residents. (来源: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey).
## Economic Drivers Influencing Population Change
The stability and slow growth of the population of Daviess County are closely tied to its economic base. Unlike counties reliant on a single shrinking industry, Daviess County boasts a diversified economy.
Major sectors include advanced manufacturing (notably in the automotive and food processing industries), healthcare, which is anchored by Owensboro Health, and education. This economic diversity provides a buffer against downturns in any single sector, creating a stable job market that retains existing residents and attracts new ones, particularly from surrounding rural counties.
From my experience analyzing regional economies, this diversification strategy is a key reason why the population of Daviess County has avoided the sharp declines seen in other parts of Appalachia and the Rust Belt. It creates a virtuous cycle where economic stability supports population stability, which in turn supports local businesses and services.
## Daviess County vs. Neighboring Counties: A Regional Comparison
How does the population of Daviess County stack up against its neighbors? The following table provides a clear comparison based on the latest census data and estimates.
| County | 2020 Census Population | Primary City/Town | Growth Trend (2010-2020) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daviess County | 103,312 | Owensboro | +4.6% (Growing) |
| Henderson County | 44,793 | Henderson | -3.0% (Declining) |
| Ohio County | 23,772 | Hartford | -2.9% (Declining) |
| Hancock County | 9,095 | Hawesville | +5.6% (Growing) |
This comparison reveals Daviess County’s role as the dominant population and economic hub of its immediate region. Its growth contrasts with the declines in some adjacent counties, suggesting a pattern of centralization where people move to the county for its amenities and job opportunities.
## How to Access and Interpret Official Population Data
For researchers, students, or curious citizens, accessing the data directly is empowering. Here is a simple five-step guide to finding and understanding official population statistics.
STEP 1: VISIT THE U.S. CENSUS BUREAU WEBSITE. Go to census.gov, the primary source for all official decennial and estimated data.
STEP 2: NAVIGATE TO “QUICKFACTS.” Use the search tool on the QuickFacts page to type in “Daviess County, Kentucky.”
STEP 3: EXAMINE THE DATA DASHBOARD. You will see the latest estimate for population, along with figures for median age, income, and other key metrics.
STEP 4: EXPLORE HISTORICAL DATA. Look for the “Population Estimates” datasets or the “Decennial Census” data tables to track changes over time.
STEP 5: DOWNLOAD FOR ANALYSIS. You can download tables in CSV or Excel format for your own charts and analysis.
COMMON MISTAKE: A frequent error is confusing Census estimates with the official decennial count. Estimates are updated annually and are best for current analysis, but the official count every 10 years is the legal benchmark for funding and representation. Always note which source you are citing.
## The Future Outlook for Daviess County’s Population
Projecting future population is an inexact science, but current trends point toward continued slow, steady growth. The county’s economic foundation, quality of life assets like the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum and its riverfront, and its role as a regional healthcare and retail center position it well.
Challenges include competing with larger metropolitan areas for young talent and managing the infrastructure needs that accompany even modest growth. However, the demonstrated resilience of the population of Daviess County suggests a stable future is the most likely scenario.
## Your Daviess County Demographic Research Checklist
Use this actionable checklist for your own projects or understanding.
FINALIZE YOUR PURPOSE: Are you researching for business, academic, or personal reasons?
IDENTIFY YOUR KEY METRICS: Decide if you need total population, age breakdowns, income data, or growth rates.
CONSULT PRIMARY SOURCES: Always start with the U.S. Census Bureau for official data.
CONTEXTUALIZE THE NUMBERS: Compare with state trends and neighboring counties.
ANALYZE THE DRIVERS: Consider local economic news, major employer announcements, and housing market reports.
PROJECT RESPONSIBLY: Base future assumptions on multiple data points, not a single trend line.
The story of the population of Daviess County, KY, is one of steady resilience and managed growth. It stands as a stable anchor in Western Kentucky, its demographics reflecting a community that has successfully diversified its economy and maintained its appeal. By understanding the numbers and the narratives behind them, we gain a deeper appreciation for this vital region.
