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Immigration drives population growth in Kentucky in 2024

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kentuckylantern.com – The Daily Yonder – 2025-04-24 04:50:00

by The Daily Yonder, Kentucky Lantern
April 24, 2025

Thanks to The Daily Yonder’s Sarah Melotte for providing Kentucky’s Census data to the Lantern.

Kentucky’s population grew in 2024, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates. And over 80% of that growth was due to the migration of people from other countries.

Migration to rural America resulted in population growth last year, census shows

The Census makes yearly estimates of population changes at the state and county level. Here are five items to note from the report on 2024:

Kentucky added a net 37,777 people last year, an increase of .8%. At the end of last year, Kentucky had a population of 4,588,372, according to the Census.Kentucky had more deaths (53,140) than births (52,248) in 2024. That loss was made up by a net increase in domestic migration of 7,294 people. (More people moved into Kentucky from other states than moved out.) The largest contributor to Kentucky’s population growth was international migration. The state gained 31,430 people in the net exchange of people between Kentucky and other countries. Over 80% of the net gain in Kentucky’s population came from international migration. Of Kentucky’s 120 counties, 38 lost population in 2024. A large number of these are places that have been dependent on coal mining.The state’s two largest counties (Jefferson and Fayette) both had decreases in domestic migration, but gained population overall because of international migration. For example, Jefferson lost just over 4,600 people to domestic migration, but gained 13,807 people from other counties. (Counties surrounding these two metro counties gained from domestic migration; some of that growth likely came from moving out of the large metro counties.)

The 2024 report is a snapshot of population trends. And in many ways, Kentucky is like the rest of the nation. For example, most of the population growth in the U.S. in 2024 was due to international migration.

Top 10 counties in increase in absolute population, percent increase

Louisville from across the Ohio River just after sunset. (Getty Images)

Jefferson, 1.3%Fayette, 1.5%Warren, 2.8%Boone, 1.9%Kenton, 1.5%Madison, 2.0%Scott, 1.8%Jessamine, 1.8% Bullitt, 0.9%Nelson, 1.5%

Top 10 counties in decrease in absolute population, percent loss

Pikeville is the county seat of Pike County. (explorekywildlands.com)

Pike, -1.0%Floyd, -1.3%Perry, -1.3%Letcher, -1.3%Harlan, -1.0%McCreary, -1.4% Martin, -2.1%Christian, -0.3%Knott, -1.6%Larue, -1.3%

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Kentucky Lantern is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Kentucky Lantern maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jamie Lucke for questions: info@kentuckylantern.com.

The post Immigration drives population growth in Kentucky in 2024 appeared first on kentuckylantern.com



Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Centrist

This article appears to be a neutral, data-driven presentation of Kentucky’s population growth, highlighting the impact of both international migration and domestic migration. The content focuses on factual information, such as population statistics and county-specific migration trends, without introducing political rhetoric or ideological stances. While the mention of international migration could potentially spark differing political views, the article does not advocate for any particular position or policy regarding immigration. It simply presents the Census data in a straightforward manner, making it centrist in tone and content.

News from the South - Kentucky News Feed

WKU VB: WKU Falls to Drake in Five Sets

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www.wnky.com – WNKY Staff – 2025-09-01 18:10:00

SUMMARY: WKU Volleyball lost a close 3-2 match against Drake after pushing them to five sets. Freshman Kaira Knox led offensively with 21 kills and was named WKU Invitational MVP, while junior Gabby Weihe dominated defensively with a career-high eight blocks in the match. The Hilltoppers excelled in sets one and three but fell short in sets two, four, and the decisive fifth. Defensive specialist Tayler Baron added 16 digs and earned all-tournament honors alongside Knox. WKU improves to 2-1 overall and will next compete at Marquette, facing Marquette, #24 Dayton, and Buffalo on the road.

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The post WKU VB: WKU Falls to Drake in Five Sets appeared first on www.wnky.com

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McIvor named CUSA Offensive Player of the Week for second straight week

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www.wnky.com – WNKY Staff – 2025-09-01 12:56:00

SUMMARY: WKU quarterback Maverick McIvor was named Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week for the second consecutive time in 2025. In a 55-6 win over North Alabama, McIvor threw for 305 yards and five touchdowns in just two and a half quarters, marking the best half by a CUSA QB since 2022. Through two games, he has 706 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and one rushing score. WKU leads CUSA and ranks nationally in multiple offensive categories. The Hilltoppers, undefeated with 96 points scored, will play their first road game at Toledo Saturday, streamed on ESPN+.

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LMPD: 2 dead after 4 vehicle collision on Dixie Highway

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www.youtube.com – WLKY News Louisville – 2025-09-01 08:25:32

SUMMARY: A deadly four-vehicle collision on Dixie Highway near Valley Station in Louisville resulted in two fatalities. The crash occurred Sunday morning when a southbound car changed lanes, hitting another vehicle, then crossed into oncoming traffic, striking a third car before crashing into a utility pole. The first vehicle’s driver died at the scene; the third vehicle’s driver died later at the hospital. The other two drivers were unharmed. The crash shut down both directions of Dixie Highway for hours. Neighbors described the area as dangerous and hope the tragedy prompts safety improvements, such as adding stoplights, to prevent future accidents.

LMPD: 2 dead after 4 vehicle collision on Dixie Highway

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