FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) — A new report projects Floyd County will continue to lose population over the next 25 years, part of a broader trend affecting much of Eastern Kentucky even as Kentucky's overall population is expected to grow.

According to the University of Louisville's Kentucky State Data Center, the latest population projections estimate Floyd County's population will decline from 34,401 residents in 2025 to 25,967 by 2050, which is loss of 8,434 people, or nearly one-quarter of the county's current population.

The report ranks Floyd County among the counties expected to see the largest population declines in Kentucky through 2050. Only Pike County is projected to lose more residents numerically during that period.

While Kentucky's population is projected to increase from 4.6 million to 4.84 million residents by 2050, much of that growth is expected to occur in the Lexington, Louisville, Northern Kentucky and Bowling Green areas. Many counties in Eastern Kentucky are projected to continue losing population.

The report projects Pike County's population will fall from 54,721 residents in 2025 to 35,545 by 2050. Johnson County is expected to decline from 22,051 to 18,150 residents, while Martin County is projected to drop from 10,697 to 7,097 and Magoffin County from 11,110 to 7,565.

In Floyd County, the number of households is projected to decrease from 13,904 in 2025 to 10,545 by 2050.

Recent trends show much of the county's population decline is tied to an aging population. Between 2020 and 2025, Floyd County recorded 1,871 births and 3,410 deaths, resulting in a natural population decrease of 1,539 people. During the same period, the county's net migration loss was just 46 residents.

You can access the full report by clicking here.