Limited English‐Speaking Households

According to the 2021 American Community Survey, between 2017 and 2021, there were 24,306 (+/- 1,238) limited English-speaking households in Kentucky.

Even though most households in the U.S. speak English at home, there are many who speak languages other than English. In addition, those who speak another language at home may have no difficulty with English, but there are those who do. The Census Bureau defines limited English-speaking households as a household in which no one

14 years old and over speaks only English or speaks a non-English language BUT speaks English “very well.” In other words, to count as a limited English-speaking household, everyone 14 years old and over in the household must have at least some difficulty with English.

Map of Percent of Households Limited English Proficiency Map of Number of Households Limited English Proficiency

For small counties with small populations, the margins of error can be quite large or confusing. The margin of error tells us how precise the estimate is by indicating the range within which the estimate most likely falls. For help in understanding the margin of error, see the brief Kentucky: By The Numbers publication “And Now for the Grain of Salt.”