Bracken County

Bracken County, KY, had an estimated population of about 8,400 in 2020. The racial composition was predominantly White at approximately 97.0%, with African Americans making up around 0.9%, Asians at 0.2%, and other races or combinations at 1.9%. The median household income was approximately $46,000, and the poverty rate was about 18.2%. The county covers around 209 square miles, with a population density of roughly 40 people per square mile.

As of the latest data, Bracken County, KY has a median home value of approximately $120,000. The county has around 3,200 housing units with a homeownership rate of about 75%. The median rent is roughly $650 per month. Housing costs as a percentage of income average around 21%. Vacant homes constitute around 13% of the housing stock. The county largely comprises single-family detached homes, with new construction rates relatively low in recent years.

As of the most recent update, Bracken County, KY, held elections for several key positions. In the 2022 general election, key races included county judge-executive, sheriff, county clerk, and various magistrate and city council seats.

1. County Judge-Executive:

   • Incumbent Tina Teegarden (R) received 2,486 votes.
   • Challenger Kim Chamberlain (D) received 1,965 votes.

2. Sheriff:

   • Steven "Bubba" Butcher (R) secured 3,102 votes.
   • Challenger David Narvaez (D) received 1,315 votes.

3. County Clerk:

   • Incumbent Rae Jean Poe (R) received 2,985 votes.
   • Challenger Janie Fields (D) got 1,405 votes.

Magistrate and city council races varied by district and town, with multiple candidates contesting the seats. Voter turnout was approximately 55%, reflecting active local engagement. This information is subject to change with future elections.

As of the latest data, Bracken County, KY, has a lower educational attainment compared to both national and state averages. Approximately 81.5% of adults aged 25 and older in Bracken County have a high school diploma or higher, compared to the national average of around 88% and the Kentucky state average of about 85%. Additionally, about 12.4% of Bracken County residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is significantly below the national average of 32.1% and the state average of 24.2%. These figures illustrate that Bracken County is less educated relative to the broader trends observed both nationwide and within Kentucky.

As of recent data, Bracken County, KY has an employment rate of around 55.6%, which is lower than the national average of approximately 61.1% and Kentucky’s average of 57.8%. Top industries in Bracken County include agriculture, with a notable presence in tobacco farming, manufacturing, healthcare, retail trade, and education.

Agriculture is significantly more prevalent in Bracken County compared to national figures, reflecting rural and farming community characteristics. Manufacturing also remains crucial, with local facilities contributing to employment more significantly than in some urbanized areas. Retail trade and healthcare are partially in line with state and national trends but cater to the local population's scale and needs. Education jobs primarily come from local schools, underscored by county-level demographics.

In summary, Bracken County's employment landscape leans more toward primary and secondary industries like agriculture and manufacturing, diverging from the more diverse industrial spread seen at state and national levels.

As of the latest available data, Bracken County, KY has a median household income of approximately $45,000. This amount is below both the national median household income, which is around $68,700, and the Kentucky state median, which stands at approximately $52,300. This disparity illustrates a significant income gap between Bracken County and broader benchmarks.

Below is a comparison table:

These figures underscore the economic challenges faced by households in Bracken County in comparison to both state and national income levels.

As of the latest available data, Bracken County, KY, exhibits relatively low crime rates. The violent crime rate, which includes offenses such as murder, rape, and aggravated assault, is approximately 2.1 incidents per 1,000 residents. Property crime, covering burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft, is around 7.5 per 1,000 residents. The overall crime rate for the county is below the national average.

These statistics reflect the safety measures and community vigilance present in Bracken County.