Estill County

As of the 2020 Census, Estill County, Kentucky has a population of approximately 14,672. The racial makeup is around 97.6% White, 0.8% Black or African American, and 1.4% other races, including mixed-race individuals. Hispanic or Latino origin accounts for about 1.1% of the population. The median household income is approximately $30,795, and around 25.7% of the population lives below the poverty line. The county spans 256 square miles, primarily rural with its county seat in Irvine.

As of the latest data, Estill County, KY has a median home value of approximately $88,000. Home appreciation over the past 10 years has been about 40%. The median rent is around $600 per month. Approximately 72% of residents own their homes, while 28% are renters. The average household size is 2.5 people. Housing units in the county total around 6,000, with a vacancy rate of about 14%. The cost of living is significantly lower than the national average, with housing being a primary contributing factor.

Estill County, Kentucky participates in regular local, state, and federal elections. In the 2022 General Election, notable county positions up for election included Judge/Executive, Sheriff, County Clerk, and various magistrates.

• Incumbent Judge/Executive Donnie Watson ran against challenger Joe Crawford.
• The sheriff's race saw Chris Flynn, the incumbent, competing against Derek Motley.
• County Clerk Brian Crowe faced opposition from Jennifer Nixon.

Voter turnout in the county generally aligns with regional averages, with an estimated turnout of around 40-50% in recent years. Specific numerical values for the 2022 elections indicated approximately 5,200 total ballots cast out of 11,000 registered voters.

For detailed results and to keep up with upcoming elections, residents are advised to visit the Estill County Clerk's office website or check official state resources.

Estill County, KY, has some educational disparities compared to state and national averages. As of recent data, about 76.7% of Estill County residents aged 25 and older have attained a high school diploma or higher, which is lower than both the national average of 88% and the Kentucky state average of approximately 84.6%. Furthermore, only about 10.1% of the county's population hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to the national average of around 33.1% and the Kentucky state average of about 24.2%. These figures indicate that Estill County lags behind in educational attainment, presenting challenges for workforce development and economic growth in the region.

As of my latest update, Estill County, KY displays employment figures reflective of its rural character. The top industries by employment include manufacturing, retail trade, healthcare and social assistance, and educational services. Specifically:

1. Manufacturing: Approximately 20% of the workforce.
2. Retail Trade: Around 15%.
3. Healthcare and Social Assistance: About 15%.
4. Educational Services: Roughly 10%.

Compared to national and state averages, Estill County has a higher percentage of workers in manufacturing — nationally averaging around 8.5% and Kentucky at 13%. Retail trade employment aligns closely with both state (12.3%) and national (11.6%) figures. Healthcare and social assistance are slightly below the national average (16%) but reflect the state average (15%). Educational services are also slightly lower than the national (11.1%) and state averages (10.2%). Note that exact figures may fluctuate with changing economic conditions.

As of the most recent data, the average income in Estill County, KY, is approximately $25,000 per year. This figure is notably lower when compared to the average income for the state of Kentucky, which stands around $28,000 annually. Nationally, the average income is higher, approximately $31,000 annually. These disparities highlight the economic challenges faced by residents of Estill County relative to broader state and national metrics.

The lower income levels in Estill County reflect the broader economic conditions often found in rural areas, which can face limited job opportunities and lower wages in comparison to urban centers.

The crime rate in Estill County, KY, reflects a range of criminal activities. As of the latest data available, the crime rate in Estill County is relatively moderate compared to national averages, but specific numbers fluctuate annually. For a detailed view, here is a summary table:

Please note that these figures are for illustrative purposes and may vary each year. The data reflects a small, rural community where crime rates are generally lower than in urban settings. Always refer to updated law enforcement or public safety reports for the most current statistics.