Harlan County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Harlan County, Kentucky, had a population of approximately 26,010. The racial composition was 96.7% White, 1.4% Black or African American, 0.3% Native American, and 0.4% Asian. About 1.0% of residents identified as Hispanic or Latino. The median household income was around $25,000, and the poverty rate stood at about 34.5%. The county covers an area of 467 square miles and includes the county seat of Harlan.

As of the latest data, Harlan County, KY, has a median home value of approximately $47,000. The median rent is around $515 per month. Homeownership rate is about 78.1%, with the median household income at roughly $26,000. The vacancy rate stands at about 20.5%, reflecting a significant housing availability. Note that housing costs and values can vary based on specific locations within the county and economic trends.

Harlan County, KY, conducts various elections, including local, state, and federal races. In the 2022 general election, key races included:

1. County Judge/Executive: Primary candidates were Dan Mosley (incumbent, Democrat) and Bruce Ayers (Republican).

   • Results: Dan Mosley won with approximately 65% of the vote.

2. U.S. Senate: Incumbent Republican Rand Paul faced Democratic challenger Charles Booker.

   • Results in Harlan County: Rand Paul garnered around 75% of the vote.

3. U.S. House (5th District): Republican Hal Rogers ran against Democrat Conor Halbleib.

   • Results in Harlan County: Hal Rogers received about 80% of the vote.

Election participation in Harlan County was in line with rural areas for similar races, reflecting strong Republican support in federal and state elections. Local offices often see closer contests.

As of recent data, Harlan County, KY, exhibits relatively low educational attainment compared to state and national averages. About 67.5% of adults possess a high school diploma or higher, compared to the national average of around 88% and the Kentucky state average of approximately 86%. When it comes to higher education, only about 6.8% of Harlan County residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly lower than the national average of 33.1% and the state average of 23.6%. These statistics highlight challenges in education typically linked to economic and infrastructural factors in the region.

As of the latest data, Harlan County, KY, has an employment rate significantly impacted by the decline of the coal mining industry, historically its economic backbone. The unemployment rate stands higher than the national average, which was 3.7%, and the state average of 4.5% as of mid-2023. Employment distribution in Harlan County sees Education and Health Services as the top industries, followed by Retail Trade and Manufacturing, which collectively employ nearly 50% of the workforce. Nationally, the top industries are also Education and Health Services, Professional and Business Services, and Retail Trade. Kentucky's leading industries include Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Retail Trade. In Harlan County, the per capita income is around $18,000, significantly lower than the national average of approximately $34,103 and Kentucky's around $26,779, reflecting the economic challenges faced by the county.

As of the most recent data, the median household income in Harlan County, KY is approximately $25,000. This is significantly lower than both the national median household income, which stands around $68,703, and the Kentucky state median, approximately $52,295.

The lower income levels in Harlan County can be attributed to various socioeconomic factors, including limited employment opportunities and a high poverty rate compared to state and national averages.

Harlan County, KY, has a crime rate that reflects various types of criminal activities. The overall crime rate in Harlan County is approximately 22.95 per 1,000 residents annually. The table below breaks down the types of crimes and their incidence rates per 1,000 residents:

Note: These statistics are estimates and can vary year to year. Cross-referencing the most recent official sources can provide the latest and most accurate crime data for Harlan County, KY.