Laurel County Demographics

As of the latest data, Laurel County, KY, has a population of approximately 62,613. The racial makeup is predominantly White (95.7%), with small percentages of Black or African American (1.5%), Native American (0.2%), Asian (0.6%), and other races. The median age is 39.1 years. Households average 2.54 individuals, with a median household income of $41,498. The poverty rate stands at around 20.2%. Adults (age 25+) holding a bachelor's degree or higher comprise 13.8% of the population.

Laurel County Housing

As of the latest available data, Laurel County, KY, has a median home value of approximately $125,000. The median rent is around $700 per month. Homeownership rate is about 75%, with a rental vacancy rate near 6%. The county's cost of living is lower than the national average, with housing being a significant contributing factor. Population growth and economic factors can affect these numbers, so it's advisable to check current local listings for the most accurate prices.

Elections in Laurel County

As of the most recent data available, Laurel County, KY, holds elections for various local and county offices. These include positions like County Judge-Executive, County Clerk, Sheriff, and members of the Fiscal Court. Local elections typically see voter turnout ranging from 40% to 60%, depending on the election cycle. In the 2022 general elections, key races included:

  • County Judge-Executive: Incumbent David Westerfield (Republican) faced off against challenger Jeff Noblit (Independent).
  • Sheriff: Incumbent John Root (Republican) ran for re-election against Democratic candidate Bill Charles.

Each candidate's vote count varied, but incumbents generally had a stronger showing due to established name recognition. The total number of registered voters in the county is approximately 45,000. Election results are officially certified by the Laurel County Clerk's office, and detailed results are typically posted on the Kentucky State Board of Elections website.

How Educated in Laurel County

As of the latest available data, Laurel County, KY has notable educational statistics. Approximately 79.7% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, which is below the national average of around 88% and the Kentucky state average of about 85%. The percentage of residents with a bachelor's degree or higher in Laurel County is approximately 11.5%, compared to the national average of around 33% and the Kentucky state average of 24.2%. These figures indicate that Laurel County's educational attainment levels are lower than both the national and state averages, suggesting a need for targeted educational improvements and resources.

Laurel County Employment Rate

Laurel County, KY, has a diverse employment landscape. As of the latest data, the unemployment rate in Laurel County is around 5.0%, slightly above the national average of 3.9% and the Kentucky state average of 4.3%. The labor force participation rate stands at approximately 58%, also below the national average of about 63%.

The top industries in Laurel County include manufacturing, retail trade, healthcare and social assistance, and transportation and warehousing. Manufacturing accounts for a significant portion of employment, at about 20%, compared to the national average of 8.5% for the sector. Retail trade employs around 14% of the workforce, higher than the national average of 10%. Healthcare and social assistance employ about 15%, close to the national average of 14%.

Comparatively, Laurel County has a higher emphasis on manufacturing and retail trade than both state and national averages, reflecting the local economic structure.

Average Income in Laurel County

As of the latest available data, the median household income in Laurel County, KY, is approximately $39,000 per year. Comparatively, the median household income for the state of Kentucky is around $52,000, while the national median stands at about $68,700.

Here's a brief comparison:

Region Median Household Income
Laurel County, KY $39,000
Kentucky (State) $52,000
United States $68,700

Laurel County's median income is substantially lower than both the state and national averages, reflecting economic disparities.

Laurel County Crime Rates

As of the most recent data available, Laurel County, KY, exhibits a mixed crime profile. The overall crime rate stands at 21.09 per 1,000 residents annually. Here is a breakdown of the crime rates by types of crimes in numerical values:

Crime Type Rate per 1,000 residents
Violent Crime 2.03
Property Crime 19.06

Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Property crimes consist of burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. The relatively higher rate of property crimes suggests possible focuses for local law enforcement and community vigilance efforts.