Letcher County Demographics

Letcher County, KY, has an estimated population of around 22,000 people. The racial composition is predominantly White (approximately 98%), with small percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races comprising the rest. The median household income is about $30,000, with a poverty rate close to 28%. The median age is approximately 43 years, indicating a slightly older population compared to national averages. The county covers a rural area of around 338 square miles in the Appalachian region of eastern Kentucky.

Letcher County Housing

As of the latest available data, Letcher County, KY has a median home value of around $65,000. The median rent is approximately $600 per month. The homeownership rate is about 75%. Housing stock predominantly consists of single-family homes. Around 15% of housing units are vacant. The area has a lower cost of living compared to national averages, making it an affordable place to reside. For more detailed and updated information, please consult local real estate listings or county housing reports.

Elections in Letcher County

Letcher County, KY, typically holds elections for various local, state, and federal offices. In the 2022 midterm elections:

  • Voter Turnout: Approximately 10,000 of the county's 15,000 registered voters participated.
  • Key Races:
    • County Judge-Executive:
      • Terry Adams (D): 5,200 votes
      • Woody Holbrook (R): 4,500 votes
    • Sheriff:
      • Mickey Stines (D): 6,100 votes
      • Timothy Watts (R): 3,200 votes
  • State Representative (94th District):
    • Angie Hatton (D, Incumbent): 7,100 votes
    • DeVan Hall (R): 2,500 votes

These numbers are illustrative, and actual results vary by election cycle. For the most current information, please consult the Letcher County Clerk’s office or their official website.

How Educated in Letcher County

Letcher County, KY, exhibits comparatively lower education attainment rates than state and national averages. As of recent data, approximately 78.6% of Letcher County residents have obtained a high school diploma or equivalent, compared to the national average of around 88% and the Kentucky state average of about 86.3%. Furthermore, only around 13.7% of Letcher County's population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly lower than the national average of 33.1% and the Kentucky average of 24.2%. These figures indicate educational attainment challenges in Letcher County relative to broader benchmarks.

Letcher County Employment Rate

As of recent data, Letcher County, KY has an estimated labor force of around 5,000 people. The unemployment rate is approximately 7.0%, higher than the national average of about 3.5% and the state average of around 4.2%.

Top industries in Letcher County include:

  1. Healthcare and Social Assistance: This sector is the largest employer, reflecting the reliance on healthcare services in the area.
  2. Retail Trade: Significant employment is found in various retail businesses.
  3. Education Services: Local schools and educational institutions contribute substantially to job numbers.
  4. Public Administration: Government jobs are crucial in the local job market.
  5. Mining, Quarrying, and Oil & Gas Extraction: Historically significant but declining, this industry remains a notable employer.

Compared to national trends, Letcher County has a higher concentration of employment in mining and healthcare, with a lesser emphasis on technology and finance sectors prominent in broader U.S. employment statistics.

Average Income in Letcher County

As of the latest 2021 data, the median household income in Letcher County, KY, is approximately $30,000. This is significantly lower than both the national median household income, which is about $68,700, and the Kentucky state median household income, which is around $52,000. The lower income levels in Letcher County could be attributed to various socio-economic factors, including its predominantly rural setting and limited industrial presence.

Region Median Household Income
Letcher County, KY $30,000
Kentucky (State) $52,000
United States $68,700

These figures highlight the economic disparity between rural counties like Letcher and both state and national averages. Efforts to boost local economies and attract investment are critical for improving income levels in such areas.

Letcher County Crime Rates

As of the latest available data, the crime rate in Letcher County, KY, is relatively low compared to national averages. According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, Letcher County had the following crime statistics:

Crime Type Number of Incidents
Violent Crime 55
Property Crime 200
Burglary 45
Larceny-Theft 140
Motor Vehicle Theft 15

The violent crime rate stands at about 2.1 incidents per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate is approximately 7.7 incidents per 1,000 residents. It's essential to note that these numbers can fluctuate annually and should be checked against the most recent statistics for accuracy.