Martin County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Martin County, KY, has a population of approximately 11,287 people. The racial composition includes 97.8% White, 0.5% Native American, 0.2% Asian, and 1.7% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The median household income is $30,248 and about 30.0% of the population is below the poverty line. The county spans 231 square miles with a population density of roughly 49 people per square mile. The median age is 41.3 years, with 21.7% under 18 and 18.4% 65 or older.

As of the latest data, Martin County, KY has a median home value of approximately $60,000. The average rent is around $600 per month. Homeownership rate stands at about 80%, with the vacancy rate for homes nearing 15%. The housing stock predominantly consists of single-family homes, with a smaller proportion of mobile homes. Renters make up roughly 20% of residents. Recent housing market trends indicate slow but steady growth, with a slight increase in property values over the past year.

As of the latest elections in Martin County, KY, the county primarily holds elections for local offices, state representatives, and federal positions. Here is a general overview:

1. County Judge/Executive: The key administrative official. In 2022, John Hensley (R) was a notable candidate.

2. County Commissioners: Represent different districts within the county.

3. County Sheriff: An important law enforcement position. John Kirk (D) ran in recent elections.

4. Magistrates: Specific to districts for local governance.

5. State Representatives: Martin County is part of Kentucky’s 93rd House District. In recent elections, Chris Harris (D) and Norma Kirk-McCormick (R) were candidates.

6. Federal Elections:

   • U.S. Senate: Kentucky’s Senate seat is contested every six years.
   • U.S. House of Representatives: Part of Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District, represented by Hal Rogers (R) as of the latest elections.

Election results and candidate lists are subject to change; for updated information, refer to the Martin County Clerk’s Office or the Kentucky State Board of Elections.

As of the most recent data:

• High School Graduation Rate: Approximately 70% of Martin County residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma, compared to the national average of around 88% and the Kentucky state average of about 87%.
• Bachelor's Degree or Higher: Only about 6% of Martin County residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, lagging significantly behind the national average of around 33% and the Kentucky state average of about 24%.

These figures indicate that Martin County, KY, faces significant challenges in educational attainment compared to both state and national averages. Concentrated efforts in improving local educational infrastructure could help bridge this gap.

As of the latest available data, Martin County, Kentucky, has an employment rate lower than both the state and national averages. The top industries in Martin County include healthcare, retail, education, and mining. Healthcare employs approximately 25% of the workforce, retail around 20%, education about 15%, and mining comprises roughly 10%.

Comparatively, the U.S. averages for these industries are about 13% in healthcare, 10% in retail, 9% in education, and less than 0.5% in mining. For Kentucky, the state averages are 15% in healthcare, 12% in retail, 10% in education, and about 4% in mining.

Unemployment in Martin County is notably higher than both the state average (around 4.5%) and the national average (approximately 3.7%), with several reports indicating it exceeds 8%. This disparity highlights the economic challenges and dependence on specific industries within the county.

As of the latest data, Martin County, Kentucky, has a median household income of approximately $26,000. This is substantially lower than both the national median household income, which is around $68,700, and the Kentucky state median household income, which is about $52,200.

The income disparity highlights economic challenges in Martin County compared to state and national levels. Lower income levels can impact various aspects of life, including access to healthcare, education, and overall quality of living. Addressing these income disparities is crucial for fostering economic growth and improving living standards in Martin County.

As of the most recent data available, Martin County, KY, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The county recorded a total crime rate of 615 incidents per 100,000 people, which breaks down into various types of crimes as detailed below:

Note: These values are based on the latest available statistics and may change year to year.