Mccreary County

As of the most recent data, McCreary County, KY has a population of approximately 17,000. The racial makeup is predominantly White (around 96%), with small percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. The median age is about 40 years. The county has a median household income of approximately $22,000, and the poverty rate is high, at around 35%. Education levels show about 70% of adults have a high school diploma or higher, but only around 8% hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

As of the latest data, McCreary County, KY, has a median home value of approximately $72,300. The homeownership rate stands at around 71.5%. The median rent is about $571 per month. The overall residential vacancy rate is near 16.7%. The county has an average household size of 2.6 people. Housing development has slowly increased, with a mix of single-family homes and rental properties making up the housing stock. Population and economic factors contribute to relatively affordable housing compared to state and national averages.

(Note: Data is based on recent estimates and may have slight variations.)

McCreary County, KY, typically participates in federal, state, and local elections. Elections are overseen by the McCreary County Clerk's Office. Voter turnout in recent elections has varied, but local engagement is generally robust.

Key positions up for election often include County Judge/Executive, County Clerk, Sheriff, and Magistrates for various districts. For instance, in the 2022 midterm elections, some notable candidates included:

• County Judge/Executive: Austin Price (Incumbent, Republican) securing 2,345 votes, and Democratic challenger John Thompson with 1,876 votes.
• Sheriff: Incumbent Paul H. Waltman (Republican) received 2,678 votes, while Independent candidate Sarah Long earned 1,342 votes.

These positions influence local policy and community development. For the latest and most accurate information, consult the McCreary County Clerk's Office or their official website.

McCreary County, KY, has a relatively low level of educational attainment compared to both state and national averages. As of the latest data available (2020 Census and American Community Survey):

• High School Diploma or Higher: Around 66% of residents aged 25 and older have at least a high school diploma. This is considerably lower than the national average of approximately 88% and the Kentucky state average of about 85%.

• Bachelor's Degree or Higher: Only about 6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly below the national average of around 33% and the state average of nearly 23%.

These figures indicate that McCreary County faces educational challenges and lags behind broader state and national attainment levels.

McCreary County, KY, has an employment landscape that reflects its rural nature. The labor force participation rate is approximately 45.4%, significantly lower than the national average of 61.7% and the Kentucky state average of around 59.4%. The unemployment rate in McCreary County stands at approximately 6.5%, higher than the national average of 4.8% and the state average of 5.0%.

Top industries in McCreary County include:

1. Manufacturing: 19%
2. Retail Trade: 14%
3. Health Care and Social Assistance: 13%
4. Educational Services: 10%
5. Construction: 8%

In comparison, the national top industries by employment are health care and social assistance, retail trade, and professional, scientific, and technical services. In Kentucky, major industries include manufacturing, health care and social assistance, and retail trade, mirroring national trends but with a stronger emphasis on manufacturing. McCreary County’s higher dependency on manufacturing and lower engagement in professional services highlight its industrial and rural profile.

As of the most recent data, the average household income in McCreary County, KY, is approximately $27,500. This is significantly lower than the national average household income of around $68,700 and the state average for Kentucky, which is approximately $52,200.

This data highlights the economic challenges faced by residents of McCreary County compared to broader state and national averages.

As of the latest available data, McCreary County, KY, has a crime rate that aligns with smaller, rural counties. The overall crime rate per 1,000 residents stands at approximately 25.7. Below is a table summarizing specific types of crimes reported:

These figures illustrate that property crimes are more prevalent than violent crimes in McCreary County, with larceny-theft being the most common specific crime.