Mercer County

As of the most recent U.S. Census data, Mercer County, Kentucky has a population of approximately 20,000 people. The racial makeup is roughly 93% White, 3% Black or African American, 1% Asian, and 3% Hispanic or Latino. The median household income is around $50,000, with about 10% of the population living below the poverty line. The county's population includes a mix of age groups, with a median age of about 43 years. Housing units number around 9,000, and the homeownership rate is approximately 75%.

As of the latest data, the median home value in Mercer County, KY is approximately $150,000. The county has a mix of homeownership and rental properties, with around 70% of residents owning their homes. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is roughly $700 per month. The housing market has seen a steady increase in property values, with an average annual appreciation rate of about 3%. The majority of homes are single-family residences, and new construction projects are relatively limited compared to urban areas.

For the most current and detailed information regarding elections in Mercer County, KY, you should refer to the official Mercer County Clerk's website or contact their office directly. However, here is a general overview:

Mercer County, KY, typically participates in federal, state, and local elections, including races for positions such as County Judge/Executive, County Clerk, Sheriff, and Justice of the Peace, among others.

In recent local elections, notable candidates may have included:

• County Judge/Executive: Incumbent Milward Dedman versus challenger Jay Anderson (exact numbers vary by election cycle)
• County Clerk: Recent races might feature candidates like incumbent Chris Horn
• Sheriff: Incumbents often face challengers in both primary and general elections

Voter turnout and numerical data for these elections can vary significantly, so for exact figures, consult the Mercer County Clerk's Office or the Kentucky State Board of Elections.

As of the latest available data, Mercer County, KY exhibits the following educational attainment levels among residents aged 25 and over:

• High school diploma or higher: Approximately 87%
• Bachelor's degree or higher: Around 20%

Comparatively, these figures show a noticeable gap when placed against national and state averages. Nationally, 88% of Americans have at least a high school diploma, and about 33% hold a bachelor's or higher degree. In Kentucky, the state averages are slightly lower than the national figures: approximately 85% for high school diplomas and around 25% for bachelor's degrees or higher. Thus, while Mercer County aligns closely with state high school completion rates, it trails behind both state and national averages in terms of higher education attainment.

As of the latest data, Mercer County, KY has an employment rate of approximately 60.5%. Key industries include manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and education. The manufacturing sector is notably strong, employing around 25% of the workforce, significantly higher than the national average of roughly 8.5% and the Kentucky state average of about 13.2%. Healthcare and social assistance also play a crucial role in the local economy, comprising around 18%, slightly above the national average of 16% and close to the state average of 19%. Retail trade employs about 11%, which aligns with both state (12%) and national (11%) averages. Education services make up about 8% of the employment, aligning closely with the national average of 9%. These figures highlight Mercer County’s unique industrial strengths compared to broader averages.

As of the latest data, the median household income in Mercer County, KY is approximately $50,000 per year. In comparison, the national median household income is around $68,700, while the state of Kentucky has a median household income of approximately $52,300.

Mercer County's median income is slightly below the state average and significantly lower than the national average. This indicates that the county experiences a lower income level compared to broader economic benchmarks.

As of the latest available data, Mercer County, KY, has moderate crime rates. The overall crime rate is 24.52 per 1,000 residents annually, with violent crimes accounting for a smaller portion compared to property crimes. Detailed statistics for various crime categories are given below:

These values provide an overview of the crime landscape in Mercer County, reflecting data used for law enforcement and community safety initiatives.