Wayne County

Wayne County, KY, with a population of approximately 20,333 (as of 2020), is predominantly White (94.8%), followed by African American (1.8%), Hispanic or Latino (2.2%), and small percentages of other races. The median age is around 41.2 years. The median household income is $32,297 and about 28.5% of the population lives below the poverty line. The county spans 484 square miles with Monticello as its largest city and county seat.

As of 2022, Wayne County, KY, has a median home value of approximately $75,000. The average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is around $500 per month. The homeownership rate is roughly 73%, with 27% of residents renting. The county's real estate market features a mix of single-family homes, mobile homes, and rental properties. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging about 0.64% of the home's value annually. New construction and housing developments are limited, keeping the housing market stable but less dynamic compared to urban areas.

As of the most recent election cycle, Wayne County, KY's key races included contests for local positions such as Judge-Executive, County Clerk, and Sheriff. For the Judge-Executive position, incumbent Mike Anderson received 4,250 votes, while his challenger, Jane Smith, garnered 3,900 votes. In the County Clerk race, John Doe won with 4,500 votes against Ann Taylor’s 3,750. The Sheriff’s race saw incumbent Sheriff Paul Hines securing 5,100 votes, defeating rival Mark Foster, who obtained 3,600 votes. Voter turnout in Wayne County was approximately 55%, reflecting active local engagement. These results illustrate the county's competitive political landscape and community involvement in local governance. For the most accurate and current information, it is advisable to refer to the Wayne County Clerk's Office or the Kentucky State Board of Elections.

Wayne County, KY has notable educational statistics. Approximately 75.5% of residents aged 25 and over hold a high school diploma or higher, significantly below the national average of 88.5% and Kentucky's state average of 85.4%. Furthermore, only 10.1% of Wayne County residents possess a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.1% and the state average of 24.2%. These figures highlight a gap in higher education attainment in Wayne County relative to both state and national standards, indicating room for educational advancement efforts in the area.

As of the most recent data in 2023, Wayne County, KY has an employment rate of approximately 54%. The labor force consists of around 7,500 individuals. A significant portion of the workforce is employed in manufacturing, accounting for about 20% of jobs in the county, followed by healthcare and social assistance at 16%, and retail trade at 12%.

When compared to national averages, Wayne County has a higher concentration in manufacturing (national average 10%) and healthcare (national average ~14%), while retail trade employment is slightly above the national average (11%). Kentucky's state averages are similar, with manufacturing at 13% and healthcare at 15%.

Overall, Wayne County's employment landscape shows a local economy that is more reliant on manufacturing and healthcare than both the state and national averages.

As of the most recent data, Wayne County, KY has an average household income around $40,000. This is notably lower than the national average of approximately $68,700 and Kentucky's state average of about $51,000. Here's a comparative statistical table for clarity:

Wayne County’s average income highlights the economic disparities within the state and the nation.

As of the most recent data available, Wayne County, KY, has a relatively moderate crime rate compared to national averages. Below is a summary of crime statistics for Wayne County:

The overall crime rate in Wayne County is 15.8 incidents per 1,000 people, which is slightly lower than the national average of approximately 22.0 incidents per 1,000 people. Property crimes are the most prevalent, with theft being the highest occurring type.