Whitley County

As of the latest available data, Whitley County, KY, has a population of approximately 36,000 people. The racial composition is predominantly White (96%), with smaller percentages of Black or African American (1.5%), Native American (0.3%), Asian (0.4%), and others including two or more races (1.8%). The Hispanic or Latino population is around 1%. The median age is 38 years. The county has a median household income of roughly $32,000, and about 24% of the population lives below the poverty line.

Whitley County, KY, has a median home value of approximately $90,000. The majority of homes are owner-occupied, with about 66% ownership. The county's median rent stands around $600 per month. Housing units total roughly 15,000, with a vacancy rate nearing 15%. The area offers a mix of single-family homes, mobile homes, and apartments, catering to diverse needs. With low property taxes and an affordable cost of living, Whitley County provides accessible housing options for residents.

As of the most recent elections, Whitley County, KY, has various positions up for election, including local and county offices, as well as federal and state representatives.

For the 2022 General Election:

• U.S. Senate: Incumbent Republican Rand Paul received 69.2% of the vote, beating Democrat Charles Booker with 27.7%.
• U.S. House (5th District): Republican Hal Rogers was re-elected with 82.4%.
• Kentucky State Representative (87th District): Incumbent Republican Adam Bowling ran unopposed.

For local positions:

• Whitley County Judge-Executive: Republican Pat White Jr. received 100% of the vote running unopposed.
• Sheriff: Republican Bill Elliotte won with 58.3%.

The total voter turnout was approximately 40.8%. These figures and candidates reflect the political landscape in Whitley County, emphasizing a strong Republican presence.

As of the latest data, Whitley County, KY, exhibits the following educational statistics: approximately 82.7% of residents aged 25 and over have completed high school, which is below the national average of 88.5% and the Kentucky state average of 86.2%. Furthermore, around 13.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of about 32.1% and the state average of 24.2%. This data indicates that Whitley County lags behind both state and national averages in educational attainment, reflecting challenges in local educational development.

As of recent data, Whitley County, KY has an employment rate of approximately 54.5%, lower than both the national average of around 61% and the Kentucky state average of nearly 57%. Key industries include manufacturing (around 18% of local employment), retail trade (accounting for roughly 13%), and healthcare (about 12%). Meanwhile, national averages for these sectors are approximately 8.5% for manufacturing, 10% for retail trade, and 13% for healthcare. While Whitley County has a higher proportion of jobs in manufacturing and retail compared to the national average, it is slightly below average for healthcare employment. Education and public administration also contribute significantly to the local job market, reflecting a diverse employment landscape.

As of the latest data, Whitley County, KY, has an average household income of approximately $37,000. In contrast, the median household income in Kentucky is around $50,247, while the national average is about $68,703.

Here is a comparison table for better clarity:

It is evident that Whitley County's average household income is significantly lower than both the state and national averages. This indicates a substantial economic disparity, highlighting the need for local economic development and support strategies.

As of the latest data, Whitley County, KY, has a mixed crime profile, with some crime rates above national averages. The total crime rate is 1,928 per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 2,580. Violent crimes are relatively low, while property crimes are more prevalent.