Monroe County

As of the 2020 census, Monroe County, KY, had a population of approximately 10,650. The racial composition was predominantly White (around 95%), with small percentages of Black/African American (1.5%), Native American (0.3%), Asian (0.2%), and other races. Hispanic or Latino individuals made up about 1.5%. The median household income was roughly $36,000, and about 23% of the population lived below the poverty line. The county spans an area of roughly 332 square miles with a population density of around 32 people per square mile.

Monroe County, KY's housing market features a median home value of approximately $107,000. Around 71% of residents own their homes, while 29% rent. The median rent is about $556 per month. Most homes are single-family dwellings, with a construction boom period of the 1970s and 1980s. The homeownership rate is higher than the national average, indicating a stable community environment.

Monroe County, KY, typical elections involve positions such as County Judge-Executive, Sheriff, County Clerk, and School Board members. The most recent data is from the 2022 elections. Notable candidates included:

• County Judge-Executive: Democratic incumbent Tommy Willett ran against Republican Garrett Dyer.
• Sheriff: Republican Dale Ford faced no Democratic challenger.
• County Clerk: Republican Chloe Goldsmith ran unopposed.

Voter turnout in Monroe County often hovers around 50-60%. For the 2022 election:

• Garrett Dyer received 3,142 votes (59.8%) for County Judge-Executive.
• Dale Ford secured 4,011 votes (76.5%) for Sheriff.

These figures reflect a strong Republican presence in local elections. For up-to-date information, consult the Monroe County Clerk's office or their official website.

Monroe County, KY, has notable education statistics. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 76.1% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, compared to the national average of 88.5% and Kentucky's state average of 85.2%. Only 9.1% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly lower than the national average of 32.1% and the state average of 24.2%. These figures indicate that Monroe County lags behind both national and state averages in educational attainment. Their lower levels of higher education could impact local economic development and opportunities.

As of the latest available data, Monroe County, KY, has an employment rate of approximately 92.8%, with a labor force of around 4,500 individuals. The top industries in Monroe County include manufacturing, healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and agriculture. Notably, manufacturing employs about 20% of the workforce, substantially higher than the national average of roughly 8.4% and the Kentucky state average of 13.3%. Healthcare and social assistance account for around 15% of local employment, similar to the national average of 14.8%. Agriculture employs about 10% in Monroe County, higher compared to the national average of 1.7% and the state average of 2.2%. Retail trade occupies about 12% of the workforce, in line with the national average of 11.7%. These figures highlight Monroe County's strong reliance on industry sectors like manufacturing and agriculture relative to broader state and national trends.

As of the latest available data, the median household income in Monroe County, Kentucky is approximately $34,800. This is significantly lower than both the national median household income, which stands at around $68,700, and the state median household income for Kentucky, which is approximately $50,200.

The lower median income in Monroe County may reflect economic challenges and opportunities more limited in rural areas compared to urban centers.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey

As of the most recent data, Monroe County, KY has relatively low crime rates compared to both state and national averages. Here are the key statistics:

These figures suggest that Monroe County experiences fewer incidents of violent and property crimes than many other regions. However, as crime rates can fluctuate and different sources may provide slightly varying data, it's essential to refer to local law enforcement agencies for the most current and detailed statistics.