Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Ballard County, KY had a population of approximately 7,728. The median age was 44.5 years, reflecting an older population. Females made up 50.4% and males 49.6%. Racially, the county was predominantly White (93.6%), with Black or African American residents accounting for 3.3%, and other races (including Hispanic, Asian, and multiracial) making up the remaining 3.1%. This demographic profile highlights a small, largely homogenous community with a modest proportion of racial and ethnic minorities.
Elections
Ballard County, KY, had 6,250 registered voters as of 2024, with Republican and Democratic parties as the main affiliations. The county participates in primary, general, and special elections, with a 54% turnout in the 2020 general election. Results in 2020 showed 68% voting Republican and 30% Democrat in the presidential race. Voting takes place at five polling locations, including the Ballard County Courthouse. Key issues include agriculture and flood management. Elections are overseen by the county clerk’s office, ensuring compliance with Kentucky law and accessible polling for all constituents.
Education, Employment and Housing
Ballard County, KY has four public schools, including Ballard Memorial High School. The high school graduation rate is about 94%, while approximately 13% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety is prioritized; incidents of violence are low compared to state averages. The district offers dual-credit and vocational programs, along with adult education services. Ballard County schools score around 61/100 on state proficiency metrics, slightly below the Kentucky average, but show strong community engagement and support for students through after-school and enrichment programs.
Ballard County, KY, has an employment rate of approximately 56%, with around 2,000 residents employed. Major industries include Manufacturing (20%), Education and Health Services (18%), and Retail Trade (13%). The predominant occupation types are Production (15%), Office and Administrative Support (14%), and Sales (12%). About 85% of workers commute by car, with a mean travel time of 24 minutes. A significant portion of the workforce commutes to neighboring counties, such as McCracken and Carlisle, for employment opportunities.
Ballard County, KY has a homeownership rate of around 81%, higher than the national average, with median home values near $110,000 in 2023. Median rent is approximately $690 monthly. Property values have seen modest annual growth of about 2–3% recently. Housing consists mainly of single-family homes, with some mobile homes and few multi-unit rentals. Popular neighborhoods include Wickliffe and La Center. Property tax rates are relatively low, averaging 0.68% of assessed home value, making the area affordable for both owners and renters.
County Crime & Safety
Ballard County, KY, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. According to recent statistics, the county reported approximately 120 crimes in 2022, including 10 violent crimes and 110 property crimes. The overall crime rate stands at about 10 per 1,000 residents, which is below Kentucky’s state average. Law enforcement agencies encourage prompt reporting through local sheriff’s offices and online platforms, helping maintain a strong community focus on public safety and crime prevention.
Popular names
- Rickey Blankenship
- Anthony Beasley
- Brenda Wallace
- Lisa Williams
- Michelle Ealey
- Richard Davis
- Robert Turner
- Allison Yates
- Anita Bugg
- Barbara Scott
- Brian Krech
- Charles Sullivan
- Chelsea Conley
- Collin Cooper
- Courtney Graves
- Deena Chamness
- Don Armstrong
- Dorothy Burnett
- Ebony Wade
- George Jones
- Gina Worley
- Greg Johnston
- Gregory Bugg
- Holly Bramlett
- Hunter Brown
- James Ayotte
- James Brown
- James Turner
- Joyce Warren
- Kiefer Caneer
- Larry Ashford
- Larry Harris
- Larry Hill
- Larry Powell
- Leslie Crawford
- Marsha Aldridge
- Mary Smith
- Michael Cooper
- Michael Dowdy
- Michael Graves
- Michael Sullivan
- Mildred Roddy
- Neil Denton
- Renea Estes
- Robert Hall
- Rodney Leigh
- Roslyn Conley
- Tara Blankenship
- Terry Gordon
- William Draper
- Adriana Worley
- Alaina Broyles
- Aleta Armstrong
- Alice Bray
- Alice Kissiar
- Allen Hinkle
- Alphonse Rainer
- Alta Ross
- Amanda Broyles
- Amanda Turner
Other Counties in Kentucky
- Adair
- Allen
- Anderson
- Barren
- Bath
- Bell
- Boone
- Bourbon
- Boyd
- Boyle
- Bracken
- Breathitt
- Breckinridge
- Bullitt
- Butler
- Caldwell
- Calloway
- Campbell
- Carlisle
- Carroll
- Carter
- Casey
- Christian
- Clark
- Clay
- Clinton
- Crittenden
- Cumberland
- Daviess
- Edmonson
- Elliott
- Estill
- Fayette
- Fleming
- Floyd
- Franklin
- Fulton
- Gallatin
- Garrard
- Grant
- Graves
- Grayson
- Green
- Greenup
- Hancock
- Hardin
- Harlan
- Harrison
- Hart
- Henderson