Demographics
As of 2020, Bath County, Kentucky, had a population of approximately 12,750. The median age is about 42 years. The gender distribution is nearly balanced, with 49.5% male and 50.5% female. Racially, the population is predominantly White (94.7%), with smaller percentages of Black or African American (2.2%), two or more races (2.3%), and Hispanic or Latino (1.2%). Other races, including Asian and Native American, each make up less than 1% of the population.
Elections
As of 2024, Bath County, Kentucky, has approximately 8,200 registered voters, with about 71% Democratic, 25% Republican, and 4% other parties. The county conducts primaries, general, and local elections. In the 2020 Presidential election, Bath County voted 68% Republican and 30% Democratic. Main polling locations include Bath County Courthouse and local schools. Key issues are job growth and opioid addiction. Elections are administered by the Bath County Clerk’s Office, ensuring compliance with state law, with bipartisan representation at precincts. Voter turnout typically ranges from 50% to 65% in general elections.
Education, Employment and Housing
Bath County, KY, has 5 public schools, including Bath County High School, with a graduation rate of about 95%. Approximately 10% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The district’s average test scores are around 5% below the state average. Adult education is available through Bath County Adult Education Center. Schools are generally rated safe, reporting few major incidents annually. Educational programs include Advanced Placement courses and vocational training, supporting college and career readiness.
Bath County, KY, has a labor force participation rate of approximately 54%, with an unemployment rate near 4.3% (as of 2023). Key employment sectors include education, healthcare, and social assistance (21%), retail trade (14%), and manufacturing (13%). The most common occupation types are office/administrative support (18%) and management/business/finance (13%). Around 71% of residents commute outside the county for work, with an average commute time of 29 minutes. Most employed residents work in nearby counties like Montgomery, Rowan, and Fayette.
Bath County, KY, has a homeownership rate of about 72%, with median home values around $133,000 as of early 2024. Rentals make up approximately 28% of the housing market, with median rents near $750 monthly. The market has seen a steady value increase of roughly 4% year-over-year. Housing types include mainly single-family homes, with some apartments and mobile homes. Popular neighborhoods include Owingsville and Sharpsburg. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging 0.7% of assessed home value annually, making housing in Bath County affordable compared to state and national averages.
County Crime & Safety
Bath County, KY, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. In 2023, the total crime rate was approximately 12.5 per 1,000 residents, with violent crime accounting for about 2.3 per 1,000 and property crime at 10.2 per 1,000. Most offenses reported were theft and minor property crimes; violent incidents remain rare. Bath County law enforcement emphasizes community policing, and prompt crime reporting aids in maintaining safety. Overall, Bath County is considered a safe rural community in Kentucky.
Popular names
- Lisa Henderson
- James Howard
- Lisa Harris
- Lisa Harrison
- Gary Purvis
- James Crouch
- Jason Crouch
- Jessica Copher
- Lisa Crouch
- Lisa Hart
- Mary Crouch
- Michael Spratt
- Thomas Crouch
- Amos Stoltzfus
- Arnold Davis
- Ashley Crouch
- Barbara Purvis
- Billy Rogers
- Christopher Anderson
- David Bailey
- David Smith
- David Wilson
- Deborah Crouch
- Douglas Moore
- Gail Bowles
- Gary Nelson
- Harvey Stapleton
- Jacob Stoltzfus
- Jeffrey Smith
- Jennifer Smith
- Jesse Shrout
- John Snedegar
- Joseph Manley
- Kevin Crouch
- Lawrence Shrout
- Mary Williams
- Michael Crouch
- Robert Crouch
- Robin Turner
- Ronald Martin
- Sonja Smith
- Sung Choi
- Timmy Stapleton
- William Fields
- Aaron Martin
- Abigail Hardin
- Allen Crouch
- Alvin Jones
- Amanda Martin
- Amanda Maze
- Amber Rousseau
- Amy Crouch
- Angel Davidson
- Anthony Charles
- Anthony Craycraft
- Anthony Thomas
- Ashley Craig
- Ashley Hunt
- Atlee Schwartz
- August Girod
Other Counties in Kentucky
- Adair
- Allen
- Anderson
- Ballard
- Barren
- 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