Demographics
As of 2022, Bourbon County, KY, has a population of approximately 20,000. The median age is about 41 years, with 51% female and 49% male residents. The racial composition is 89% White, 5% Black or African American, 3% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Asian, and 2% multiracial or other groups. The county maintains a predominantly non-Hispanic population and exhibits steady demographic diversity growth.
Elections
Bourbon County, KY, with around 15,000 registered voters as of 2024, participates in local, state, and federal elections, including primaries and generals. In the 2020 presidential election, 60% voted Republican and 38% Democrat. Polling locations include Paris City School and Millersburg City Office. The County Clerk oversees election administration, ensuring compliance with Kentucky law. Main issues include local education funding and infrastructure. The area leans Republican, but both parties have active organizations. Early voting and absentee ballots are available. Voter turnout typically ranges from 55–65% in major elections.
Education, Employment and Housing
Bourbon County, KY, hosts six public schools, including Bourbon County High School, with a graduation rate of 94%. Around 16% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average K-12 school rating is 6/10. School safety is a priority, reflected in secure campuses and anti-bullying programs. Adult education opportunities are offered through Bourbon County Adult Education Center. Educational programs include AP courses and technical training. Overall, schools strive for academic excellence and community involvement.
As of 2022, Bourbon County, KY, has an employment rate of approximately 58.7%. The leading employment sectors are health care and social assistance (16.4%), manufacturing (15.3%), and educational services (13.7%). Major occupation types include management, business, science, and arts (29.1%), and production, transportation, and material moving (19.6%). The average commute time is about 26.1 minutes, with 82.6% of workers driving alone; many commute to neighboring Fayette County, particularly Lexington, for employment opportunities.
Bourbon County, KY, features a homeownership rate of approximately 68%, with median home values around $174,000 and median rents near $840 (2022 estimates). The area has seen moderate property value appreciation, with prices rising about 7% year-over-year. Housing types include historic single-family homes, rural farmhouses, and newer subdivisions, particularly in neighborhoods like Millersburg and Paris. Property taxes average 0.83% of assessed value, offering affordability compared to national averages. The county’s housing market remains accessible, catering to both buyers and renters seeking a blend of small-town charm and rural landscapes.
County Crime & Safety
Bourbon County, KY, has a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. According to recent data, the overall crime rate is approximately 17 crimes per 1,000 residents annually. Violent crimes constitute around 2 per 1,000 residents, while property crimes are about 15 per 1,000. Local law enforcement reports that most incidents are non-violent, with theft and burglary being the most reported. The crime clearance rate is high, and community policing efforts contribute to making Bourbon County a generally safe area. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to maintain safety standards.
Popular names
- James Jones
- Linda Johnson
- William Davis
- Brandon Reed
- Eddie Roe
- James Ritchie
- Justin White
- Kayla Gray
- Larry Smith
- Lisa Johnson
- Ralph Hensley
- Robert Scott
- Robert Wolfenbarger
- Samuel Craycraft
- William Turner
- Anna Jones
- Ashley Crump
- Ashley Moore
- Ashley Rison
- Benjamin Murphy
- Bradley Purcell
- Brandon Brown
- Carrie Roe
- Charles Garrison
- Charles Johnson
- Charles Linville
- Charles Oliver
- Christopher Jones
- Daniel Robinson
- David Witt
- Earl Leach
- Edward Shearer
- Gabrielle Smith
- Gary Stanfield
- James Johnson
- James Long
- James Robinson
- Javan Thomas
- Jeanine Every
- John Black
- John Rankin
- Jonathan Ott
- Joseph Littrell
- Joshua Lovell
- Joyce Ballinger
- Karen Johnson
- Kathryn Watkins
- Lisa Clark
- Lisa Hayes
- Lisa Haynes
- Mary Buckler
- Mary Jackson
- Mary Parker
- Megan Smith
- Michael Traylor
- Michelle Earnest
- Paige Muchow
- Phyllis Haggard
- Rebecca Jones
- Robert Barrett
Other Counties in Kentucky
- Adair
- Allen
- Anderson
- Ballard
- Barren
- Bath
- Bell
- Boone
- 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