Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Boyd County, KY has a population of approximately 48,261. The median age is about 43 years. The population is 51% female and 49% male. Racially, the county is 93.3% White, 2.7% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, 0.2% Native American, and 2.1% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents comprise about 1.3% of the population.
Elections
Boyd County, KY, had approximately 32,000 registered voters as of 2024, split mainly between Republicans (about 17,500) and Democrats (12,500), with others unaffiliated. Elections include primaries, generals, and local contests. In the 2020 presidential election, about 62% voted Republican and 36% Democrat. Polling locations number around 15, overseen by the County Clerk's office. Key issues include local economic development, healthcare, and education. Both major parties maintain active local organizations, with voter turnout historically ranging from 45% in primaries to 67% in general elections.
Education, Employment and Housing
Boyd County, KY, has 17 public schools, including 2 high schools. Approximately 87% of adults have a high school diploma, while about 18% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Boyd County High School reports average test scores with a graduation rate of 94%. The district emphasizes school safety, with updated security measures in all schools. Educational programs include Advanced Placement (AP), dual credit courses, and vocational training. Adult education centers offer GED preparation and workforce skills, supporting over 250 adults annually in skill development and literacy.
As of 2022, Boyd County, KY had an employment rate of 52.9%. Major industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (21.2%), Retail Trade (13%), and Educational Services (12.1%). Leading occupations are Office & Administrative Support (14.3%) and Sales (10.8%). The average commute time is 20.5 minutes, with 82% driving alone. About 67% of residents work within the county, while others commute to neighboring Greenup and Cabell Counties.
Boyd County, KY, has a homeownership rate of around 71%, with a median home value of approximately $127,000 in 2023. Median rent is about $820 per month. The housing market has seen modest annual appreciation of 3-4%. Most homes are single-family, with some apartments and mobile homes. Notable neighborhoods include Ashland's Central Park area and Summit. Property tax rates average 0.71% of assessed value, below the national average. Boyd County offers affordable living with stable market trends, attracting both families and retirees.
County Crime & Safety
Boyd County, KY has a crime rate slightly below the national average. In 2022, the county reported approximately 220 crimes per 10,000 residents, with property crimes outweighing violent incidents. Theft and burglary were the most common, accounting for about 75% of total cases. Violent crimes, including assault, made up less than 2 per 1,000 residents. Local law enforcement actively tracks and responds to incidents, resulting in a steady decrease in crime rates over the past five years. Overall, Boyd County is considered relatively safe compared to other Kentucky counties of similar size.
Popular names
- Lisa Smith
- James Johnson
- James Smith
- James Hall
- Robert Smith
- David Smith
- Michael Moore
- James Brown
- John Smith
- Patricia Smith
- William Clark
- Charles Conley
- James Adkins
- John Clark
- Michael Adkins
- Brian Smith
- Charles Smith
- David Thompson
- James Clark
- James Rice
- Jennifer Johnson
- Jessica Smith
- John Davis
- Matthew Smith
- Robert Williams
- William Thomas
- Billy Stewart
- Charles Davis
- David Porter
- Donna Adkins
- James Jones
- James Pennington
- James Thompson
- Jason Moore
- John Daniels
- Joshua Miller
- Michael Miller
- Michael Salyers
- Patricia Hall
- Robert Fields
- Aimee Clark
- Angela Smith
- Anita Barker
- Ashley Thomas
- Charles Adkins
- Charles Williams
- David Conley
- David Miller
- David Moore
- Elizabeth Stewart
- James Coleman
- James Dalton
- James King
- James Kirk
- James Martin
- James Maynard
- James Stephens
- Jennifer Moore
- Joshua Smith
- Kimberly Brown
Other Counties in Kentucky
- Adair
- Allen
- Anderson
- Ballard
- Barren
- Bath
- Bell
- Boone
- Bourbon
- 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