Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Bracken County, Kentucky had a population of 8,400. The median age was 42.5 years, with 21.3% under 18 and 21.2% aged 65 or older. The gender split was approximately 49% male and 51% female. The county is predominantly White (96.3%), with Black or African American (1.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%), Asian (0.2%), and other races comprising the remainder.
Elections
As of November 2023, Bracken County, KY had approximately 6,400 registered voters: 68% Republican, 26% Democrat, and 6% other. The county holds primary, general, and special elections. In the 2022 general election, voter turnout was 49%. Polling locations include Bracken County Middle School and Augusta Community Center. Election administration is overseen by the Bracken County Clerk’s office. Main issues include agriculture, road infrastructure, and school funding. Republican candidates have dominated recent local and state races. Both major parties hold regular meetings, but Republicans currently have a larger active base in the county.
Education, Employment and Housing
Bracken County, KY, has 4 public schools: 2 elementary, 1 middle, and 1 high school (Bracken County High School). The high school graduation rate is about 94%. Approximately 14% of adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools generally score around the state average on standardized tests, and the district emphasizes safety with updated security measures. Educational programs include vocational training and dual-credit college courses. The student-to-teacher ratio is roughly 15:1. Adult education is supported through GED and workforce readiness classes in the district.
As of 2022, Bracken County, KY, had an employment rate of approximately 54%, with a labor force of around 3,100 people. Key industries include manufacturing (17%), health care and social assistance (16%), and retail trade (11%). Major occupation types are production (18%), sales and office (15%), and management/business (11%). About 73% of workers commute outside the county for employment, mainly traveling to Campbell, Mason, and Kenton counties, with an average commute time of 31.5 minutes.
Bracken County, KY, has a homeownership rate of approximately 77%, with median home values around $137,000 (2022). Median gross rent is $756. The housing market remains stable, with modest growth in property values over the past five years. Common housing types include single-family homes and small farmhouses. Neighborhoods like Brooksville and Augusta offer close-knit, rural living. Property tax rates average about 0.67% of home value, keeping annual taxes relatively low for residents. The area tends to attract buyers seeking affordability and serene country settings, with a limited but steady rental market.
County Crime & Safety
Bracken County, KY, maintains one of the lower crime rates in the state. As of 2023, the violent crime rate stands at approximately 1.2 incidents per 1,000 residents, significantly below the national average of 4.0. Property crime rates are also low, at about 8.5 per 1,000 residents. The county sheriff's office encourages community reporting and collaborates with state authorities for prompt investigations. Overall, Bracken County is considered a safe rural community, with crime rates substantially below both state and national averages.
Popular names
- Jason Teegarden
- Terry Burton
- Ann White
- Christopher Hall
- David Reed
- Dewey Cooper
- James Blevins
- James Cox
- James Johnson
- Jeffrey Perkins
- Jimmy Kiskaden
- Kathy Fields
- Mary Habermehl
- Michael Browning
- Michael Clark
- Michael Linville
- Robert White
- Sarah White
- William Miller
- Amber Hamilton
- Anthony Habermehl
- Ashley Anderson
- Ashley Colemire
- Barry Thomas
- Belinda Teegarden
- Billy Moore
- Brandi Honan
- Brett Honan
- Brianna Hamilton
- Carla Padgett
- Carrie Jefferson
- Cassandra Woodruff
- Catherine Darnell
- Charles Clos
- Charles Lee
- Chasity Clark
- Christopher Curtis
- Connie Poe
- Danielle Niemeier
- Danny Teegarden
- Darrell Perkins
- David Lucas
- David Nickerson
- David Purcell
- David Shook
- David Tucker
- Deborah Habermehl
- Dennis Jefferson
- Dexter Reeves
- Donald Jacobs
- Ella Cummins
- Erik Browning
- Ethel Poe
- Felicia Thomas
- Gioacchino Cucchiara
- Grant Gillespie
- Gregory Jones
- Guy Carr
- Harold Perkins
- Heather Elliott
Other Counties in Kentucky
- Adair
- Allen
- Anderson
- Ballard
- Barren
- Bath
- Bell
- Boone
- Bourbon
- Boyd
- Boyle
- 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