Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Breckinridge County, Kentucky, had a population of 20,432. The median age was around 41.5 years, with approximately 49% male and 51% female residents. The racial makeup was predominantly White (about 93%), with Black or African American at 3%, and other races and ethnicities—including Hispanic or Latino—comprising the remaining 4%. The county has a relatively stable population with minimal diversity compared to state and national averages.
Elections
Breckinridge County, KY had approximately 15,250 registered voters in 2022. The county administers general, primary, and special elections, with 20 polling locations, including the Courthouse in Hardinsburg. In the 2020 presidential election, 77% voted Republican, 22% Democrat. Key issues include local school funding and infrastructure. The Breckinridge County Clerk oversees elections, ensuring compliance and voter services. The two dominant parties are Republican and Democrat; as of 2023, Republicans outnumber Democrats nearly 2:1. Voter participation averaged 54% in the most recent major election.
County Crime & Safety
Breckinridge County, KY, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. According to FBI data, the county reported a violent crime rate of 85 per 100,000 residents in 2022, notably lower than the U.S. average of 380. Property crime remains moderate, with 670 incidents per 100,000 people. Law enforcement emphasizes community policing and public reporting, resulting in a crime clearance rate of approximately 45%. Regular updates and crime statistics are accessible via the Breckinridge County Sheriff’s Office, promoting transparency and safety awareness within the community.
Education, Employment and Housing
Breckinridge County, KY, has one public high school (Breckinridge County High School) and several elementary and middle schools, totaling around 7 public schools. The high school graduation rate is approximately 93%, while about 14% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average statewide test scores are slightly below the Kentucky average, with a school rating near 5/10. The district offers vocational programs and dual-credit courses. School safety measures include secure entry and resource officers. Adult education initiatives, such as GED programs, are available through the Breckinridge County Adult Education Center.
As of 2022, Breckinridge County, KY, had an employment rate of approximately 54%, with a labor force of around 8,000. Major industries include manufacturing (16%), health care and social assistance (15%), and retail trade (13%). The largest occupation types are production (11%), office and administrative support (10%), and sales (8%). About 82% of workers commute out of the county for work, primarily to Hardin, Jefferson, and Meade counties, with an average one-way commute time of 32 minutes. Only about 18% both live and work within Breckinridge County.
Breckinridge County, KY, has a homeownership rate of about 78%, with median home values around $125,000 (2022). Median rent is approximately $650 per month. The property market has seen slight annual appreciation of 3-4%. Most homes are single-family houses, with a mix of ranch, farmhouse, and newer builds. Prominent neighborhoods include Hardinsburg and Irvington. Property tax rates average 0.69%, lower than the national average. The county offers affordable options for both buyers and renters, with rural settings and small-town charm.
Popular names
- Gordon Board
- William Smith
- Charles Smith
- Charles Williams
- David Miller
- Holly Pate
- James Miller
- Michael Lucas
- Ashley Smith
- Bonnie Lucas
- Charles Mattingly
- Charles Woods
- Danny Smith
- David Basham
- David Hall
- James Smith
- Jennifer Dowell
- Jennifer Lucas
- Mary Miller
- Mary Smith
- Michael Smith
- Michael Thomas
- Rebecca Miller
- Amos Eicher
- Charles Lucas
- Charles Minks
- Donald Smith
- Gary Smith
- James Dowell
- James Henning
- James Johnson
- James Mattingly
- James Swink
- Jerry Brown
- Jessica Carter
- Jessica Lucas
- Jim Morse
- John Schwartz
- John Taul
- Kimberley Williams
- Lori Henning
- Mark Smith
- Robert Alexander
- Robert Glenn
- Sharon Miller
- Steven Aulbach
- Thomas Brite
- Tori Simpson
- William Carwile
- William Henning
- William Weatherholt
- Adam Lucas
- Alvin Christner
- Amanda Smith
- Amy Thompson
- Barbara Brown
- Barbara Mattingly
- Barry Smith
- Betty Phillips
- Beverly Hinton
Other Counties in Kentucky
- Adair
- Allen
- Anderson
- Ballard
- Barren
- Bath
- Bell
- Boone
- Bourbon
- Boyd
- Boyle
- Bracken
- Breathitt
- 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