Demographics
Caldwell County, KY, has a population of approximately 12,700. The median age is about 43 years, with 20% under 18 and 20% aged 65 and older. The gender split is roughly even—49% male and 51% female. The racial composition is predominantly White (91%), followed by Black or African American (6%), with small percentages of Hispanic/Latino (1.5%) and other races. The county remains largely rural, with a mix of age groups reflecting regional trends.
Education, Employment and Housing
Caldwell County, KY, has 5 public schools, including Caldwell County High School, serving around 1,850 students. Approximately 85% graduate high school, but only about 19% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher—below the national average. Schools score a 7/10 overall on GreatSchools. The district offers vocational programs, advanced coursework, and dual-credit classes. Adult education is available via the Caldwell County Adult Learning Center. School safety is a priority, with annual drills and a full-time School Resource Officer on staff.
As of 2022, Caldwell County, KY, has an employment rate of approximately 54%. Major industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (17.5%), Manufacturing (15.3%), and Retail Trade (14%). The leading occupation types are Production (13%), Office & Administrative Support (11%), and Management (9%). Around 81% of residents commute by car, with an average commute time of 23 minutes; about 77% work within the county, while others travel to nearby areas such as Hopkins County and Lyon County for employment. Unemployment stood at 4.2% in early 2023.
Caldwell County, KY, has a homeownership rate of approximately 72%, with median home values around $110,000 in 2023—a modest 3% annual increase. Rental homes comprise about 28% of the housing, with median rents near $670 monthly. Housing options range from single-family homes in Princeton and Fredonia to modest apartments. Neighborhoods like Princeton offer historic homes and quiet streets. Property tax rates average 0.73% of assessed value, keeping annual taxes for typical homes under $1,000. The market is steady, with affordable options attracting both buyers and renters.
County Crime & Safety
Caldwell County, KY, reported a total crime rate of approximately 1,200 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2023, which is notably lower than the national average. Property crimes, including burglary and theft, made up about 80% of reported cases, while violent crime—such as assault and robbery—accounted for just 20%. The sheriff’s office encourages public reporting, resulting in a 95% clearance rate for violent crime cases. Overall, Caldwell County is considered relatively safe compared to other Kentucky counties.
Elections
Caldwell County, KY has around 10,400 residents, with roughly 7,200 registered voters as of 2024—about 70% of the population. Voters participate in primary, general, and special elections, with polling locations including the Courthouse and local schools. In the 2022 general election, turnout was 48%, and Republicans won most local offices. The county clerk manages administration. Issues like road maintenance and agriculture dominate. Party registration skews Republican (approx. 64%), Democratic (28%), and other (8%).
Popular names
- James Martin
- Amy Adams
- Rodney Heaton
- Daniel Davis
- Donald Adams
- Harley Watson
- James Blackburn
- Paul Myers
- Renee Ethridge
- William Thomas
- Albert Newberry
- Amanda Ladd
- Bobby Oliver
- Brian Jones
- Carrie Adams
- Christopher Smith
- David Granstaff
- David Oliver
- Donald Conway
- Donna Puckett
- Dwight Hale
- Harold Cayce
- Jacob Rogers
- James Baker
- James Carner
- James Cooper
- James Miller
- Jeremy Anderson
- Jessica Harper
- Jessica Smith
- Joni Phelps
- Joshua Cook
- Kenneth Vickery
- Kimberly Lamb
- Lakeenna Minor
- Mary Jones
- Michael Ortt
- Richard Gray
- Ronald Oliver
- Sarah Hall
- Thad Brasher
- Thomas Brasher
- William Hopper
- William Jones
- Abigail Conway
- Adam Chambliss
- Adam Cruzen
- Amanda Ortt
- Amy Peters
- Amy Smith
- Anita Noel
- Anna Watkins
- Anthony Brown
- Anthony Gray
- Ashley Hendricks
- Ashley Riley
- Barbara Gibson
- Barbara Mitchell
- Betty Jackson
- Beverly Stallins
Other Counties in Kentucky
- Adair
- Allen
- Anderson
- Ballard
- Barren
- Bath
- Bell
- Boone
- Bourbon
- Boyd
- Boyle
- Bracken
- Breathitt
- Breckinridge
- Bullitt
- Butler
- 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