Demographics
As of 2023, Carroll County, KY has an estimated population of about 10,800. The median age is approximately 41 years. Gender distribution is nearly equal: 50.5% male and 49.5% female. The racial composition is predominantly White (about 91%), Black or African American (3%), two or more races (3%), and other races (3%). Persons of Hispanic or Latino origin make up around 4% of the population, reflecting limited but notable diversity within this small Kentucky county.
Elections
Carroll County, KY, had 7,140 registered voters as of 2022, with affiliations mainly Democratic (48%), Republican (45%), and other parties/independents (7%). Voters participate in primary, general, and special elections, with 2022 turnout around 43%. Major polling locations include Carroll County Courthouse and local schools. Key election issues are economic development, drug addiction, and infrastructure. Election administration is overseen by the County Clerk. In recent general elections, Republicans won most local offices. Voter ID is required at polls, and early/absentee voting is offered to eligible residents.
Education, Employment and Housing
Carroll County, KY, has 5 public schools, including Carroll County High School, serving around 1,700 students. The high school graduation rate is approximately 92%, but only about 8.7% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, below state and national averages. The district’s average test score is around 49% in math and 54% in reading. School safety is prioritized with resource officers and safety protocols in place. Educational programs include vocational training, dual-credit, and adult education opportunities to boost workforce readiness and promote continuing education within the county.
Carroll County, KY, had an unemployment rate of 4.2% as of early 2024. The leading employment sectors are manufacturing (38%), retail trade (14%), and health care/social assistance (13%). Production and transportation occupations employ over 42% of the workforce. About 56% of workers commute outside Carroll County for work, with major destinations including neighboring counties and Louisville. The average one-way commute is 25 minutes. The county’s labor force participation rate is approximately 60%.
Carroll County, KY, has a homeownership rate of about 67%, with a median home value around $140,000 in 2023. The median gross rent is approximately $700 per month. Most housing consists of single-family homes, with some apartments and mobile homes. Popular neighborhoods include Carrollton and Ghent. The real estate market has seen steady growth, with property values increasing about 6% annually. Property tax rates average 0.8% of assessed value, lower than the national average. The area offers affordable living compared to urban regions, attracting both families and retirees seeking a quiet, small-town environment.
County Crime & Safety
Carroll County, KY has a crime rate lower than the U.S. average, reporting approximately 18 crimes per 1,000 residents annually. Of these, about 2.7 are violent crimes and 15.3 are property crimes, per FBI 2022 data. The county's law enforcement agencies actively encourage community reporting, resulting in increased clearance rates. Despite generally low crime, residents are advised to remain vigilant, especially regarding theft and burglary. The overall safety index for Carroll County stands at 68/100, reflecting moderate risk compared to neighboring Kentucky counties.
Popular names
- Lisa Perry
- Michael Smith
- Lisa Peterson
- Ronnie Davidson
- William Smith
- David Smith
- Laura Taylor
- Linda Welch
- Mary Hunt
- Nathan Davis
- Samantha Meadows
- Amy Wright
- Angela Moore
- Anita Moore
- Annie Valentine
- Brandon Hicks
- Christopher Baker
- Connie Smith
- Crystal Austin
- Dakota Bickers
- Daniel Beach
- Deanna Harmon
- Devon Bruner
- Donald Scott
- Douglas Fothergill
- Dustin Clemons
- Ever Carroll
- James Smith
- Jennifer Hutson
- Jessica Price
- John Walls
- Jolene Johnson
- Laura Tilley
- Leonard Danner
- Linda Smith
- Lisa Barr
- Lisa Peters
- Mary Wilson
- Michael Polley
- Michael Stewart
- Ray Collier
- Richard Wilson
- Robert Wilson
- Ryan Marsh
- Sherry Lewis
- Susan Wilson
- William Baker
- William Miller
- Abbigail Botkins
- Allison Harp
- Alma Snow
- Amanda Moore
- Amiee Downey
- Andrea Gray
- Angela Wright
- Anthony Meadows
- Ashley Beach
- Ashley Wallace
- Ashley Williams
- Autumn Phillips
Other Counties in Kentucky
- Adair
- Allen
- Anderson
- Ballard
- Barren
- Bath
- Bell
- Boone
- Bourbon
- Boyd
- Boyle
- Bracken
- Breathitt
- Breckinridge
- Bullitt
- Butler
- Caldwell
- Calloway
- Campbell
- Carlisle
- 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