Estill County Public RecordsKentucky

As of the 2020 Census, Estill County, KY had a population of 14,163. The median age is 43.6 years, with 20.2% under 18 and 20.4% over 65. The gender distribution is nearly even: 50.3% female and 49.7% male. Racially, the county is 97.4% White, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.2% Asian, and 1.7% two or more races, with 1.0% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Estill County, KY had approximately 10,000 registered voters as of 2022, with about 75% identifying as Republican, 22% as Democrat, and 3% Independent/Other. Elections include primaries, generals, and local races for magistrate, judge-executive, and school board. In the 2020 presidential election, 78% voted Republican and 21% Democratic. Main polling locations are at Estill County High School and South Irvine Baptist Church. Key issues include economic development and opioid addiction. Elections are overseen by the County Clerk and Board of Elections, with both major parties represented on the board to ensure transparency and fairness.

Estill County, KY, has 7 public schools, including Estill County High School, serving about 2,200 students. The high school graduation rate is 89%, but only 11.4% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, below the national average. School safety measures are in place, with all schools participating in emergency drills. Estill County offers programs in vocational training and dual credit courses. In 2023, school performance averaged a 61.9 accountability score (state average: 68.4). The district also supports adult education and GED options through the Estill County Adult Education Center.

As of 2022, Estill County, KY has an employment rate of approximately 46%. The largest industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (16%), Manufacturing (14%), and Retail Trade (13%). Occupations are mainly in Production (12%), Office & Administrative Support (11%), and Sales (9%). About 70% of workers commute outside the county, with most traveling to Madison and Fayette counties for employment. The average commute time is nearly 30 minutes.

Estill County, KY has a median home value of about $96,000, with around 69% homeownership and 31% renting. Typical monthly rents are near $650. The housing market remains affordable and stable, with modest annual appreciation. Housing types are mainly single-family homes, with some mobile homes and a few multifamily units. Popular neighborhoods include Ravenna and parts of Irvine. Property taxes are low, with effective rates averaging 0.63%, meaning about $605 per year on the median home. The area’s market is influenced by its rural character, affordability, and proximity to the Red River Gorge.

Estill County, KY, reports a crime rate below the national average, with approximately 14.7 crimes per 1,000 residents annually. Violent crime is rare, at about 1.8 per 1,000, while property crime—mainly theft and burglary—accounts for most incidents at 12.9 per 1,000. The Estill County Sheriff's Office and Irvine Police maintain regular reporting and community outreach to improve safety. Residents report feeling safer compared to neighboring counties, with increased neighborhood watch participation contributing to lower crime rates in recent years.