Demographics

As of 2023, Fayette County, KY, home to Lexington, has a population of approximately 324,600. The median age is about 34 years. Females make up slightly more than half (51.5%) of the population. Racially, the county is 69% White, 15% Black or African American, 4% Asian, and 7% Hispanic or Latino. Other races and multiracial individuals constitute about 5%. This reflects a diverse and youthful community.

Elections

Fayette County, KY, had 217,828 registered voters for the 2023 general election, with registration split mainly between Democrats (about 47%), Republicans (40%), and Independents/others (13%). Elections include local, state, and federal races, with recent turnout near 41%. Results frequently lean Democratic, as in the 2020 presidential race (Biden: 59%, Trump: 38%). The county offers over 10 polling locations, managed by the Board of Elections. Key issues are education, public safety, and development. Major parties—Democratic and Republican—actively campaign, and election administration emphasizes transparency and accessibility.

Education, Employment and Housing

Fayette County, KY, home to Lexington, has over 60 public schools, including 6 high schools. Roughly 37% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, surpassing state averages. The district’s overall graduation rate is about 90%, and high schools score 22 on the ACT, just above the national average. School safety is a focus, with 98% of schools implementing safety plans. Educational programs range from AP and International Baccalaureate to career and technical education, supporting diverse student needs and enhancing college readiness.

Fayette County, KY, boasts a 2023 employment rate of approximately 66%. Key industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (16.9%), Educational Services (13.8%), and Retail Trade (11.5%). Major occupation types are Management, Business, Science, and Arts (44%), followed by Sales & Office (21%). On average, residents commute 19.6 minutes to work, with over 82% working within the county. The University of Kentucky and Baptist Health are major employment hubs, reflecting the dominance of education and healthcare sectors in the local economy.

Fayette County, KY, encompassing Lexington, has a 2022 homeownership rate of about 54%, with median home values near $261,000 and median gross rents around $1,100. The housing market has seen 6% year-over-year price appreciation. Housing types range from historic downtown homes to suburban single-family residences and apartments. Notable neighborhoods include Chevy Chase, Beaumont, and Hamburg. Property tax rates average 0.93%, with a median annual property tax payment of roughly $2,430. The county’s diverse neighborhoods offer options for both renters and buyers amid a steadily growing real estate market.

County Crime & Safety

Fayette County, KY, primarily Lexington, has a crime rate slightly above the national average. In 2023, the violent crime rate was about 4.2 per 1,000 residents, with property crime at 27.8 per 1,000. The Lexington Police Department regularly reports and updates crime statistics, highlighting theft, burglary, and assault as the most common offenses. Despite some fluctuations, overall crime has declined by 5% over the past year due to community policing and targeted safety initiatives, making most neighborhoods moderately safe but requiring continued vigilance.