Demographics
Graves County, KY, has a population of about 36,000. The median age is 41 years. About 50.5% are female and 49.5% male. The racial composition is predominantly White (87%), followed by Black or African American (6%), Hispanic or Latino (4%), Asian (1%), and other races or multiracial groups (2%). The population under 18 is 22%, while those 65 and older make up 19%.
Elections
As of 2024, Graves County, KY, has approximately 27,600 registered voters. The county participates in primary, general, and special elections, with polling locations at schools and public buildings, including Graves County High School. In the 2022 general election, Republican candidates received around 75% of the vote, reflecting the county’s GOP majority; Democrats and independents make up about 24% and 1% of registrations, respectively. The Graves County Clerk administers elections, addressing issues like mail-in ballots and voter ID compliance. Main concerns in recent elections include turnout, access, and local fiscal policy.
Education, Employment and Housing
Graves County, KY has 14 public schools, including Graves County High School, serving around 4,000 students. The county’s high school graduation rate is approximately 94%, while about 17% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools achieve average statewide test scores and participate in rigorous safety drills, maintaining low incident rates. Adult education programs are available through the Graves County Adult Learning Center. Educational offerings include Advanced Placement and vocational programs, supporting college and career readiness.
Graves County, KY, had an unemployment rate of 4.1% as of early 2024. Major industries include manufacturing (25%), healthcare and social assistance (18%), and retail trade (12%). Leading occupation types are production (19%), office/administrative support (15%), and sales (10%). About 88% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 20 minutes; approximately 55% work within the county, while the rest commute to neighboring counties, particularly McCracken and Calloway.
Graves County, KY, has a homeownership rate of about 73%, with median home values near $130,000 and median gross rents around $650 per month. The housing market remains stable, with property values rising approximately 5% in the past year. Housing types are mostly single-family homes, with a mix of historic and newer builds, especially in neighborhoods like Mayfield and Symsonia. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging 0.7% of assessed value. The area offers affordable living options, making it attractive for families and retirees.
County Crime & Safety
Graves County, KY, has a crime rate of approximately 16.6 per 1,000 residents, with violent crime constituting 1.8 per 1,000 and property crime at 14.8 per 1,000, according to recent FBI data. The area has seen a slight decrease in overall crime reports over the past year, aided by increased law enforcement presence and community programs. Residents report moderate safety, with about 55% feeling secure in their neighborhoods. The Graves County Sheriff’s Office regularly updates statistics, encouraging community involvement and crime prevention.
Popular names
- Michael Jones
- Michael Toon
- Michael Williams
- David Jackson
- James Adams
- James Wilson
- Jennifer Smith
- Joseph Wilson
- James Hobbs
- James Miller
- Kimberly Smith
- Michael Smith
- William Heath
- Christopher Wilson
- David Anderson
- David Smith
- Helen Lee
- James Clark
- James Jones
- James Smith
- James Toon
- Kevin Wiggins
- Linda Smith
- Melissa Sullivan
- Michael Jackson
- Robert Wilson
- Ashley Kendall
- Brittany Jackson
- David Jones
- Gary Hobbs
- Henry Lee
- James Brown
- James Burgess
- James Davis
- James Thompson
- Jeremy Williams
- Jerry Travis
- John Hicks
- John Smith
- Matthew Thomas
- Michael Moore
- Michael West
- Norman Williams
- Robert Brown
- Robert Toon
- Tammy Smith
- Ashley Clayton
- Brenda Jackson
- Brenda Jones
- Brian Smith
- Brian Webb
- Charles Bell
- Charles Smith
- Charles Williams
- Cynthia Crawford
- Cynthia Wilson
- David Hayden
- David Sanderson
- James Boyd
- James Hayden
Other Counties in Kentucky
- Adair
- Allen
- Anderson
- Ballard
- Barren
- Bath
- Bell
- Boone
- Bourbon
- Boyd
- Boyle
- Bracken
- Breathitt
- Breckinridge
- 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
- Grayson
- Green
- Greenup
- Hancock
- Hardin
- Harlan
- Harrison
- Hart
- Henderson