Hart County Public RecordsKentucky

Hart County, KY, has a 2023 estimated population of 19,306. The median age is 41.2 years, with 49.5% male and 50.5% female residents. The racial composition is predominantly White (90.5%), followed by Black or African American (3.3%), two or more races (4.2%), and a Hispanic or Latino population of 2.7%. The county maintains a rural character with steady but modest population growth.

Hart County, KY, has approximately 12,900 registered voters as of 2024. Voters participate in primary, general, and special elections, with polling locations including the Main Courthouse and local schools. In the 2022 general election, 68% voter turnout was recorded, with Republicans receiving 67% and Democrats 31% of the vote in top races. Key issues include rural broadband, agriculture, and education. The Hart County Clerk administers elections, ensuring compliance with state law. The county leans strongly Republican, with the GOP holding six of seven county offices, reflecting ongoing partisan trends in rural Kentucky.

Hart County, KY has 8 public schools, including 2 high schools. About 74.6% of adults are high school graduates, while 11.3% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety is a focus, with updated protocols and resource officers. The average school rating is 5/10, according to GreatSchools. Educational programs include dual credit, agriculture, CTE, and adult learning classes through the local Adult Education Center, which served over 100 adults in 2023.

As of 2022, Hart County, KY, had an employment rate of about 54.6%, with approximately 6,400 employed residents. Major industries include manufacturing (20.6%), healthcare and social assistance (16.4%), retail trade (13.2%), and educational services (10.3%). Most common occupations are in production (14.5%), office and administrative support (11.9%), and sales (9.7%). Around 67% of workers commute outside the county for employment, chiefly to Barren and Warren Counties, with a mean travel time of 29.7 minutes. The unemployment rate in 2022 averaged 3.8%.

Hart County, KY has a homeownership rate of about 75%, with median home values around $130,000 as of 2023. Median gross rent is approximately $700 per month. Single-family homes dominate the housing landscape, with some mobile homes and limited multifamily options. The area comprises small towns like Munfordville and Horse Cave, alongside rural neighborhoods. Recent years have seen moderate property value increases of 5-7% annually. Property tax rates average 0.78% of assessed home value, which is lower than the national average, making the county attractive for first-time buyers and families seeking affordability.

Hart County, KY, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the violent crime rate was approximately 1.9 incidents per 1,000 residents, while property crime stood at about 7.3 per 1,000. Law enforcement agencies reported a total of 164 crime incidents, with theft and burglary being the most common. The county consistently invests in community policing, resulting in high crime clearance rates and safer neighborhoods. Overall, Hart County is considered safer than 68% of U.S. counties, making it a secure place to live and work.