Demographics
As of 2023, Henry County, KY has a population of approximately 16,200. The median age is around 42 years. About 50.5% are male and 49.5% female. The racial makeup is predominantly White (over 91%), with African Americans comprising about 3%, Hispanics 2.5%, and other races making up the remainder. The county’s population shows moderate diversity with a small but growing Hispanic and multiracial community.
Elections
Henry County, KY, has approximately 13,000 registered voters, with 59% Democrat, 34% Republican, and 7% other affiliations. Elections include primary, general, and special elections; 2022 turnout was 45%. Results show Republicans gaining in recent cycles—52% voting GOP in 2022 House races. Major polling locations are at the Henry County Courthouse and local schools. Key issues include agriculture policy and education. The Henry County Clerk’s office administers elections, enforcing state and federal regulations. Both parties are active, but Republican influence has grown, mirroring broader rural Kentucky trends.
Education, Employment and Housing
Henry County, KY, has 8 public schools, including Henry County High School, serving about 2,000 students. The high school graduation rate is approximately 91%. Only about 15% of adults over 25 hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average standardized test proficiency is around 50% in reading and 43% in math. The district invests in adult education programs and offers vocational training. School safety is emphasized, with a reported 0.8 incidents per 100 students. Notable educational programs include dual-credit college courses and career pathways, supporting both academic and career readiness for students.
As of 2022, Henry County, KY, has an employment rate of approximately 57%. Key industries include manufacturing (19%), health care and social assistance (13%), and retail trade (12%). Most common occupations are production (14%), office and administrative support (13%), and management (11%). About 82% of workers commute outside the county for employment, with an average commute time of 30 minutes. Major employment destinations include Jefferson and Oldham counties. The local workforce mainly relies on private vehicles, with less than 1% using public transportation.
Henry County, KY boasts a 76% homeownership rate, with a median home value around $176,000, up 8% year-over-year. Median rent is approximately $850/month. Housing types include single-family homes, historic properties, and rural estates, centered in neighborhoods like Eminence and New Castle. Property taxes average 0.7% of assessed home value, below state and national averages. The real estate market benefits from low inventory, fostering moderate price growth and competitive offers.
County Crime & Safety
Henry County, KY, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. According to recent statistics, the county’s overall crime rate is approximately 970 incidents per 100,000 residents, with violent crime accounting for about 85 cases and property crime for 885 cases per 100,000. Local law enforcement encourages active community crime reporting and utilizes neighborhood watch programs to maintain public safety. According to 2022 data, Henry County reported no homicides and fewer than 10 robberies, reflecting its reputation as a generally safe rural area.
Popular names
- David Smith
- Robert Mills
- David Jones
- James Roberts
- James Tingle
- William Baker
- Bobby Roberts
- Charles Shaw
- Patricia Smith
- Robert Wilson
- William Adams
- David Wilson
- Jakie Hay
- James Baker
- James Brown
- James Simpson
- Jay Johnson
- Mary Smith
- Melvin Rader
- Michael Hall
- Michael Roberts
- Michael Thomas
- Michael Wilson
- Paul Walker
- Rebecca Smith
- Robert Brown
- Shawn Hawkins
- Stephanie Smith
- Tammy Clark
- Theresa Smith
- William Price
- Barbara Downey
- Betty Chilton
- Brandy Doll
- Cassandra Brown
- Christopher Davidson
- Cindy Wardrup
- Claude Downey
- David Stewart
- Donald Powell
- Elizabeth Owens
- Ethan Beverly
- Gary Jones
- James Ayres
- James Mahoney
- Jason Chesser
- Jay Harris
- Jay Henderson
- John Walker
- Kevin Ricketts
- Kim Smith
- Kimberlee Hawkins
- Kimberly Jamison
- Larry Kays
- Linda Miller
- Linda Smith
- Linda Young
- Mark Roberts
- Megan Boyer
- Michael Brown
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
- Graves
- Grayson
- Green
- Greenup
- Hancock
- Hardin
- Harlan
- Harrison
- Hart
- Henderson