Demographics

As of 2022, Jackson County, KY, has an estimated population of 12,736. The racial makeup is predominantly White (96.7%), with small percentages of two or more races (2.2%) and Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). The median age is 43.7 years, with 21% under 18 and 20% aged 65 or older. The gender distribution is roughly balanced, with about 50.6% male and 49.4% female residents.

Elections

Jackson County, KY has around 10,000 registered voters as of 2024, with over 80% identifying as Republican, about 16% Democrat, and the rest Independent or other. The county holds primary, general, and special elections, with recent turnout near 50%. Voting occurs at locations such as the Jackson County Courthouse and local schools. Recent issues have included road funding and school resources. Election administration is managed by the Jackson County Clerk. In 2020, Donald Trump won over 87% of the local vote, highlighting the county’s strong Republican preference.

Education, Employment and Housing

Jackson County, KY has 7 public schools, including 1 high school. Around 75.7% of adults hold a high school diploma, but only 9.2% have a bachelor’s degree or higher, according to census data. Schools report average proficiency scores below the state average in reading and math. The district offers career and technical education and adult education programs. School safety initiatives are in place, maintaining low incident rates. Despite challenges, efforts continue to improve educational outcomes and expand access to higher-level programs.

As of 2022, Jackson County, KY had an employment rate of approximately 46.2% among those aged 16 and over. The leading industries were health care and social assistance (24%), manufacturing (14%), and retail trade (12%). Major occupation types included production (16%), office and administrative support (13%), and sales (11%). About 68% of residents commuted outside the county for work, with an average commute time of 31 minutes. Major employment centers include nearby Madison and Laurel counties.

Jackson County, KY, has a homeownership rate of around 74%, with rental households making up about 26%. The median home value is approximately $105,000, with median rents near $650 per month. Property values have risen about 5% year-over-year. Housing types are predominantly single-family homes, with some mobile homes and few multi-family units. Neighborhoods like McKee and Annville remain affordable compared to state averages. Property tax rates are around 0.6%, meaning annual taxes on a median-priced home are roughly $630, making the area attractive for budget-conscious residents.

County Crime & Safety

Jackson County, KY, reports a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the violent crime rate was approximately 1.5 per 1,000 residents, while property crime was around 18.7 per 1,000. The county saw few violent incidents, with less than 10 reported annually. Local law enforcement encourages community reporting, contributing to improved safety measures. Overall, Jackson County remains safer than 68% of U.S. counties, with consistent efforts to reduce crime and promote public safety.