Elections
Knox County, KY, had 19,254 registered voters as of 2023. Elections include federal, state, county, and city races; in the 2020 presidential election, 81% voted Republican and 17% Democrat. The county has 13 polling locations, such as the Dewitt School and Barbourville University Center. Key issues include economic development and opioid abuse. Election administration is overseen by the Knox County Clerk’s Office. Major parties are Republican and Democratic, with Republicans holding most local offices. Voter turnout in 2022 was 44%.
Education, Employment and Housing
Knox County, KY has 17 public schools, including Knox Central High School. About 73% of adults hold a high school diploma, while only 8% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average school rating is 4/10 (GreatSchools). The county offers vocational-technical programs and adult education centers, aiming to increase GED attainment. School safety initiatives include SROs and safety drills, with a reported 90% satisfaction in recent surveys. Educational support includes after-school tutoring and special education services.
Knox County, KY, has an employment rate of approximately 39.2%. The largest industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (18.2%), Educational Services (13.1%), and Retail Trade (12.7%). Most residents work in office & administrative support (12.6%), sales (10.5%), and management (8.6%) occupations. About 84% of workers commute by car, with an average travel time of 27 minutes. While 63% work within the county, nearly 37% commute to nearby counties such as Laurel and Whitley for employment opportunities.
Knox County, KY has a homeownership rate of approximately 70%, with median home values around $85,000 as of 2023. Median monthly rents are about $600. The market has seen slight value increases of 3% year-over-year. Housing types are predominantly single-family homes, with some mobile homes and small apartment complexes. Notable neighborhoods include Barbourville and Heidrick. Property tax rates average 0.7%, meaning annual taxes on a median home are approximately $595. The area offers affordability and a rural atmosphere, appealing to families and retirees alike.
Demographics
As of 2022, Knox County, KY has a population of approximately 30,941. The median age is about 39 years. Females make up around 50.7% and males 49.3% of the population. The county is predominantly White (94.6%), with Black or African American residents at 2%, Hispanic or Latino at 1.2%, and other races comprising less than 2%. The demographic data reflects a largely rural and homogenous population structure.
County Crime & Safety
Knox County, KY, experiences a crime rate higher than the national average. As of 2023, the overall crime rate is approximately 29.6 crimes per 1,000 residents. Property crimes are notably prevalent, with about 25.2 incidents per 1,000 people, while the violent crime rate stands at 4.4 per 1,000. Law enforcement regularly reports and updates local crime statistics, though many areas remain safe, especially compared to larger urban centers. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and participate in community safety programs to further reduce crime.
Popular names
- Ashley Smith
- Michael Smith
- Kimberly Smith
- Linda Mills
- David Smith
- Harold Smith
- James Mills
- Jennifer Smith
- Larry Mills
- Amy Smith
- Ashley Brown
- Jerry Mills
- Jerry Smith
- Judy Mills
- Kathy Smith
- Mary Smith
- Gary Smith
- John Mills
- Lisa Smith
- Steven Mills
- Amanda Smith
- Brenda Mills
- Brittany Mills
- Daniel Smith
- Earl Smith
- James Smith
- Joyce Mills
- Lonnie Mills
- Sheila Smith
- Timothy Smith
- Whitney Mills
- Ashley Hubbard
- Ashley Mills
- Betty Smith
- Donna Smith
- Elizabeth Mills
- George Smith
- Jason Smith
- Jonathan Smith
- Kathy Mills
- Kayla Mills
- Linda Smith
- Michelle Mills
- Rebecca Smith
- Ricky Mills
- Sarah Mills
- Sherry Smith
- Tammy Smith
- Teresa Mills
- Travis Mills
- Amanda Gray
- Barbara Smith
- Betty Mills
- Billy Smith
- Brandon Mills
- Brian Smith
- Crystal Mills
- Dustin Smith
- James Baker
- James Gray
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