Lee County Public RecordsKentucky

As of the 2020 Census, Lee County, KY had a population of approximately 7,395. The median age is 44.8 years, with about 49% male and 51% female residents. The county is predominantly White (around 93.7%), with African Americans making up 4.3%, and other races, including Hispanic or Latino, representing less than 2%. The area has a relatively older population compared to state and national averages, reflecting rural demographic trends.

Lee County, KY, has about 6,000 registered voters, with approximately 75% Democrat and 20% Republican, though recent elections trend Republican. Elections held include primary, general, and special, with 2020 general turnout at around 60%. Major polling locations include the Lee County Courthouse and Beattyville Elementary. Administration is managed by the Lee County Clerk’s Office. Key issues for voters include economic development and healthcare. In the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump received over 75% of local votes. Democratic and Republican parties are most active, with Libertarian presence minimal.

Lee County, KY, is served by Lee County School District with 3 public schools, including Lee County High School. About 73% of adults have a high school diploma, but only 6% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (U.S. Census). School ratings average 4/10 (GreatSchools), indicating challenges in academic performance. Adult education is available through Lee County Adult Education Center. The district focuses on safety, updated protocols, and offers vocational and special education programs to support diverse student needs.

As of 2022, Lee County, KY, has a labor force participation rate of approximately 36.4%, with an unemployment rate around 6.6%. The largest employment sectors are health care and social assistance (23%), retail trade (16%), and educational services (13%). Most workers (about 79%) are private wage and salary employees, with 12% in government. The predominant occupations are in service, sales, and office roles. Around 70% of Lee County residents work within the county, while the remainder commute to nearby counties, mainly to Wolfe, Madison, and Fayette counties. Average commute time is roughly 24 minutes.

Lee County, KY has a homeownership rate of around 70%, with the median home value at approximately $73,000—well below the national average. Rental options are limited, with median rents near $600/month. Most housing consists of single-family homes, with a mix of older and newer builds in neighborhoods like Beattyville and Proctor. Property values have experienced modest year-over-year growth of about 3%. Property taxes are relatively low, with an average rate of roughly 0.7%. The housing market remains affordable, attracting buyers seeking low-cost rural living.

Lee County, KY, experiences a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. According to the latest FBI data, the county’s violent crime rate stands at about 110 incidents per 100,000 residents, significantly lower than the U.S. average of 370. Property crime rates are also modest, around 630 per 100,000. Local law enforcement emphasizes community policing and proactive reporting, ensuring swift response times. Despite generally low offenses, residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to maintain safety, contributing to steady or declining crime statistics in recent years.