Letcher County Public RecordsKentucky

As of the 2020 Census, Letcher County, KY, had a population of approximately 21,548. The median age is about 44 years, reflecting an aging community. Females make up 50.5% of the population, while males account for 49.5%. Racially, the county is predominantly White (96.6%), with minorities including Black or African American (1.3%), Native American (0.2%), and Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). The population has declined in recent years.

Letcher County, KY, had 15,427 registered voters as of November 2023, with about 77% registered as Democrats, 21% Republicans, and 2% other parties. Voters participate in primary, general, and special elections, with recent turnout in the 2023 general election at 38%. Major polling locations include Whitesburg Central Fire Station and Letcher County Courthouse. Key issues are coal industry decline and economic development. Election administration is managed by the county clerk. In 2023, Republicans won most local offices, reflecting a shifting political landscape despite the Democratic registration majority.

Letcher County, KY, has 9 public schools, including Letcher County Central High School, serving roughly 3,000 K-12 students. About 74.7% of adults have a high school diploma, while 10.5% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average school safety scores are above 70/100, and the district offers CTE, dual-credit, and AP programs. The Kentucky Adult Education Center in Whitesburg provides GED and workforce training. Despite budgetary challenges, graduation rates are near 86%, indicating a focus on supporting student success and continuing education.

As of 2023, Letcher County, KY has an employment rate of approximately 45%. The largest employment sectors are health care and social assistance (22%), retail trade (17%), and educational services (13%). About 26% of residents work in office and administrative support roles, while 15% are employed in construction and extraction occupations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, with 55% working outside the county, primarily in Pike and Perry Counties. Remote work accounts for only about 5% of jobs.

Letcher County, KY has a homeownership rate of about 75%, with median home values around $80,000 and median gross rents near $600 (2022 ACS). The housing market has seen minimal growth, with property values largely stable over the past five years. Most homes are single-family, with some mobile homes present. Popular neighborhoods include Whitesburg and Jenkins. Property taxes are low, averaging 0.65% of assessed value, resulting in a median annual bill around $520. Rental vacancies are above the national average, reflecting the county’s declining population and modest demand for housing.

Letcher County, KY, has a crime rate lower than the national average, with a total crime rate of approximately 14.7 per 1,000 residents. Violent crimes occur at a rate of 1.7 per 1,000, significantly below the U.S. average of 4.0. Property crime stands at 13 per 1,000 people. Local law enforcement actively reports and monitors incidents, enhancing public safety. Overall, Letcher County is considered relatively safe, with a small reduction in crime each year based on publicly available statistics.