Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Lyon County, Kentucky, had a population of 8,680. The median age was around 44.6 years, with about 52% male and 48% female residents. Racially, the county was predominantly White (89.5%), followed by Black or African American (7.6%), and smaller percentages of Asian (0.3%), Native American (0.2%), and other races. Hispanic or Latino residents made up about 1.7% of the population.
Education, Employment and Housing
Lyon County, KY, serves its students primarily through Lyon County Schools, which includes one elementary, one middle, and one high school. The high school graduation rate is approximately 96%. About 15% of adults (25+) hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety measures scored above average, with discipline incidents below the state average. Educational programs feature dual credit courses and career/technical education. The district's average test scores meet or slightly exceed Kentucky state averages, and adult education is supported by regional programs.
Lyon County, KY has an employment rate of approximately 57.9% (age 16+). Major industries include manufacturing (13.8%), healthcare (14.5%), and public administration (21.2%), with common occupations in management, office, and production roles. About 78% of workers commute alone by car, with an average travel time of 25 minutes; most work within the county, while some commute to Marshall and Caldwell counties. The unemployment rate remained around 4.5% in 2023.
Lyon County, KY, features a homeownership rate of approximately 82%, with median home values around $160,000 and median gross rents near $650 per month. The housing market has shown moderate appreciation, with values rising about 8% year-over-year. Predominant housing types include single-family homes and some lakefront properties near Kentucky Lake. Notable neighborhoods are Eddyville and Kuttawa. The county’s property tax rate is roughly 0.64%, making it relatively affordable compared to many areas. The rental market remains limited but stable, catering largely to seasonal residents and retirees.
Elections
Lyon County, KY, has approximately 6,500 registered voters as of 2024. The county conducts primary, general, and special elections, with the 2022 general election recording a 53% turnout. Voting occurs at several polling locations, including Lee S. Jones Park and the Kuttawa City Hall. The county is administered by the Lyon County Clerk, with Republicans comprising about 77% of registered voters, Democrats 19%, and others 4%. Key issues include local economic development and education. In the 2022 county judge race, the Republican candidate won by a 2,100-to-800 margin.
County Crime & Safety
Lyon County, KY, reports lower crime rates compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the violent crime rate was 1.7 per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate stood at 7.3 per 1,000. The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office actively reports and addresses incidents, with 52 total crimes recorded in 2022. Local law enforcement maintains a visible presence, contributing to a generally safe environment. Overall, Lyon County’s crime and safety statistics suggest it is a safer area within Kentucky, with ongoing community initiatives supporting continued low crime rates.
Popular names
- Lisa Woods
- Bill Jones
- Robert Bishop
- Aaron Cummings
- Amy Phelps
- Ashton Breaux
- Barbara Yates
- Barry Young
- Bill Johnson
- Brent Oliver
- Carolyn Sutton
- Carolyn Williams
- Chance Demoss
- Chanin Hiland
- Charles Yopp
- Daniel Jones
- Daniel Smith
- David Cain
- David Calderon
- David Caldwell
- David Hill
- David Newell
- David Peek
- David Smith
- David Williams
- Donald Wellham
- Edward Georgen
- Ella Moss
- Gary Bernot
- Gladys Roedel
- Hailey Mincey
- Jacob Wall
- James Brown
- James Gallagher
- James Hill
- James Krug
- Jeffrey Wright
- Jennifer Garner
- Jeremy Breedlove
- Jimmy Hawkins
- John Howard
- Jonathan Rickard
- Joyce Brown
- Kathy Breedlove
- Kathy Stone
- Kelsey Martin
- Kimberley Fralicx
- Linda Nordine
- Mark Lewis
- Mary Gossum
- Melissa Miller
- Michael Badger
- Michael Bryson
- Michael Williams
- Paula Cunningham
- Richard Engler
- Richard Smith
- Ricky Dunn
- Robert Rail
- Ronnie Wells
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