Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Marion County, Kentucky, had a population of approximately 19,581. The median age is 39.7 years, with about 49% male and 51% female residents. The racial and ethnic composition includes 85.3% White, 11.6% Black or African American, 1.2% two or more races, and 1.7% Hispanic or Latino of any race. Children under 18 represent 23%, while seniors 65 and over comprise 17.3% of the population.
Elections
Marion County, KY, had approximately 13,100 registered voters as of 2024, with about 64% Democrat, 31% Republican, and 5% other or independent. The county conducts primary, general, and special elections, with 13 polling locations, including the Marion County Clerk’s office and school gyms. In the 2022 general election, voter turnout was 47%. Key local issues include infrastructure funding and school board reforms. Election administration is overseen by the Marion County Clerk. Recent results show Republicans gaining strength, closing the gap with Democrats in countywide races.
Education, Employment and Housing
Marion County, KY, serves over 3,000 students across 6 public schools, including Marion County High School, with a graduation rate of 93%. Around 16% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools in the county have an average test score of 54% in math and 60% in reading. The district emphasizes school safety, implementing resource officers in all schools, and offers adult education programs such as GED preparation and vocational training. Advanced placement and dual-credit courses are available to high schoolers, supporting college and career readiness.
As of 2022, Marion County, KY, had an employment rate of approximately 59%. Manufacturing dominates, employing around 37% of workers, followed by education, health services (18%), and retail trade (11%). Production and transportation occupations account for 34% of jobs, while 21% work in management and professional roles. Over 60% of residents commute outside the county for work, with an average commute time of 21 minutes. Major employment centers include Lebanon (the county seat) and nearby Bardstown and Campbellsville.
Marion County, KY, has a homeownership rate of about 70%, with median home values around $138,000 in 2023. Rental rates average $760/month. The county features primarily single-family homes, with some apartments and duplexes in Lebanon, the largest city. Property values have increased roughly 5% year-over-year. Neighborhoods like Rolling Hills and Country Club Estates are popular for families. Property tax rates average 0.8%, making the area relatively affordable compared to national averages.
County Crime & Safety
Marion County, KY, maintains a moderate crime rate compared to state averages. In 2022, the county reported approximately 250 total crimes, with 30 violent crimes and 220 property crimes, according to Kentucky State Police data. The crime rate stands at around 1,100 incidents per 100,000 residents, lower than the national average. Most incidents are related to theft and burglary. Local law enforcement emphasizes community engagement and timely reporting, contributing to a steady decrease in crime rates over the past three years. Residents are encouraged to utilize neighborhood watch programs and stay vigilant for improved safety.
Popular names
- Joseph Mattingly
- James Mattingly
- William Mattingly
- Mary Mattingly
- Joseph Newton
- James Smith
- James Spalding
- Thomas Mattingly
- James Thompson
- Joseph Brady
- Joseph Smith
- David Thomas
- Harold Miller
- James Hill
- James Reynolds
- Joseph Miles
- Joseph Spalding
- Joseph Thompson
- Joseph Abell
- Joseph Ballard
- Joseph Hagan
- Mary Thomas
- Melissa Mattingly
- William Gribbins
- Ashley Thompson
- James Brady
- James Thomas
- John Mattingly
- Joseph Peterson
- Robert Lee
- Robert Spalding
- Ann Mattingly
- Brian Mattingly
- Charles Mattingly
- Charles Smith
- Elizabeth Mattingly
- Jackie Mattingly
- Jason Mattingly
- Jessica Mattingly
- Joseph Hamilton
- Joseph Nalley
- Joseph Riggs
- Lisa Mattingly
- Martha Mattingly
- Robert Mattingly
- Terry Mattingly
- William Brady
- William Thompson
- Christopher Brady
- Connie Mattingly
- David Mattingly
- Denise Brown
- Heather Miller
- James Hagan
- James Hughes
- James Lee
- Jason Smith
- Joseph Elder
- Joseph Lee
- Joseph Thomas
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