Mercer County Public RecordsKentucky

As of 2022, Mercer County, KY, had a population of approximately 22,179. The median age was about 44.4 years. Females made up 51.1% and males 48.9%. Racially, the county was 92.1% White, 3.8% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, 0.2% Native American, and 2.5% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents accounted for 2.2% of the population.

Mercer County, KY has approximately 17,000 residents, with around 12,000 registered voters as of 2024. Voters participate in primary and general elections for local, state, and federal offices. In the 2020 General Election, about 65% of registered voters cast ballots. Polling locations include the Mercer County Fiscal Court and local schools. The county leans Republican; in 2020, Donald Trump received 71% of the vote. The county clerk's office administers elections. Major issues include education funding and infrastructure. The Republican and Democratic parties are active, with Republicans outnumbering Democrats nearly 2 to 1.

Mercer County, KY, has 7 public schools, including Mercer County Senior High School, serving approximately 2,700 students K-12. About 86% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 20% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The district’s average test scores are near the Kentucky state average, with a graduation rate of 95%. School safety measures, such as resource officers and campus security, are in place. Programs include Advanced Placement (AP), career and technical education, and adult education classes, supporting lifelong learning within the community.

Mercer County, KY has an employment rate of 55.7% (2022, ages 16+). The county's workforce is primarily employed in manufacturing (17.9%), health care and social assistance (16.8%), and retail trade (11.5%). Major occupational categories include production (18.1%), management/business (17.7%), and office/administrative support (13.7%). About 77.8% of residents commute out of the county for work, with Lexington-Fayette and surrounding areas being common destinations; the average commute time is 25.1 minutes.

Mercer County, KY, boasts a homeownership rate of about 74%, above the national average. The median home value is approximately $162,000, with median rent near $800 per month. Property values have seen a 7% year-over-year increase as of 2023. Single-family homes are most common, especially in neighborhoods like Harrodsburg and Salvisa, alongside some apartments and historic properties. Mercer County’s average effective property tax rate is 0.75%. The area offers affordable living options while retaining a small-town charm and mix of rural and suburban neighborhoods.

Mercer County, KY, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2023, the county reported a total crime rate of approximately 1,110 incidents per 100,000 residents, with violent crimes making up about 120 per 100,000. Property crime accounted for the majority, at nearly 990 incidents per 100,000. Local law enforcement prioritizes transparency, encouraging public reporting and employing community policing initiatives. Overall, Mercer County remains one of Kentucky’s safer counties, with crime rates consistently below the state average, bolstered by active community engagement and law enforcement presence.