Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Monroe County, KY has a population of approximately 11,338. The median age is about 42.5 years, with 49.5% male and 50.5% female residents. Racially, the county is predominantly White (96.4%), with smaller populations of Black or African American (1.0%), two or more races (2.0%), and Hispanic or Latino origin (1.5%). The county has a largely rural character and a relatively stable population size.
Elections
Monroe County, KY, has about 7,400 registered voters, with registration overseen by the Monroe County Clerk. Elections include general, primary, and special elections; in the 2020 general election, turnout was approximately 59%. Republicans dominate (over 82% registered in 2023), with Democrats and independents forming the minority. Major recent issues include school funding and local infrastructure. Key polling locations are in Tompkinsville and Gamaliel. The Monroe County Board of Elections oversees administration, ensuring compliance and access. Election results often favor GOP candidates—with Trump receiving 85% of the county vote in 2020.
Education, Employment and Housing
Monroe County, KY has 7 public schools, including one high school, Monroe County High, with a graduation rate of approximately 95%. About 10% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The district scores slightly below the state average on standardized tests, with a district performance score around 58/100. Adult education is available via the Monroe County Adult Learning Center. The schools emphasize safety and report low incident rates. Educational programs include vocational training, dual-credit courses, and after-school tutoring, supporting well-rounded learning and workforce readiness.
As of 2022, Monroe County, KY, had an employment rate of approximately 48%, with about 3,600 residents employed. The leading industries include manufacturing (25%), health care and social assistance (18%), and retail trade (10%). Major occupation types are production (23%), office and administrative support (14%), and sales (11%). Around 74% of employees commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 25 minutes. Most work locally, but about 30% travel to neighboring counties like Barren and Cumberland for employment opportunities.
Monroe County, KY, sees a homeownership rate around 74%, with median home values near $110,000 as of 2023. The median gross rent is approximately $605 per month. The county primarily features single-family homes, with some mobile homes and limited multi-family units. Notable neighborhoods include Tompkinsville, Gamaliel, and Fountain Run. Property values have increased by about 8% over the past year, reflecting modest market growth. Property tax rates are roughly 0.61% of assessed value, keeping overall taxes relatively low compared to state averages.
County Crime & Safety
Monroe County, KY, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. According to recent statistics, the county reports a violent crime rate of approximately 1.8 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of about 7.2 per 1,000. Law enforcement actively encourages community reporting and engagement, contributing to effective crime prevention. Overall, Monroe County is considered safer than 65% of U.S. counties, reflecting strong community-police collaboration and proactive safety measures.
Popular names
- Garrett Smith
- Jerry Bean
- Michael Emberton
- Barbara Ford
- Chyanna Turner
- David Anderson
- David Turner
- Gary Turner
- James Emberton
- James Pruitt
- Mary Jackson
- Melissa Hammer
- Scotty Turner
- Terry Eldridge
- Amber Turner
- Ashley Turner
- Barbara Copass
- Billy Osborne
- Billy Woods
- Bradley Short
- Brandy Hatcher
- Buffy Keith
- Carl Roberson
- Carl Robinson
- Chasity Cain
- Cheyenne Turner
- David Huff
- Dennis Spears
- Elizabeth Turner
- Emily Williams
- Eric Page
- Eric Ryherd
- Heather Thomason
- Irene Odle
- James Brown
- James Carter
- Jason Jones
- Jason Netherton
- Jennie Jones
- John Botts
- John Howard
- John Petett
- Joshua Anderson
- Judy Turner
- Justin Crowe
- Karen Bartley
- Kerry Anderson
- Linda Turner
- Melissa Emberton
- Michael Pitcock
- Michael Thompson
- Randy Anderson
- Renea Proffitt
- Ricky Bartley
- Ricky Crowe
- Robert Simpson
- Sandy Vibbert
- Stephanie Proffitt
- Stephen Hagan
- Sue Page
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