Nelson County Public RecordsKentucky

As of 2022, Nelson County, KY, has a population of approximately 47,100. The median age is about 40 years. Females make up around 51% of the population, and males 49%. Racially, the county is predominantly White (about 90%), with Black or African American residents at 6%, Hispanic or Latino at 3%, and smaller percentages of other groups.

Nelson County, KY, has around 32,000 registered voters as of 2024, with registration split roughly 54% Republican, 41% Democrat, and 5% Other. The county participates in local, state, and federal elections, with recent turnout near 47% in the 2022 midterms. Polling locations include the Old Courthouse in Bardstown and numerous schools. The county clerk’s office administers elections, and key issues include education, distilleries, and infrastructure. In 2020, Trump received 67% of the presidential vote, Biden 31%. Voter registration is available online and in-person through the county administration and local party offices.

Nelson County, KY hosts 13 public schools, including 2 high schools, serving around 7,500 students. Approximately 88% graduate high school, though just 19% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Average test scores slightly lag state averages, with a district score of 57 (KY accountability). Adult education programs are available through Nelson County Adult Learning Center. School safety is emphasized, with low incident rates and routine resource officer presence. Educational programs include advanced placement, career and technical education, and special education services, supporting diverse learner needs throughout the district.

As of 2022, Nelson County, KY, has an employment rate of approximately 62.3% among residents aged 16 and over. Key industries include manufacturing (24.7% of employment), healthcare/social assistance (11.2%), and retail trade (10.2%). Most workers are employed in production, transportation, and material moving (21.4%) and office/administrative support (10.1%). About 77% of residents commute by car, with a mean travel time of 27.5 minutes; 62% work within the county, while others commute to Louisville and surrounding areas.

Nelson County, KY has a homeownership rate of approximately 74%, with median home values around $208,000 in 2023, up about 6% year-over-year. The median gross rent is roughly $830 per month. Housing types include single-family homes, some townhouses, and limited apartments, primarily in Bardstown and smaller neighborhoods like Cox’s Creek and Bloomfield. Property tax rates average 0.73% of assessed value, making taxes relatively low. The real estate market remains competitive, with affordable prices attracting buyers, while rental demand has risen due to tight inventory and growing local employment.

Nelson County, Kentucky, has a crime rate lower than the national average, with recent data showing about 14.2 crimes per 1,000 residents annually. Violent crime rate is around 2.5 per 1,000, while property crimes account for roughly 11.7 per 1,000. The Nelson County Sheriff’s Office and Bardstown Police actively report and address incidents, promoting community safety. In 2023, there were approximately 570 total reported crimes, reflecting a stable or slightly declining trend compared to previous years, supported by proactive law enforcement and neighborhood watch programs.