Owen County Public RecordsKentucky

As of the 2020 Census, Owen County, KY had a population of 11,278. The median age was 42.3 years, with 20% under 18 and 19% aged 65 or older. Females made up 50.7% of the population. Racially, the county is predominantly White (94.7%), with Black or African American (1.3%), two or more races (3.3%), and Hispanic or Latino residents comprising 1.7%.

Owen County, KY, has approximately 8,800 registered voters as of 2024. Voters participate in primary, general, and special elections, with recent turnout reaching about 41% in the 2022 general election. The county typically leans Republican—Donald Trump won 76% of the vote in 2020. Polling locations include the Owen County Courthouse and local schools. Election administration is handled by the county clerk’s office. Key issues include agriculture, infrastructure, and education. Both Republican and Democratic parties operate locally, though Republicans hold most county offices. Registration options include Republican, Democrat, and Independent.

Owen County, KY has a public school system with approximately 4 schools, including one high school (Owen County High School). The high school graduation rate is about 92%, while only around 13% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety policies are in place, and the district scores an average rating of 6/10 on GreatSchools. Owen County Schools offer programs such as career and technical education, dual credit, and adult education for GED attainment. The student-to-teacher ratio is about 16:1, supporting personalized educational opportunities within the county.

Owen County, KY has a labor force participation rate of approximately 54.6%, with an unemployment rate around 3.7% (2022). Major employment sectors include educational services, healthcare, and social assistance (22%), retail trade (13%), and manufacturing (12%). Most workers (87%) commute by car, with an average commute time of 34 minutes; about 64% travel outside of Owen County for work. The primary occupation types are office/administrative support (13%) and management/business/finance (12%), reflecting a mix of service and blue-collar jobs.

Owen County, KY, has a homeownership rate of about 77%, higher than the state average. The median home value is approximately $157,000 in 2024, with median rent around $850/month. Housing types are largely single-family homes, with some mobile homes and limited multi-family units. Notable neighborhoods include Owenton and Monterey. Property values have risen about 6% annually since 2020. Property tax rates are roughly 0.74% of assessed value, among the lower rates in Kentucky, making homeownership relatively affordable. Rental options are limited compared to ownership opportunities, reflecting the county’s rural, community-oriented character.

Owen County, KY, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. According to recent FBI data, the county reported about 85 total crimes in 2022, with violent crime making up approximately 7% of cases. Property crimes, such as theft and burglary, accounted for the majority—roughly 79 incidents. The incidence rate stands at around 8 crimes per 1,000 residents, below the Kentucky state average of 23 per 1,000. Owen County employs community policing strategies, and crime reporting is facilitated through the local sheriff's office.