Demographics

As of 2022, Pendleton County, KY has a population of approximately 14,500. The median age is around 41 years. About 49% of residents are male and 51% are female. The county is predominantly White (approx. 96%), with small percentages of Black or African American (1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.5%), and other races (1.5%). The population under 18 years constitutes about 21%, while those 65 and older make up around 17%.

Elections

Pendleton County, KY had 10,123 registered voters as of the 2022 General Election, with Republican and Democratic parties most represented. The county conducts primary, general, and special elections. In the 2020 Presidential Election, 73% voted Republican, 25% Democratic. Key polling locations include Northern Elementary, Southern Elementary, and Phillip Sharp Middle School. Issues often center on school funding and infrastructure. Elections are administered by the Pendleton County Clerk’s Office. Turnout for major elections typically ranges from 55% to 65%. Recent elections show increasing Republican dominance, reflecting broader regional trends.

Education, Employment and Housing

Pendleton County, KY, serves around 2,200 students across four public schools, including Pendleton County High School. About 75% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 13% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The district’s average graduation rate is 95%, with schools scoring 55 out of 100 on state assessments, slightly below the state average. School safety initiatives and vocational programs are in place, and adult education classes are offered through the Pendleton County Adult Learning Center to improve literacy and workforce skills.

Pendleton County, KY, has an employment rate of approximately 57.2%. The largest industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (15.3%), Manufacturing (15.1%), and Retail Trade (11.8%). Most workers are employed in management, business, science, and arts occupations (28.5%), followed by sales and office roles. About 81.8% of residents commute outside the county for work, with an average commute time of 38.3 minutes. Main employment locations include nearby Hamilton and Kenton counties.

Pendleton County, KY, has a homeownership rate of about 77%, with a median home value around $140,000 and median gross rent approximately $810 monthly. The local housing market is stable, with slight price increases over recent years. Most homes are single-family houses, often built pre-1980, in neighborhoods like Falmouth and Butler. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging 0.73% of assessed home value, or about $1,022 annually for a median-priced home. The area offers a rural setting with affordable options for both buyers and renters.

County Crime & Safety

Pendleton County, KY maintains relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. According to 2022 data, the violent crime rate is about 1.5 per 1,000 residents, while property crime stands at 7.2 per 1,000. The county reported fewer than 10 violent crimes and approximately 50 property crimes annually. Local law enforcement actively engages the community, contributing to a sense of safety. The Kentucky State Police and the Pendleton County Sheriff’s Office manage reporting, and overall, residents report feeling secure in the area.