Perry County Public RecordsKentucky

As of 2022, Perry County, KY, has a population of approximately 27,000. The median age is about 42 years, with 21% under 18 and 19% aged 65 or older. The gender distribution is nearly even, with 50.1% female and 49.9% male. Racially, the county is predominantly White (94.8%), with small percentages of Black or African American (2.2%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%), and other races (2.1%).

Perry County, KY has approximately 18,000 registered voters, with 74% Democrat, 22% Republican, and 4% “other” as of 2024. Elections include primaries, generals, and local races. In the 2020 Presidential Election, Perry County voted 74% for Donald Trump. Polling locations include the Perry County Courthouse and local schools. Key issues include coal mining, unemployment, and healthcare. The Perry County Clerk’s Office manages elections, with bipartisan poll workers. Voter turnout in recent elections averaged 49%.

Perry County, KY, has 16 public schools, including Perry County Central High School. Approximately 73% of residents hold a high school diploma, while only around 11% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Recent Kentucky Department of Education data shows Perry County schools have an average accountability score of 53.9 (2022-23). The area offers adult education programs through Hazard Community and Technical College. School safety protocols are emphasized: all schools have resource officers. Educational programs include career and technical education (CTE), Advanced Placement, and dual-credit options, supporting both college and workforce readiness.

As of 2023, Perry County, KY, had an employment rate of approximately 46%. The largest employment sectors are healthcare and social assistance (27%), education (14%), and retail trade (11%). Occupations are primarily in service (34%) and sales/office roles (23%). The mean travel time to work is 24 minutes, with over 80% commuting by car and most employment concentrated in Hazard, the county seat. Only about 5% of residents work outside the county, highlighting a localized workforce.

Perry County, KY has a homeownership rate of about 67%, with median home values around $85,000 as of 2022. Typical monthly rents average $700. Housing types range from modest single-family homes to some newer developments, with neighborhoods like Hazard offering most amenities. Property values have increased approximately 7% in the past year, reflecting a slow but steady market. Annual property taxes are low, averaging about 0.7% of assessed value, or roughly $600 per year for a median home. Affordable options and relatively low taxes attract both buyers and renters in this Eastern Kentucky community.

Perry County, KY has a crime rate higher than the state average, with an estimated 32.8 crimes per 1,000 residents annually. Violent crime is reported at 2.7 per 1,000, while property crime is considerably higher at 30.1 per 1,000. The county has seen fluctuations in crime reporting, with about 74% of incidents involving theft and burglary. Local law enforcement has increased patrols and implemented community watch programs, leading to a 6% decline in crime rates since 2022. Although improvements are noted, residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to maintain safety.