Powell County Public RecordsKentucky

As of the 2020 Census, Powell County, KY, had a population of 12,558. The median age is approximately 42 years. The gender distribution is nearly even, with 50.7% male and 49.3% female residents. Racially, the county is predominantly White (96.7%), with small populations of Black or African American (0.5%), Native American (0.2%), Asian (0.2%), and those of two or more races (2.4%). Hispanic or Latino individuals comprise about 1.2% of the population.

As of 2024, Powell County, Kentucky, has approximately 10,500 registered voters. Elections include local offices, state, and federal contests, with recent turnout for the 2022 general election at about 39%. Key voting locations include Clay City and Stanton precincts. The Powell County Clerk administers elections, ensuring compliance with state regulations. Major parties are Republican and Democratic, with Republicans holding a slight registration edge (about 52%). Recent issues have included school funding and infrastructure. In the 2020 presidential race, 75% of voters supported the Republican candidate, reflecting the county’s conservative lean.

Powell County, KY, has 6 public schools, including 1 high school—Powell County High School—with a graduation rate of about 89%. Around 10% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average. The district score on statewide assessments hovers near 50th percentile. Programs include vocational training and dual credit courses. School safety measures include secure entrances and resource officers. Adult education is supported by local centers offering GED and workforce programs.

As of 2022, Powell County, KY, had an employment rate of approximately 50.8%. Major industries include healthcare and social assistance (20.2%), retail trade (15.3%), and manufacturing (11.8%). The most common occupations are in office and administrative support (12.6%), sales (9.4%), and production (9.3%). About 72% of residents commute outside the county for work, with an average commute time of 31 minutes. The largest employment locations include nearby Clark and Fayette counties.

Powell County, KY has a homeownership rate of around 69%, with median home values near $116,000 as of 2023. The median gross rent is approximately $690 monthly. The county's housing market has seen modest appreciation, with values rising about 4% year-over-year. Housing types mainly include single-family homes and a few mobile homes. Popular neighborhoods include Stanton and Clay City. Property taxes are low, averaging about 0.6% of property value annually, keeping ownership affordable. The area offers a rural, community-oriented lifestyle with affordable living costs compared to national averages.

Powell County, KY, experiences moderate crime rates compared to national averages. According to recent FBI data, the county’s violent crime rate is approximately 3.4 per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate stands at 16.5 per 1,000. The most commonly reported crimes are theft and burglary. Powell County Sheriff’s Office regularly publishes crime statistics and encourages community reporting to ensure public safety. Overall, while some incidents occur, Powell County remains relatively safe with ongoing efforts to improve security and reduce crime.