Demographics
As of 2023, Pulaski County, KY, has an estimated population of around 65,500. The median age is about 43 years, with 51% female and 49% male residents. The racial makeup is predominantly White (94%), followed by Black or African American (1.7%), two or more races (3.1%), and Hispanic or Latino (1.9%). The county has a relatively older population compared to the state average, reflecting its rural, small-town character.
Elections
Pulaski County, Kentucky, had approximately 47,000 registered voters as of 2023, with around 77% Republican, 18% Democrat, and 5% other. Elections include primaries, generals, and local races. In the 2020 presidential election, Pulaski County voted 78% for Donald Trump and 21% for Joe Biden. The county clerk’s office administers elections, with over 30 polling locations like Pulaski Elementary School. Key issues include economic development and opioid response. Recent elections have seen high Republican turnout, reflecting the county’s conservative leaning. Voter registration and polling information are available through the Pulaski County Clerk website.
Education, Employment and Housing
Pulaski County, KY has 3 public high schools and a total of about 23 schools (K-12). Roughly 80.5% of adults have a high school diploma, and 15.2% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average school test score is 52.6%, slightly below the statewide average. The Pulaski County Schools district offers vocational, Advanced Placement, and dual credit programs. School safety initiatives include resource officers and bullying prevention. Adult education centers provide GED and workforce development programs, supporting ongoing educational improvement in the county.
Pulaski County, KY, has an employment rate of approximately 54%, with a workforce of around 27,000. Major industries include health care and social assistance (16%), retail trade (15%), and manufacturing (14%). The most common occupations are office and administrative support (13%), sales (10%), and production (10%). Nearly 86% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 22 minutes. Most residents work within the county, though about 15% commute to neighboring areas for employment.
Pulaski County, KY, has a homeownership rate of about 71%, with median home values near $154,000 and median gross rents around $715 per month. The housing market has seen values rise over 10% since 2020, driven by a mix of single-family homes and some apartment complexes. Popular neighborhoods include Somerset, Burnside, and Science Hill. Property tax rates average 0.72% of assessed value, making the area relatively affordable compared to national averages. Overall, Pulaski County offers a variety of housing options and stable real estate trends, attracting both buyers and renters.
County Crime & Safety
Pulaski County, KY, has a crime rate slightly below the national average. In 2023, the county reported approximately 1,070 crimes per 100,000 residents, with property crimes (837 per 100,000) outweighing violent crimes (233 per 100,000). The Sheriff's Department actively reports data to the Kentucky State Police, promoting community safety initiatives. Recent years have seen a modest decline in overall crime, though theft and burglary remain notable concerns. Residents are encouraged to participate in neighborhood watch programs to help maintain the declining trend in criminal activity.
Popular names
- James Smith
- James Jones
- Richard Smith
- James Wilson
- Amanda Haynes
- William Wilson
- Charles Jones
- David Burton
- David Smith
- James Johnson
- John Wilson
- Michael Phelps
- Billy Wilson
- Donald Smith
- James Clark
- James Vanhook
- John Smith
- Robert Schultz
- Ashley Phelps
- Charles Mounce
- James Baker
- James Gibson
- James Ramsey
- James Whitaker
- John Phelps
- Judy Bell
- Michael Smith
- Nathan Price
- Robert Thompson
- William Phelps
- William Smith
- Amber Smith
- Ashley Ping
- David Jones
- David Phelps
- Eric Jones
- Gary Phelps
- James Burton
- James Phelps
- Jason Miller
- Jennifer Burton
- John Baker
- John Davis
- Linda Hall
- Mary Hall
- Mary Smith
- Michael Davis
- Michael West
- Robert Miller
- Robert Taylor
- Sarah Burton
- William Dick
- William Hall
- William Vaught
- Amanda Ball
- Amanda Bullock
- Anthony West
- Brenda Henderson
- Brenda Sears
- Brenda Wilson
Other Counties in Kentucky
- Adair
- Allen
- Anderson
- Ballard
- Barren
- Bath
- Bell
- Boone
- Bourbon
- Boyd
- Boyle
- Bracken
- Breathitt
- Breckinridge
- Bullitt
- Butler
- Caldwell
- Calloway
- Campbell
- Carlisle
- Carroll
- Carter
- Casey
- Christian
- Clark
- Clay
- Clinton
- Crittenden
- Cumberland
- Daviess
- Edmonson
- Elliott
- Estill
- Fayette
- Fleming
- Floyd
- Franklin
- Fulton
- Gallatin
- Garrard
- Grant
- Graves
- Grayson
- Green
- Greenup
- Hancock
- Hardin
- Harlan
- Harrison
- Hart
- Henderson