Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Simpson County, KY had a population of approximately 19,594. The age distribution shows a median age of 39.6 years. Females made up about 51% of the population, while males accounted for 49%. Racially, the county was 85% White, 9% Black or African American, 3% Hispanic or Latino, and 3% other races or multiracial. Ethnically, non-Hispanic Whites comprised the majority, with minorities reflecting a growing trend in diversity.
Elections
Simpson County, KY, had approximately 12,200 registered voters for the 2022 general election. Voters participate in local, state, and federal elections, with polling locations including the Simpson County Extension Office and the Senior Citizens Center. In the 2020 presidential election, Republicans received about 68% of the vote, Democrats 30%. Key election issues involve agriculture, education, and infrastructure. The County Clerk’s office administers elections, ensuring compliance and transparency. The major parties are Republican and Democratic, with a small portion registered as Independents or other. Turnout in 2022 was roughly 50%.
Education, Employment and Housing
Simpson County, KY, has 7 public schools, including Franklin-Simpson High School. The county’s high school graduation rate exceeds 90%, while approximately 17% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average public school test scores are above the Kentucky state average. The Simpson County School District emphasizes school safety initiatives and offers advanced educational programs such as AP courses and career pathways. Adult education opportunities are available through the Simpson County Learning Center, supporting GED attainment and workforce training.
Simpson County, KY, had an employment rate of approximately 60.5% in 2022. Major industries include manufacturing (28.7%), retail trade (12.8%), and health care/social assistance (10.2%). Common occupations are production (20.3%), office/administrative support (13.5%), and sales (9.1%). About 81% of residents commute outside the county for work, with an average commute time of 22.4 minutes. The majority work in Warren County, especially Bowling Green, or nearby Tennessee.
Simpson County, KY, has a homeownership rate of around 70%, with a median home value of approximately $195,000 (2023). The median gross rent is about $810 per month. The housing market has seen steady appreciation of 6% annually. Most homes are single-family dwellings, commonly found in neighborhoods like Franklin and Middleton. Property tax rates average 0.79% of assessed value, lower than the national average. The area features a mix of historic homes, new developments, and rural properties, offering diverse options for residents.
County Crime & Safety
Simpson County, KY, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. According to 2022 data, the overall crime rate stands at approximately 11.1 per 1,000 residents. Violent crime is rare, with about 1.4 incidents per 1,000 people, while property crime accounts for 9.7 per 1,000. The county sheriff’s office actively reports incidents and emphasizes community policing. Simpson County is considered safer than 52% of U.S. counties, and residents report a strong sense of safety and prompt law enforcement response.
Popular names
- James Phillips
- Ashley Smith
- Elaine Smith
- James Forshee
- James Gregory
- Jimmy Alford
- Joseph Jones
- David Brown
- Elaine Williams
- Jackie Minnicks
- James Miller
- Jeramie Briscoe
- Megan Smith
- Timothy Gregory
- Timothy Key
- Wendell Stewart
- William Harris
- Aaron Smith
- Adam Wood
- Amanda Boyer
- Amanda Gregory
- Amelia Alford
- Andrew England
- Autumn Bryant
- Barbara Turner
- Brenda Gregory
- Carlton Hogan
- Charles Wallace
- Charles White
- Chris Alford
- Christopher Young
- Daniel White
- David Caudill
- David Moore
- David Phelps
- Debra Cook
- Erika Cowles
- Gary Gosnell
- Helen Harris
- Jada Brown
- James Carver
- James Fleming
- James Groves
- James Lockhart
- James Moore
- James West
- Jason May
- Jennifer Brown
- Jesse Johnson
- Jimmy Stafford
- John Brown
- John Rhea
- John Thompson
- Juan Tomas
- Karla Blair
- Lateasha Frierson
- Latoya Holcomb
- Lisa Gregory
- Lisa Phillips
- Mark Johnson
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