The Kentucky League of Cities City Census Survey is a valuable resource designed to help city officials assess, compare, and strengthen municipal operations. Conducted statewide, the survey captures a detailed picture of how Kentucky cities function, covering topics such as daily operations, finances, public safety, community services, and local ordinances. The results give city leaders actionable insights into their operations, highlight best practices from peers, and encourage collaboration to deliver services more effectively. 

​KLC administers the 2025 City Census Survey to all cities, regardless of membership, to ensure the most complete and representative dataset possible. The 2025 survey included questions such as: 

• How does my local government communicate with the public? 
• How large is the local government’s workforce? 
• How is public safety conducted with my municipality?  
• What common ordinances are in my city? 
• How does my municipal government implement and collect the taxes/fees to fund the services it provides? 

An initial review of the results shows that the response rate for the survey was approximately 84%, with participation from cities of every size and in every region of the Commonwealth.  

The table below details the city response rate by population size. 

The City Census report will equip city leaders, state policymakers, and the public with a clearer understanding of how cities operate and the vital role they play in Kentucky’s success. 

Future articles, such as a closer look at city governance structures, an analysis of city finances, an exploration of how cities serve the community, and a review of common local ordinances, will begin to highlight the results of the survey.  

The KLC City Census Survey was completed in May 2025. A detailed report using the results of the survey and an analysis of municipal research is currently in production.