In Madison County, Coroner Jimmy Cornelison says some coroners don’t even have basic facilities.
“I’m fortunate that I have a nice facility that’s provided for me, and you know, but there’s people that don’t have anything. And it’s tough. It’s tough on them,” Cornelison said.
Despite these demands, many coroners across Kentucky make significantly less than other county officials. In 2025, two coroners made less than $5,000 a year. Twenty-seven made $10,000 or less. Sixty-eight made $20,000 or less. Eighty-nine made $30,000 or less. The average salary statewide was $24,000.
Ginn and his committee of 5 other coroners in Kentucky are pushing for House Bill 138, which would put coroners on the same pay structure as other county officials based on population and years of service.
Credit: Molly Demrow/LEX18
