Fayette County, Kentucky

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Fayette County, Kentucky
Robert F. Stephens Courthouse, Fayette County Kentucky.jpg
Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Complex in Lexington
Map of Kentucky highlighting Fayette County
Location in the U.S. state of Kentucky
Map of the United States highlighting Kentucky
Kentucky's location in the U.S.
Founded 1780
Named for Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette
Seat Lexington
Largest city Lexington
Area
 • Total 286 sq mi (741 km2)
 • Land 284 sq mi (736 km2)
 • Water 1.9 sq mi (5 km2), 0.7%
Population (est.)
 • (2014) 310,797
 • Density 1,087/sq mi (420/km²)
Congressional district 6th
Time zone Eastern: UTC-5/-4
Website www.lexingtonky.gov

Fayette County is a county located in the U.S. Commonwealth of Kentucky. As of the 2010 census, the population was 295,803,[1] making it the second-most populous county in Kentucky. Its territory, population and government are coextensive with the city of Lexington, which also serves as county seat.[2]

Fayette County is part of the Lexington–Fayette, KY Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History

Fayette County was one of the original three counties created from the former Kentucky County, Virginia, by the Virginia Act in 1780, along with Jefferson and Lincoln counties. Together they separated from Virginia in 1792 to become the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Originally, Fayette County included land which makes up 37 present-day counties and portions of 7 others. It was reduced to its present boundaries in 1799. The county is named for the Marquis de LaFayette, who came to America to join the rebelling English colonies in the American Revolutionary War.[3][4]

On January 1, 1974, Fayette County merged its government with that of its county seat of Lexington, creating a consolidated city-county governed by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.

Geography

Sycamore tree in Fayette County, Kentucky

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 286 square miles (740 km2), of which 284 square miles (740 km2) is land and 1.9 square miles (4.9 km2) (0.7%) is water.[5]

Major highways

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Adjacent counties

Demographics

Historical population
Census Pop. %±
1790 18,410 —
1800 14,028 −23.8%
1810 21,370 52.3%
1820 23,250 8.8%
1830 25,098 7.9%
1840 22,194 −11.6%
1850 22,735 2.4%
1860 22,599 −0.6%
1870 26,656 18.0%
1880 29,023 8.9%
1890 35,698 23.0%
1900 42,071 17.9%
1910 47,715 13.4%
1920 54,664 14.6%
1930 68,543 25.4%
1940 78,899 15.1%
1950 100,746 27.7%
1960 131,906 30.9%
1970 174,323 32.2%
1980 204,165 17.1%
1990 225,366 10.4%
2000 260,512 15.6%
2010 295,803 13.5%
Est. 2014 310,797 [6] 5.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[7]
1790-1960[8] 1900-1990[9]
1990-2000[10] 2010-2013[1]

As of the census[11] of 2000, there were 260,512 people, 108,288 households, and 62,915 families residing in the county. The population density was 916 people per square mile (354/km²). There were 116,167 housing units at an average density of 408 per square mile (158/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 81.04% White, 13.48% Black or African American, 0.19% Native American, 2.46% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.21% from other races, and 1.58% from two or more races. 3.29% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 108,288 households out of which 27.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.50% were married couples living together, 11.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.90% were non-families. 31.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the county the population was spread out with 21.30% under the age of 18, 14.60% from 18 to 24, 33.20% from 25 to 44, 20.90% from 45 to 64, and 10.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 96.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.30 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $39,813, and the median income for a family was $53,264. Males had a median income of $36,166 versus $26,964 for females. The per capita income for the county was $23,109. About 8.20% of families and 12.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.30% of those under age 18 and 8.60% of those age 65 or over.

Education

Public high schools

Schools in the county are operated by Fayette County Public Schools.

Private middle and elementary schools

Private high schools

Colleges and universities

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Communities

Hemp production was a major crop

City

Unincorporated communities

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Historically black hamlets

  • Bracktown
  • Cadentown
  • Jimtown
  • Smithtown
  • Little Georgetown
  • Pralltown

See also

References

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External links

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