Jefferson County, Kentucky - Misplaced Pages

(Redirected from Jefferson County, KY) County in Kentucky, United States

Consolidated city-county in Kentucky

Jefferson County
Consolidated city-county
Jefferson County Courthouse (now Louisville Metro Hall) in downtown Louisville
Seal
Location within the U.S. state of Kentucky
Kentucky's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 38°11′N 85°40′W / 38.19°N 85.66°W / 38.19; -85.66
Country	United States
State	Kentucky
Founded	1780
Named for	Thomas Jefferson
Seat	Louisville
Largest city	Louisville
Area
• Total	398 sq mi (1,030 km)
• Land	380 sq mi (1,000 km)
• Water	17 sq mi (40 km) 4.3%
Population
• Total	782,969
• Estimate	772,144
• Density	2,000/sq mi (760/km)
Time zone	UTC−5 (Eastern)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional districts	3rd, 2nd
Website	louisvilleky.gov

Jefferson County is a county located in the north central portion of the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 782,969. It is the most populous county in the commonwealth (with more than twice the population of second ranked Fayette County).

Since a city-county merger in 2003, the county's territory, population and government have been coextensive with the city of Louisville, which also serves as county seat. The administrative entity created by this merger is the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government, abbreviated to Louisville Metro.

Jefferson County is the anchor of the Louisville-Jefferson County, KY-IN Metropolitan Statistical Area, locally referred to as Kentuckiana.

History

Jefferson County—originally Jefferson County, Virginia—was established by the Virginia General Assembly in June 1780, when it abolished and partitioned Kentucky County into three counties: Fayette, Jefferson and Lincoln. Named for Thomas Jefferson, who was governor of Virginia at the time, it was one of Kentucky's nine original counties on June 1, 1792.

In 1778, during the American Revolutionary War, George Rogers Clark's militia and 60 civilian settlers, established the first American settlement in the county on Corn Island in the Ohio River, at head of the Falls of the Ohio. They moved to the mainland the following year, establishing Louisville.

Richard Mentor Johnson, the 9th Vice President of the United States, was born in Jefferson County in 1780, while the family was living in a settlement along the Beargrass Creek.

The last major American Indian raid in present-day Jefferson County was the Chenoweth Massacre on July 17, 1789.

Government

Whenever possible, the metro government generally avoids any self-reference including the name "Jefferson County" and has even renamed the Jefferson County Courthouse as Metro Hall.

Prior to the 2003 merger, the head of local government was the County Judge/Executive, a post that still exists but now has few powers. The office is currently held by Queenie Averette.

Local government is effectively now led by the Mayor of Louisville Metro, Craig Greenberg.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 398 square miles (1,030 km), of which 380 square miles (980 km) is land and 17 square miles (44 km) (4.3%) is water. The Ohio River forms its northern boundary with the state of Indiana.

The highest point is South Park Hill, elevation 902 feet (275 m), located in the southern part of the county. The lowest point is 383 feet (117 m) along the Ohio River just north of West Point.

Adjacent counties

Bullitt County (south)
Shelby County (east)
Oldham County (northeast)
Spencer County (southeast)
Hardin County (southwest)
Clark County, Indiana (north)
Harrison County, Indiana (west)
Floyd County, Indiana (northwest)

Infrastructure

Major highways

Demographics

Historical population
Census	Pop.	%±
1790	4,765	—
1800	8,754	83.7%
1810	13,399	53.1%
1820	20,768	55.0%
1830	23,979	15.5%
1840	36,346	51.6%
1850	59,831	64.6%
1860	89,404	49.4%
1870	118,953	33.1%
1880	146,010	22.7%
1890	188,598	29.2%
1900	232,549	23.3%
1910	262,920	13.1%
1920	286,369	8.9%
1930	355,350	24.1%
1940	385,392	8.5%
1950	484,615	25.7%
1960	610,947	26.1%
1970	695,055	13.8%
1980	685,004	−1.4%
1990	664,937	−2.9%
2000	693,604	4.3%
2010	741,096	6.8%
2020	782,969	5.7%
2023 (est.)	772,144	−1.4%
U.S. Decennial Census 1790–1960 1900–1990 1990–2000 2010–2020

2020 census

**Jefferson County, Kentucky – Racial and Ethnic Composition**
(*NH = Non-Hispanic*)
*Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.*
Race / Ethnicity	Pop 2000	Pop 2010	Pop 2020	% 2000	% 2010	% 2020
White alone (NH)	530,056	522,561	490,251	76.42%	70.51%	62.61%
Black or African American alone (NH)	130,003	152,451	167,067	18.74%	20.57%	21.34%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)	1,409	1,492	1,441	0.20%	0.20%	0.18%
Asian alone (NH)	9,562	16,171	26,944	1.38%	2.18%	3.44%
Pacific Islander alone (NH)	224	403	559	0.03%	0.05%	0.07%
Some Other Race alone (NH)	1,143	1,255	3,707	0.16%	0.17%	0.47%
Mixed Race/Multi-Racial (NH)	8,837	14,221	33,979	1.27%	1.92%	4.34%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)	12,370	32,542	59,021	1.78%	4.39%	7.54%
Total	693,604	741,096	782,969	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

As of the census of 2000, there were 693,604 people, 287,012 households, and 183,113 families residing in the county. The population density was 1,801 per square mile (695/km). There were 305,835 housing units at an average density of 794 per square mile (307/km). The racial makeup of the county was 77.38% White, 18.88% Black or African American, 0.22% Native American, 1.39% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.68% from other races, and 1.42% from two or more races. 1.78% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 287,012 households, out of which 29.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.20% were married couples living together, 14.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.20% were non-families. 30.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.30% under the age of 18, 8.90% from 18 to 24, 30.40% from 25 to 44, 22.80% from 45 to 64, and 13.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.60 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $54,357 (2018), and the median income for a family was $49,161 (2005). Males had a median income of $36,484 versus $26,255 for females (2005). The per capita income for the county was $31,980 (2018). About 14.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.1% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over (2018).

Communities

Since the formation of Louisville Metro on January 6, 2003, residents of the cities below also became citizens of the newly expanded Metro, but none of the incorporated places dissolved in the process. The functions formerly served by the county government for the towns were assumed by Louisville Metro. However, the former City of Louisville was effectively absorbed into the new city-county government.

† Formerly a census-designated place in the county, but, in 2003, these places became, according to local media, neighborhoods within the city limits of Louisville Metro.

Politics

United States presidential election results for Jefferson County, Kentucky
Year	Republican		Democratic		Third party(ies)
Year	No.	%	No.	%	No.	%
2024	144,553	40.64%	203,070	57.09%	8,099	2.28%
2020	150,646	38.84%	228,358	58.87%	8,886	2.29%
2016	143,768	40.72%	190,836	54.05%	18,496	5.24%
2012	148,423	43.60%	186,181	54.69%	5,808	1.71%
2008	153,957	43.38%	196,435	55.34%	4,544	1.28%
2004	164,566	48.75%	170,158	50.41%	2,845	0.84%
2000	145,052	47.97%	149,901	49.58%	7,409	2.45%
1996	114,860	41.03%	144,207	51.52%	20,846	7.45%
1992	116,566	37.63%	152,728	49.30%	40,499	13.07%
1988	139,711	52.01%	127,936	47.63%	982	0.37%
1984	167,640	57.66%	122,133	42.01%	977	0.34%
1980	127,254	47.97%	125,844	47.44%	12,188	4.59%
1976	130,262	50.21%	122,731	47.31%	6,452	2.49%
1972	142,436	60.41%	88,143	37.39%	5,185	2.20%
1968	95,942	43.09%	90,242	40.53%	36,473	16.38%
1964	80,951	35.53%	146,023	64.09%	849	0.37%
1960	118,575	50.30%	117,180	49.70%	0	0.00%
1956	119,262	58.49%	83,483	40.94%	1,172	0.57%
1952	99,069	54.60%	81,642	44.99%	736	0.41%
1948	69,645	47.42%	70,756	48.18%	6,456	4.40%
1944	60,905	43.01%	80,236	56.66%	480	0.34%
1940	66,052	40.97%	94,710	58.75%	456	0.28%
1936	53,043	37.26%	85,748	60.23%	3,583	2.52%
1932	67,137	47.58%	72,402	51.31%	1,557	1.10%
1928	97,803	60.14%	64,472	39.65%	338	0.21%
1924	61,768	52.53%	50,409	42.87%	5,409	4.60%
1920	68,202	54.32%	56,046	44.64%	1,301	1.04%
1916	28,386	48.68%	28,840	49.46%	1,088	1.87%
1912	3,519	6.73%	24,100	46.08%	24,686	47.20%
1908	27,180	49.69%	26,186	47.87%	1,334	2.44%
1904	21,664	47.14%	22,781	49.57%	1,514	3.29%
1900	24,906	53.52%	21,107	45.36%	523	1.12%
1896	29,107	61.57%	16,707	35.34%	1,458	3.08%
1892	13,454	38.13%	20,919	59.29%	909	2.58%
1888	12,863	42.05%	17,535	57.32%	193	0.63%
1884	8,709	42.69%	11,266	55.23%	424	2.08%
1880	8,746	37.61%	13,970	60.08%	536	2.31%

Like most urban counties nationwide, Jefferson County is currently a Democratic stronghold.

Jefferson County has voted for the Democratic candidate in every presidential election since 1992. In the 2019 gubernatorial election, it voted for Democrat Andy Beshear by a higher percentage than any other county in Kentucky, giving him 67% of the vote.

Education

The public school districts for the county are: Jefferson County School District (JCPS) and Anchorage Independent School District. The Anchorage district only covers grades K-8; Anchorage district residents may attend JCPS or Oldham County Schools.

Kentucky School for the Blind, a state-operated school, is in Louisville.

References

^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on May 17, 2022. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
"Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government Code of Ordinances". American Legal Publishing Corporation. Archived from the original on July 1, 2014. Retrieved August 19, 2014.
"Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government Code of Ordinances § 10.06 DEFINITIONS". American Legal Publishing Corporation. Archived from the original on August 20, 2014. Retrieved August 19, 2014.
The Register of the Kentucky State Historical Society, Volume 1. Kentucky State Historical Society. 1903. pp. 35.
"Richard M. Johnson, 9th Vice Pres. of the USA". geni_family_tree. October 17, 1781. Archived from the original on July 3, 2018. Retrieved July 3, 2018.
Shafer, Sheldon (September 14, 2014). "Beshear appoints Averette as judge-exec". The Courier-Journal. Archived from the original on January 31, 2024. Retrieved October 8, 2016.
"2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on August 12, 2014. Retrieved August 16, 2014.
"Groundwater Resources of Jefferson County, Kentucky – Topography". Groundwater Resources in Kentucky. Kentucky Geological Survey. Archived from the original on April 21, 2017. Retrieved April 20, 2017.
Kleber, John (2001). The Encyclopedia of Louisville. University Press of Kentucky. pp. 888–889. ISBN 9780813121000.
"Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 18, 2022. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
"U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 1, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
"Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Archived from the original on August 11, 2012. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 24, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
"Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
"P004 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Jefferson County, Kentucky". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 31, 2024. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
"P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Jefferson County, Kentucky". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 31, 2024. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
"P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Jefferson County, Kentucky". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 31, 2024. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
"U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Archived from the original on March 23, 2018. Retrieved July 3, 2018.
The leading "other" candidate, Progressive Theodore Roosevelt, received 23,516 votes, while Socialist candidate Eugene Debs received 1,170 votes.
"2020 CENSUS – SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Jefferson County, KY" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 24, 2022. Retrieved July 23, 2022. – Text list Archived July 24, 2022, at the Wayback Machine
The specific Anchorage school boundary is here: "Appendix B: Maps Of Independent School Districts In Operation In FY 2014-FY 2015 Using 2005 Tax District Boundaries – Anchorage ISD" (PDF). Research Report No. 415 – Kentucky's Independent School Districts: A Primer. Frankfort, KY: Office of Education Accountability, Legislative Research Commission. September 15, 2015. p. 86 (PDF p. 100/174). Archived (PDF) from the original on December 10, 2020. Retrieved April 26, 2022.
"Chapter 3, Exchange of Nonresident Students with Other Districts: Districts Without High Schools" (PDF). Research Report No. 415 – Kentucky's Independent School Districts: A Primer. Frankfort, KY: Office of Education Accountability, Legislative Research Commission. September 15, 2015. pp. 49–50 (PDF p. 63–64/17). Archived (PDF) from the original on December 10, 2020. Retrieved April 26, 2022.

External links

v t e Municipalities and communities of Jefferson County, Kentucky, United States
County seat: Louisville
Cities	Anchorage Audubon Park Bancroft Barbourmeade Beechwood Village Bellemeade Bellewood Blue Ridge Manor Briarwood Broeck Pointe Brownsboro Farm Brownsboro Village Cambridge Coldstream Creekside Crossgate Douglass Hills Druid Hills Fincastle Forest Hills Glenview Glenview Hills Glenview Manor Goose Creek Graymoor-Devondale Green Spring Heritage Creek Hickory Hill Hills and Dales Hollow Creek Hollyvilla Houston Acres Hurstbourne Hurstbourne Acres Indian Hills Jeffersontown Kingsley Langdon Place Lincolnshire Louisville (balance) Lyndon Lynnview Manor Creek Maryhill Estates Meadow Vale Meadowbrook Farm Meadowview Estates Middletown Mockingbird Valley Moorland Murray Hill Norbourne Estates Northfield Norwood Old Brownsboro Place Parkway Village Plantation Poplar Hills Prospect‡ Richlawn Riverwood Rolling Fields Rolling Hills St. Matthews St. Regis Park Seneca Gardens Shively South Park View Spring Mill Spring Valley Strathmoor Manor Strathmoor Village Sycamore Ten Broeck Thornhill Watterson Park Wellington West Buechel Westwood Wildwood Windy Hills Woodland Hills Woodlawn Park Worthington Hills	Location of Jefferson County, Kentucky
Former CDPs	Buechel Fairdale Fern Creek Highview Newburg Okolona Pleasure Ridge Park St. Dennis Valley Station
Footnotes	‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties
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38°11′N 85°40′W / 38.19°N 85.66°W / 38.19; -85.66

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