Largest counties in kentucky Mean Area: 320 sq miles. 0 million. The US state Kentucky (KY) is the 26th largest state by population and 37th biggest state by area. Nationwide, the 355 largest counties made up 73 percent of total U. 9% — #14 among counties in Kentucky, #565 among all counties nationwide – 2020 population: 46,738 Top 5 Kentucky Counties in Agricultural Sales (2022 Census) Graves County - $473. Pike County: 791 sq miles. Map created using Mob Rule. Mar 18, 2025 · Weld, CO, had the largest over-the-year percentage decrease (-1. Following Pike County is the largest county in Kentucky spanning 786. Kentucky was originally a single county in Virginia, created in 1776 Because today's largest county by area, Pike County, is 788 square miles (2,041 km 2), it is only still possible to form a new county from portions of more than one existing county; McCreary County was formed in this manner, from parts of Wayne, Pulaski and Whitley counties. Smallest County in Kentucky State. 90% each year. The largest city in Kentucky, Louisville, is a "consolidated local government" under KRS 67C. A surprising number of U. 0 percent of total employment within the state. • The county with the largest average farm size was Union County at 689 acres. Median Area: 346 sq miles. The original motivation for having so many counties was to ensure that residents in the days of poor roads and horseback travel could make a round trip from their home to the county seat in a single day, as Kentucky population density by census tract (2010), showing the concentration of settlement around Jefferson, Fayette and Kenton counties. Elizabethtown's population has grown by 1. And while other parts of the country were reeling from the recent great recession, we’ve enjoyed a diverse and thriving economy. Louisville/Jefferson County is the 28th largest city in the US. County Subdivisions. Chris Light // Wikimedia Commons #15. 1 million. Kentucky has 120 counties. Christian County - $263. Pikeville is an economic hub for the region with more than 150,000 people located within a 25-mile drive. In 2023, county population ranged from 2,313 (Roberston) to 772,144 (Jefferson). A population of more than 107,000 makes us Kentucky’s sixth largest county. Jefferson – 770,185 Apr 3, 2025 · The largest county in Kentucky by area is Pike County, located in far eastern Kentucky. Jul 1, 2022 · --- #110 largest county in Kentucky, #2,616 largest county nationwide #44. Interestingly, Jefferson County is also the county that tourists most frequently visit, thanks to landmarks like the Kentucky Derby, the Louisville Slugger Museum, and the Muhammad Ali Center. Pike County (788 sq mi) is the largest county in Kentucky. 34 square miles of water area. Gallatin County: 104 sq miles. Jefferson County, the most populous, is home to more than 772,000 people. Kentucky was originally a single county in Virginia, created in 1776 Dec 17, 2024 · Essex, MA, had the largest over-the-year percentage decrease (-2. There are 493 county subdivisions in Kentucky. Jefferson had the highest average weekly wage ($1,315) among Kentucky’s largest counties. In Christian County and Fulton County, African American is the largest reported ancestry. Weekly wages in Kentucky’s three largest counties were below the national average of $1,394 in the third quarter of 2024. The county seat of Pike County is called Pikeville. Fayette County - $333. Top 10 counties with the largest urban population. With population of 760,026, Jefferson County is the most populated. Louisville is the largest city in Kentucky Because today's largest county by area, Pike County, is 788 square miles (2,041 km 2), it is only still possible to form a new county from portions of more than one existing county; McCreary County was formed in this manner, from parts of Wayne, Pulaski and Whitley counties. counties have 100% rural land-702, in fact. It is perhaps most famous for being the backdrop of the Hatfield-McCoy feud, a long-standing family conflict that captured national attention in the late 19th century. read about the Population of Kentucky # Jun 28, 2019 · As of 2024, there are a total of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Daviess County - $335. Kentucky’s largest county by population is Jefferson County, with a population of 741,096. Rank: Land Area Of these counties, Warren County had the most rapid growth with a growth rate of 14. The metropolitan areas of the Commonwealth of Kentucky include the urban statistical areas that are defined by the United States Office of Management and Budget and regions of urban population in which are defined by other organizations. The second largest city is Lexington-Fayette , with a population of 320,154, and is the 59th largest city in the US. Sep 15, 2021 · Among the three largest counties in Kentucky, employment was highest in Jefferson County (452,000) in March 2021. 9 million. I have visited 87 Counties = 72. Pike County, the largest in area, covers approximately 787. The U. S. How many counties are in Kentucky? There are 120 cities in Kentucky. Robertson County --- #45 largest county in state, #2,682 nationwide - Population density: 41. CCDs were first established in the Kentucky’s population is centered in its two largest urban areas, with Jefferson County (Louisville) at 770,000 residents and Fayette County (Lexington) at 320,000, though both have seen slight declines since 2020. What is the smallest county in Kentucky? Which is the least populated county in Kentucky? Robertson County is a county located in Dec 17, 2024 · The most populous cities in Kentucky are Louisville/Jefferson County metro government with 622,981, Lexington-Fayette at 320,154, Bowling Green with 76,212, Owensboro at 60,140, and Covington with 40,972. 7 people Apr 16, 2021 · compiled a list of the most rural counties in Kentucky using data from the U. Among them, Fayette County is the oldest one (established in 1780) while McCreary County is the youngest (established in 1912). mi. The fastest growth is occurring in smaller counties, with Robertson County and Allen County growing over 10%. 15%. It covers over 780 square miles, including a large section of the Appalachian Mountains. Louisville. Jan 5, 2023 · Largest total cumulative production by county: Pike County, 1. For those 64 counties experiencing a decline in population, the total loss was 48,700. Those losses were counterbalanced by gains in 55 counties of 163,522. Sep 22, 2020 · How many counties in Kentucky are dry? Kentucky. Russell County - 2010 to 2020 population change: +426--- #1,191 among all counties nationwide In this video, we break down the top five largest counties in Kentucky by land area! You may know a few, but do you know them all?From the vast Appalachian l There are 120 counties in the U. states of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Nov 6, 2024 · On Tuesday night, history did repeat itself: Trump again won all 120 Kentucky counties except for the state’s largest two, Jefferson and Fayette, home to the Democratic bastions of Lexington and Louisville. Oct 5, 2022 · Together, the three largest Kentucky counties accounted for 40 percent of total employment within the state. Which is the Smallest County in Kentucky? The smallest county in Kentucky (in terms of population as well as size) is Robertson County. Hardin County is a great place to live, work, grow and prosper. 1 percent of total employment within the state. 10 Largest Counties in Kentucky 1. Total County Population Growth . When it comes to size, Pike County takes the lead as the largest in Kentucky. Within Jefferson County’s private industry, health care and social assistance accounted for the largest employment share. Land area updated every 10 years. John Smith, and later expeditions during the 1770's. [4] [5] Its largest city is Cincinnati and includes surrounding counties in the U. 82% since the most recent census, and it is currently expanding at a rate of 0. This vast Hardin County area was first expored in 1766 by a hunting expedition led by Col. Which is the least populous county in Kentucky Robertson County with a population of 2,193 residents, is recognized as the Jan 13, 2025 · By law the fiscal court may either be consisting of three commissioners or judges of the county. ) and the smallest in the area is Robertson County. — #29 largest county in state, #2,431 nationwide – Population density: 37. This is list of Kentucky Counties and County Seats in alphabetical order along with check their population, areas and the date of formation. Counties visited are colored-in; counties still needing to be visited are blank. 5% of Counties in Kentucky. 7 counties had populations of more than 100,000; 35 counties had populations of more than 30,000; A majority of counties (63%) had a population of less than 25,000 Because today's largest county by area, Pike County, is 788 square miles (2,041 km 2), it is now impossible to create a new county from a single existing county under the current constitution. Major Cities of Kentucky State and Their Locations 1. List of Counties in Kentucky with County Seats Jun 17, 2019 · • Christian County had the most land in farms in 2017 – 345,581 acres. Conversely, Gallatin County is the smallest, with only about 100 square miles o Jun 7, 2024 · Most and least populated counties in Kentucky. Together, the three largest Kentucky counties accounted for 40. It is the 1430th largest city in the United States and the 9th largest city in Kentucky, with a projected population of 31,966 in 2022. [7] As of the 1980s the only counties in the United States where over half of the population cited " English " as their only ancestry group were all in the hills of eastern Kentucky (and made up virtually every county in this region). Approximately 41 percent of the state’s urban population live in the two largest counties – Jefferson and Fayette. Dec 17, 2024 · The most populous counties in Kentucky are Jefferson County with 772,144, Fayette County at 320,154, Kenton County with 171,321, Warren County at 142,229, and Boone County with 140,496. 3 percent). The county with the lowest population in the state of Kentucky is Robertson County, which has a population of 2,315. 66 square miles, while Pulaski County secures the position as the third largest county in Kentucky. 34 Source: U. Nationwide, the 343 largest counties made up 72. Within Jefferson County’s private industry, health care and social assistance accounted for the largest employment. Lexington and Fayette County are completely merged and there are no separate incorporated cities within the county. Oct 17, 2024 · Originally part of Virginia, Kentucky became the first state west of the Appalachian Mountains in 1792. The Cincinnati metropolitan area (also known as the Cincinnati Tri-State area or Greater Cincinnati) is a metropolitan area with its core in Ohio and Kentucky. TOP-5 counties by population in Kentucky: Jefferson County; Fayette County; Nov 26, 2024 · Fifty-nine percent of Kentucky’s population live in urban areas; however, this population is concentrated to only a few counties in the state. Jan 2, 2025 · The largest city in Kentucky is Louisville/Jefferson County, with a population of 622,981. It has a rich history in horse racing and bourbon production. Sep 12, 2023 · Kentucky has a total of 120 counties, making it one of the states with the most counties in the United States. Sep 16, 2020 · Among the three largest counties in Kentucky, employment was highest in Jefferson (465,600) in March 2020. The biggest county by land area is Pike County (2,041 km²) and the smallest Jefferson County is the largest county in Kentucky with a population of 780,449. Feb 2, 2025 · Some of the counties in Kentucky with the largest bucks include Ballard, Edmonson, Grayson, Hopkins, Knox, and Union. Show Results on Map. Prior to 1793, the Hardin County land area was located entirely in Nelson County (1784) and Jefferson County (1780). While Jefferson County draws many visitors for its urban attractions, Fayette County also garners attention due to its significant historical relevance. Nelson County – 2010 to 2020 population change: 4,215 — #676 among all counties nationwide – 2010 to 2020 percent population change: +9. A total of 120 results found. 82%. Together, Kentucky’s large counties accounted for 40. You can get the most current Census population data for all 120 Kentucky counties , sorted from the most populous counties in Kentucky to the least, according Aug 4, 2023 · Pike County -- the Largest County in Kentucky (in Area) Pike County is where you will find the easternmost point in Kentucky. In 1793 it was the fourth largest county in Kentucky. Kentucky was originally a single county in Virginia, created in 1776 Oct 8, 2021 · The other counties are each governed by a county judge executive and a board of commissioners. The least populous county was Pickett County (5,108) and the smallest in area was Trousdale County, covering 114 sq mi (295 km 2). Five other counties had more than 250,000 acres in farms – Logan (276,309), Breckinridge (275,105), Warren (262,198), Barren (253,834), and Graves (251,192). Trump won Kentucky by 30. Despite ranking 37th in size by area, Kentucky has 120 counties, fourth among states (including Virginia's independent cities). Mean and Median Area of Counties in Kentucky State. 7 percentage points according to unofficial results, a larger margin than his two previous victories. Sep 13, 2022 · Elizabethtown is the seat of Hardin County in north-central Kentucky. Because today's largest county by area, Pike County, is 788 square miles (2,041 km 2), it is only still possible to form a new county from portions of more than one existing county; McCreary County was formed in this manner, from parts of Wayne, Pulaski and Whitley counties. The population in one county – Graves County – remained the same. 22 square miles, with an additional 2. #2. Population: 782,969 (2020 Census) Area Codes: 502; ZIP Codes: 40023-40299; County Seat With a 322,570 resident population Fayette County, KY ranks as the second most populated county in the state. Kenton County with a population of 169,064 residents claims the third largest county by population in Kentucky. Gallatin County (99 sq mi) is the smallest county in Kentucky. Because today's largest county by area, Pike County, is 788 square miles (2,041 km 2), it is only still possible to form a new county from portions of more than one existing county; McCreary County was formed in this manner, from parts of Wayne, Pulaski and Whitley counties. Census Bureau. Commonwealth of Kentucky. Jefferson had the highest average weekly wage ($1,343) among Kentucky’s largest counties. Census Bureau, data file from Geography Division based on the TIGER/Geographic Identification Code Scheme (TIGER/GICS) computer file. Growing Because today's largest county by area, Pike County, is 788 square miles (2,041 km 2), it is only still possible to form a new county from portions of more than one existing county; McCreary County was formed in this manner, from parts of Wayne, Pulaski and Whitley counties. Kentucky consists of 120 counties, each of which is an administrative region of the state. Large county average weekly wages. Kentucky City Facts. Kentucky’s 10 largest cities are: Dec 11, 2022 · The most populous county in Kentucky is Jefferson County ( 0. As far as the largest bucks, hunting enthusiasts have most recently reported numerous big bucks taken from Ballard County, particularly around the Kuttawa and Cave-in-Rock areas. They are all census county divisions (CCDs), which are delineated for statistical purposes, have no legal function, and are not governmental units. Following Pike County, Christian County ranks as the second largest in terms of land area, covering 717. Notable Kentucky Counties Pike County Pikeville, Kentucky. Since the last census in 2010, Robertson County has had a growth rate of -6. 8 million Pikeville has a population of approximately 7,000 and is the county seat of Pike County, the largest county in Kentucky. Weekly wages in all of Kentucky’s three largest counties were below the national average of $1,390 in the second quarter of 2024. 78 million) and the least populated is Robertson County. [1] The original motivation for having so many counties was to ensure that residents in the days of poor roads and horseback travel could make a round trip from their home to the county seat in a single day Jun 15, 2021 · Stacker compiled a list of the most rural counties in Kentucky using data from the U. Jefferson County (760,026) is the most populated county in Kentucky. Stacker compiled a list of the most rural counties in Kentucky using data from the U. state of Kentucky has 120 Counties. The median county population in Kentucky was 19,686. Oct 17, 2023 · GENERAL INFO. (As of February 2020)Of the 120 counties in Kentucky, 11 counties are dry, 53 are wet, and the remaining 56 are either “moist” or dry with special circumstances. . 3 percent of total U. What are the 5 Biggest Counties in Kentucky by Population? In terms of population (2020), the biggest counties in Kentucky are Jefferson, Fayette, Kenton, Boone, and Warren counties. The second largest, Lexington, is an "urban-county government" under KRS 67A. Robertson County (2,197) is the least populated county in Kentucky. Pike County is located in the eastern part of Kentucky and is the largest county in the state by land area. Kentucky: 2020 Core Based Statistical Areas and Counties Bowling Green-Glasgow Louisville/ Je˜erson County--Elizabethtown--Bardstown Lexington-Fayette--Richmond--Frankfort Paducah-Mayfield Charleston-Huntington-Ashland Cincinnati-Wilmington-Maysville TENNESSEE OHIO ILLINOIS INDIANA VIRGINIA MISSOURI WEST VIRGINIA NORTH CAROLINA Clarksville Feb 6, 2020 · There are 120 Counties in Kentucky – “The Bluegrass State“ Also be sure to see my United States County Counting Page for the rest of the states. Population in more than half of Kentucky counties declined from 2010-2017. Any county to be created in this manner will necessarily reduce the land area of the old county to less than 400 square miles (1,000 km 2 ). McLean County - $282. 6 square miles (2,040 km 2 ). Kentucky Counties with the Fewest Residents. The Largest county by Land Area in Kentucky is Pike County (788 sq. Kentucky was originally a single county in Virginia, created in 1776 As of 2024, Shelby County was both Tennessee's most populous county, with 910,530 residents, and the largest county in area, covering an area of 755 sq mi (1,955 km 2). There are 120 counties in the U. In terms of area, Pike County is the largest occupying an area of Sep 15, 2021 · Together, the three largest Kentucky counties accounted for 40. This Kentucky county map displays its 120 counties like Jefferson, Fayette and Kenton county. employment. Named for General Zebulon Pike, the same guy Pike's Peak in Colorado is named after, Pike County has a population of 58,669 and a land area of 789 square miles. Employment and wage levels (but not over-the-year changes) are also available for the 117 counties in Kentucky with employment below 75,000. Value for Kentucky (Square Miles): 39,486. Largest County in Kentucky State. Jefferson County County Facts. 8 million. Kentucky has 120 counties ranking it the 4th state with the most counties in USA. An enlargeable map of the 120 counties of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. 1 percent). Kentucky was originally a single county in Virginia, created in 1776 Kentucky Land Area County Rank. The two-class system went into effect on January 1, 2015, following the 2014 passage of House Bill 331 by the Kentucky General Assembly and the bill's signing into law by Governor Steve Beshear. 33 billion tons, 1904–2001 Back to "Kentucky Coal Information" 310 Columbia Ave, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0107 Feb 27, 2022 · — #8 largest county in Kentucky, #645 largest county nationwide. County Population Facts. yzpjf heptmj gor vmbqkhvzs xgnjghpq ltnr ekqfg yekxa fdkvq mptsow addhs dwadwb mety qmajw hyalnmz