Pulaski County, Kentucky
Encyclopedia
Pulaski County is a county located in the U.S. state
of Kentucky
. The population was 63,063 in the 2010 Census. Its county seat
is Somerset
6. The county is named for Count
Kazimierz Pułaski. Most of the county is a prohibition or dry county
. The exceptions are a winery in northeastern Pulaski County (Sinking Valley Vineyards) that sells wine to the public, and the City of Burnside
allows restaurants that seat over 100 patrons to serve alcoholic beverages by the drink.
of 2000, there were 56,217 people, 22,719 households, and 16,334 families residing in the county. The population density
was 85 /sqmi. There were 27,181 housing units at an average density of 41 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the county was 97.48% White
, 1.07% Black
or African American
, 0.22% Native American
, 0.37% Asian
, 0.02% Pacific Islander
, 0.17% from other races
, and 0.67% from two or more races. 0.81% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. However, there is a growing influx of immigrants, mainly illegal, who are not constituted in this census. In the past 10 years, the growing Hispanic population is overwhelmingly evident.
There were 22,719 households out of which 31.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.50% were married couples
living together, 10.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.10% were non-families. 24.90% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.87.
In the county the population was spread out with 23.40% under the age of 18, 8.00% from 18 to 24, 28.60% from 25 to 44, 24.90% from 45 to 64, and 15.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 95.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.90 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $27,370, and the median income for a family was $32,350. Males had a median income of $27,398 versus $19,236 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $15,352. About 14.80% of families and 19.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.90% of those under age 18 and 16.60% of those age 65 or over.
There are also several private schools in the county.
, is one of 16 two-year, open-admissions colleges of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System
. The college offers academic, general education, and technical curricula leading to certificates, diplomas, and associate's degrees. The college's Somerset Campus is located in Pulaski County.
is located in Pulaski County, on the southern end of Somerset's US 27 business district. The airport is owned by the city of Somerset and Pulaski County. It also serves the area around Lake Cumberland. It is mostly used for general aviation, and from late 2008 until February 2010, was served by one commercial airline, Locair. Currently, the $3 million federally-funded passenger terminal is not in use.
The airport was renamed in 2008; it was formerly known as Somerset-Pulaski County Airport or J.T. Wilson Field.[3]
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Kentucky
Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
. The population was 63,063 in the 2010 Census. Its county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Somerset
Somerset, Kentucky
The major demographic differences between the city and the micropolitan area relate to income, housing composition and age. The micropolitan area, as compared to the incorporated city, is more suburban in flavor and has a significantly younger housing stock, a higher income, and contains most of...
6. The county is named for Count
Count
A count or countess is an aristocratic nobleman in European countries. The word count came into English from the French comte, itself from Latin comes—in its accusative comitem—meaning "companion", and later "companion of the emperor, delegate of the emperor". The adjective form of the word is...
Kazimierz Pułaski. Most of the county is a prohibition or dry county
Dry county
A dry county is a county in the United States whose government forbids the sale of alcoholic beverages. Some prohibit off-premises sale, some prohibit on-premises sale, and some prohibit both. Hundreds of dry counties exist across the United States, almost all of them in the South...
. The exceptions are a winery in northeastern Pulaski County (Sinking Valley Vineyards) that sells wine to the public, and the City of Burnside
Burnside, Kentucky
Burnside is a city in Pulaski County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 637 at the 2000 census. In 2005, Burnside became the only town in Pulaski County or any adjoining county to allow the sale of alcoholic beverages in qualified establishments...
allows restaurants that seat over 100 patrons to serve alcoholic beverages by the drink.
Geography
According to the 2000 census, the county has a total area of 677.05 square miles (1,753.6 km²), of which 661.6 square miles (1,713.5 km²) (or 97.72%) is land and 15.45 square miles (40 km²) (or 2.28%) is water.Adjacent counties
- Lincoln CountyLincoln County, KentuckyLincoln County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. The population was 24,742 in the 2010 Cesus. Its county seat is Stanford. Lincoln is a prohibition or "dry county" and is part of the Danville Micropolitan Statistical Area.- History :...
(north) - Rockcastle CountyRockcastle County, KentuckyRockcastle County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of 2000, the population was 16,582. Its county seat is Mt. Vernon. The county is named for the Rockcastle River which runs through it...
(northeast) - Laurel CountyLaurel County, KentuckyLaurel County is a county in the U.S. state of Kentucky. The population was 58,849 in the 2010 Census. Its county seat is London.The London Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Laurel County....
(east) - McCreary CountyMcCreary County, KentuckyMcCreary County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of 2000, the population was 17,080. Its county seat is Whitley City. The county is named for James B. McCreary, a Confederate war hero and Governor of Kentucky from 1875 to 1879. It is the only Kentucky county to not have a...
(southeast) - Wayne CountyWayne County, KentuckyWayne County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of 2000, the population was 19,923. Its county seat is Monticello. The county was named for Gen. Anthony Wayne. It is a prohibition or dry county.-History:...
(southwest) - Russell CountyRussell County, KentuckyRussell County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. The population was 17,565 in the 2010 Census. Its county seat is Jamestown. The county is named for William Russell...
(west) - Casey CountyCasey County, KentuckyCasey County is a county located in the U.S. Commonwealth of Kentucky. It was formed in 1807. As of 2010, the population was 15,955. Its county seat is Liberty, Kentucky. The county is named for Colonel William Casey. It is the only Kentucky county entirely in Knobs region. Casey County is home to...
(northwest)
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 56,217 people, 22,719 households, and 16,334 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 85 /sqmi. There were 27,181 housing units at an average density of 41 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the county was 97.48% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.07% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.22% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.37% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.02% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.17% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.67% from two or more races. 0.81% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. However, there is a growing influx of immigrants, mainly illegal, who are not constituted in this census. In the past 10 years, the growing Hispanic population is overwhelmingly evident.
There were 22,719 households out of which 31.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.50% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 10.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.10% were non-families. 24.90% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.87.
In the county the population was spread out with 23.40% under the age of 18, 8.00% from 18 to 24, 28.60% from 25 to 44, 24.90% from 45 to 64, and 15.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 95.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.90 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $27,370, and the median income for a family was $32,350. Males had a median income of $27,398 versus $19,236 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $15,352. About 14.80% of families and 19.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.90% of those under age 18 and 16.60% of those age 65 or over.
Cities, towns, and major communities
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Ferguson, Kentucky Ferguson is a city in Pulaski County, Kentucky, United States, just south of downtown Somerset.-Post Office:The city has always been Ferguson, but the post office was first named Luretha for the postmaster George Wynn's daughter. There was already a post office named Ferguson so they couldn't use... Nancy, Kentucky Nancy is an unincorporated community eight miles west of the city of Somerset in Pulaski County, Kentucky.On January 19, 1862, during the American Civil War, Union forces achieved their first significant victory, defeating the Confederates at the Battle of Mill Springs near Nancy.-Landmarks:*Mill... |
Science Hill, Kentucky Science Hill is a city in Pulaski County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 634 at the 2000 census. The community was given its name by William Gragg, its first postmaster, because local scientist Wiliam Bobbitt spent time there analyzing rocks... Shopville, Kentucky Shopville is an unincorporated community in Pulaski County, Kentucky, United States. It briefly gained national prominence following the April 13, 2002 assassination of Pulaski County Sheriff Sam Catron at a political rally held by the town's fire department.... |
Somerset, Kentucky The major demographic differences between the city and the micropolitan area relate to income, housing composition and age. The micropolitan area, as compared to the incorporated city, is more suburban in flavor and has a significantly younger housing stock, a higher income, and contains most of... Etna, Kentucky Etna is an unincorporated community in Pulaski County, Kentucky, United States. It lies at an elevation of 1083 feet .... |
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K-12
Three public school districts serve the county:- Pulaski County School District
- The largest of the three districts, it serves the county outside of the city of Somerset.
- Somerset Independent School District
- Serves the city of Somerset with a elementary school (Hopkins Elementary), a middle school (Meece Middle) and a high school (Somerset High).
- Science Hill Independent School District
- Serves the city of Science Hill, with a single K-8 school. Students graduating from Science Hill can choose to attend either Pulaski County or Somerset High School.
There are also several private schools in the county.
Colleges and universities
Somerset Community CollegeSomerset Community College
Somerset Community College , located in Somerset, Kentucky, is one of 16 two-year, open-admissions colleges of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System . The college offers academic, general education, and technical curricula leading to certificates, diplomas, and associate's degrees...
, is one of 16 two-year, open-admissions colleges of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System
Kentucky Community and Technical College System
Headquartered in Versailles, Kentucky, the Kentucky Community and Technical College System comprises 16 colleges with over 68 campuses. Programs offered include associate degrees, pre-baccalaureate education to transfer to a public 4-year institution; adult education, continuing and developmental...
. The college offers academic, general education, and technical curricula leading to certificates, diplomas, and associate's degrees. The college's Somerset Campus is located in Pulaski County.
Airport
Lake Cumberland Regional AirportLake Cumberland Regional Airport
Lake Cumberland Regional Airport is a public use airport located three nautical miles south of the central business district of Somerset, a city in Pulaski County, Kentucky, United States. The airport is owned by the city of Somerset and Pulaski County. It also serves the area around Lake...
is located in Pulaski County, on the southern end of Somerset's US 27 business district. The airport is owned by the city of Somerset and Pulaski County. It also serves the area around Lake Cumberland. It is mostly used for general aviation, and from late 2008 until February 2010, was served by one commercial airline, Locair. Currently, the $3 million federally-funded passenger terminal is not in use.
The airport was renamed in 2008; it was formerly known as Somerset-Pulaski County Airport or J.T. Wilson Field.[3]
Notable residents
- Silas AdamsSilas AdamsSilas Adams was a lawyer and politician from Kentucky.-Youth:He was born in Pulaski County, Kentucky on February 9, 1839, and moved to Casey County with his parents in 1841...
, (1839–1896), born in Pulaski County, lawyer and member of the United States House of RepresentativesUnited States House of RepresentativesThe United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution... - John Sherman Cooper, (1901–1991), born in Pulaski County. Lawyer, member Kentucky House of RepresentativesKentucky House of RepresentativesThe Kentucky House of Representatives is the lower house of the Kentucky General Assembly. It is composed of 100 Representatives elected from single-member districts throughout the Commonwealth. Not more than two counties can be joined to form a House district, except when necessary to preserve...
, Pulaski County Judge, United Nations delegate, member United States SenateUnited States SenateThe United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
, U.S. Ambassador to India and Nepal, first U.S. Ambassador to the German Democratic Republic (i.e. East Germany), member Warren CommissionWarren CommissionThe President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy, known unofficially as the Warren Commission, was established on November 27, 1963, by Lyndon B. Johnson to investigate the assassination of United States President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963...
. - Vermont GarrisonVermont GarrisonVermont Garrison was a career officer in the United States Air Force, and an ace with 17.33 credited victories in aerial combat. He was one of only seven Americans to achieve ace status during World War II, then again against jet fighter opposition during the Korean War.Dubbed "the inner seven."...
, career United States Air ForceUnited States Air ForceThe United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
officer and "triple aceFlying aceA flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down several enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an "ace" has varied, but is usually considered to be five or more...
" - Rose Will Monroe, or Rosie the RiveterRosie the RiveterRosie the Riveter is a cultural icon of the United States, representing the American women who worked in factories during World War II, many of whom produced munitions and war supplies. These women sometimes took entirely new jobs replacing the male workers who were in the military...
, (1920–1997) born in Pulaski County and moved to Michigan during World War II where she helped build B-24's and B-29's for the war effort. - Edwin P. MorrowEdwin P. MorrowEdwin Porch Morrow was an American politician who served as the 40th Governor of Kentucky from 1919 to 1923. He was the only Republican elected to this office between 1907 and 1927. He championed the typical Republican causes of his day, namely equal rights for African-Americans and the use of...
, Kentucky Governor, 1919-1923. - Venus RameyVenus RameyVenus Ramey was Miss America in 1944, and was the first red-haired contestant to win the title.Ramey competed as Miss District of Columbia and worked during her reign to help win suffrage for Washington D.C. in 1945...
, Miss America, 1944 - Hal RogersHal RogersHarold Dallas "Hal" Rogers is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1981. He is a member of the Republican Party.-Early life, education, and early career:...
, (born 1937), U.S. Congressman from Kentucky - Brent Woods, (1855–1906), Sergeant, United States Army, Medal of Honor recipient.
- Harriette Simpson Arnow (1908-1986), author of Eastern Kentucky novels and histories. She and her husband Harold Arnow farmed near Burnside in the late 1930s and early 1940s.
See also
- Dry counties
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Pulaski County, KentuckyNational Register of Historic Places listings in Pulaski County, KentuckyThis is a list of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Pulaski County, Kentucky. It is intended to be a complete list of the properties and districts on the National Register of Historic Places in Pulaski County, Kentucky, United States...