Named for Benjamin Franklin Largest city Frankfort Time zone Eastern: UTC-5/-4 Area 549.1 km² Population 49,648 (2013) University Kentucky State University | Seat Frankfort Congressional district 6th Website franklincounty.ky.gov Founded 1794 Cities Frankfort | |
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Rivers Kentucky River, Elkhorn Creek, Benson Creek, Flat Creek Points of interest Buffalo Trace Distillery, Kentucky State Capitol, Old Statehouse, Floral clock, Cove Spring Park | ||
Franklin County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2010 census, the population was 49,285. Its county seat is Frankfort, the state capital. The county was formed in 1795 from parts of Woodford, Mercer and Shelby counties, and was named after the American inventor and statesman Benjamin Franklin.
Contents
- Map of Franklin County KY USA
- History
- Geography
- Major highways
- Adjacent counties
- Government and politics
- Demographics
- Education
- Franklin County Public Schools
- Frankfort Independent Schools
- Private schools
- University
- Parks
- Communities
- References
Map of Franklin County, KY, USA
Franklin County is part of the Frankfort, Kentucky Micropolitan Statistical Area.
History
The three original counties of Kentucky (Jefferson, Fayette and Lincoln counties) intersected in what is today Franklin County. Franklin County was established in 1795 from land given by Mercer, Shelby, and Woodford counties. Franklin was the 18th Kentucky county in order of formation.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 212 square miles (550 km2), of which 208 square miles (540 km2) is land and 4.3 square miles (11 km2) (2.0%) is water.
Major highways
Adjacent counties
Government and politics
Franklin County's voter registration is overwhelmingly Democratic. Registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by a ratio of more than 4 to 1. However, in national elections the county has supported both Democrats and Republicans. In 2000 Democrat Al Gore won 50% of the vote to Republican George W. Bush's 47%. In 2004, Bush won 50% of the vote to Democrat John Kerry's 48%. In 2008 Republican John McCain defeated Democrat Barack Obama 49.47% to 48.87%, a difference of only 144 votes.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 47,687 people, 19,907 households, and 12,840 families residing in the county. The population density was 227 per square mile (88/km2). There were 21,409 housing units at an average density of 102 per square mile (39/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 87.98% White, 9.36% Black or African American, 0.13% Native American, 0.72% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.55% from other races, and 1.24% from two or more races. 1.11% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 19,907 households out of which 29.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.70% were married couples living together, 12.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.50% were non-families. 30.40% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.86.
22.60% of the population was under the age of 18, 9.70% from 18 to 24, 30.50% from 25 to 44, 24.90% from 45 to 64, and 12.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 93.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.70 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $40,011, and the median income for a family was $51,052. Males had a median income of $32,826 versus $26,201 for females. The per capita income for the county was $21,229. About 6.90% of families and 10.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.80% of those under age 18 and 12.20% of those age 65 or over.
Education
The county is served by two public school districts: Franklin County Public Schools and Frankfort Independent Schools.
Franklin County Public Schools
This district takes in almost all of the county, including the majority of the city of Frankfort. It operates the following schools:
Frankfort Independent Schools
This district serves an area roughly covering the Frankfort neighborhoods known as "downtown", South Frankfort (the vicinity of the state capitol building), and Bellepoint. It operates two schools: