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Somerset, Kentucky

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Somerset, Kentucky
City
Motto: 
Welcome Home
Location of Somerset, Kentucky
Location of Somerset, Kentucky
CountryUnited States
StateKentucky
CountyPulaski
Government
 • MayorEddie Girdler (Republican)
Area
 • Total
11.3 sq mi (29.2 km2)
 • Land11.3 sq mi (29.2 km2)
 • Water0.0 sq mi (0.0 km2)
Elevation
971 ft (296 m)
Population
 (2000)
 • Total
11,352
 • Density1,007.1/sq mi (388.8/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP codes
42500-42599
Area code606
FIPS code21-71688
GNIS feature ID0503873

Somerset is a city in Pulaski County, Kentucky, United States. The city population was 11,352 at the 2000 census.

History

Somerset was first settled in 1798 by Thomas Hansford and several members of the Jasper family and it received its name from Somerset County, New Jersey, the place where some of the settlers once lived. Somerset became the county seat of Pulaski County in 1802 and was incorporated as a city in 1887. The completion of Lake Cumberland in the 1950's transformed Somerset from a sleepy rural community into one of the largest recreation centers in Kentucky drawing more than 1.7 million visitors yearly, the bulk of which during the time between Memorial and Labor Day holidays. Somerset is also close to Cumberland Falls and the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Template:GR.

Geography

Somerset is located at 37°4′59″N 84°36′34″W / 37.08306°N 84.60944°W / 37.08306; -84.60944Invalid arguments have been passed to the {{#coordinates:}} function (37.082966, -84.609387)Template:GR.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.3 square miles (29.2 km²), of which, 11.3 square miles (29.2 km²) of it is land and 0.09% is water.

Demographics

As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 11,352 people, 4,831 households, and 2,845 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,007.1 people per square mile (388.9/km²). There were 5,428 housing units at an average density of 481.5/sq mi (186.0/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.16% White, 3.66% African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.71% Asian, 0.26% from other races, and 1.02% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.99% of the population. However, there is a growing influx of immigrants from Mexico and Central America, many of whom are undocumented and not counted in this census.

There were 4,831 households out of which 26.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.3% were married couples living together, 15.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.1% were non-families. 37.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.80.

In the city the population was spread out with 20.6% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 21.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 82.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $22,362, and the median income for a family was $31,226. Males had a median income of $28,536 versus $20,194 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,048. About 16.4% of families and 22.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.3% of those under age 18 and 18.9% of those age 65 or over.

Local schools

There are several schools in the county, served by two main school systems - Somerset Independent and Pulaski County. Students living within the city limits typically fall under the Somerset Independent school district. Due to continued growth, Pulaski County High School (PCHS) - once covering the whole county - split into halves, forming Southwestern Pulaski County High School in 1993. Students residing in the north and eastern parts of the county remained at PCHS. Another system, the Science Hill Independent School System, includes pre-school through eighth grade. After grade eight completion, students typically choose between the SHS and PCHS districts for the remainder of high school. There are several other smaller schools, including Somerset Christian School and other Christian schools. The four main high schools are Southwestern, Pulaski County, Somerset, and Somerset Christian. Schools are usually around state averages regarding test scores. However, SHS has maintained a significantly higher test index. There is a local two-year college, Somerset Community College and technical college.

Local Economy

Tourism is one of most important economic aspects of Somerset, due to its proximity to Lake Cumberland and several other events that are held throughout the year. Lake Cumberland alone generates approximately $150 million dollars in revenue each year[1] . The city also holds the annual Master Musician's Festival, which has featured such performers as Sam Bush, Murder By Death, and Nickel Creek. Somerset is home to the Somernites Cruise, the largest monthly car show in the state. The Battle of Mill Springs was took place in nearby Nancy, KY and the reenactments held there often draw large crowds. Industry also plays a role in the city's economy. Somerset is home to the Valley Oak Technology Complex, a key industrial center in the state. Somerset's location along Lake Cumberland has caused it to become a major houseboat manufacturing center. Both Sumerset Houseboats and Sharpe Houseboats are located in Somerset. Somerset has recently become a major medical center, with many doctor's offices and Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital being one of the largest in the state.

Famous citizens

References

  1. ^ The Governor’s Interagency Services Office for the Lake Cumberland Region 2007-2008 Report . Retrieved on 2008-04-06.
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