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Jefferson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. It was formed in 1780. As of 2000, the population was 693,604. As of 2005, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 699,827 *.
Birthplaces of United States vice-presidents
History
Jefferson County was organized in 1780 and one of the first three counties formed out of the original Kentucky County, which was still part of Virginia at the time (the other two being Fayette and Lincoln). The county is named for Thomas Jefferson, who was governor of Virginia at the time.
The last major American Indian raid in present day Jefferson County was the Chenoweth Massacre on July 17, 1789.
In 2003, its government merged with that of its largest city and county seat, Louisville, forming a new entity, the Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government (the official long form) or simply Louisville Metro (the official short form).
Prior to this merger, the head of local government was the County Judge-Executive of Jefferson County, a post that still exists but now has few powers. The current incumbent is Ken Herndon. Local government is effectively now led by the mayor of Louisville, Jerry Abramson.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,032 km² (399 mi²). 997 km² (385 mi²) of it is land and 35 km² (13 mi²) of it (3.38%) is water. The Ohio River forms its northern boundary with the state of Indiana.
The highest point is South Park Hill, elevation 902', located in the southern part of the county. The lowest point is 383' along the Ohio River just north of West Point, Kentucky.
Adjacent counties
- Clark County, Indiana (north, across the Ohio River)
- Oldham County (northeast)
- Shelby County (east)
- Spencer County (southeast)
- Bullitt County (south)
- Hardin County (southwest)
- Harrison County, Indiana (west, across the Ohio River)
- Floyd County, Indiana (northwest, across the Ohio River)
Demographics
| '''Jefferson County Population by year |
As of the census² of 2000, there were 693,604 people, 287,012 households, and 183,113 families residing in the county. The population density was 695/km² (1,801/mi²). There were 305,835 housing units at an average density of 307/km² (794/mi²). 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 $39,457, and the median income for a family was $49,161. Males had a median income of $36,484 versus $26,255 for females. The per capita income for the county was $22,352. About 9.50% of families and 12.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.10% of those under age 18 and 8.80% of those age 65 or over.
Cities and towns
NOTE: 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 have dissolved in the process. The functions formerly served by the county government for the town 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, however, in 2003, these places became neighborhoods within the city limits of Louisville Metro.
References
External links
- Jefferson County Clerks Office
- Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
- Louisville/Jefferson County Information Consortium
- Louisville Metro
Kentucky counties | Jefferson County, Kentucky | Ohio River counties
Jefferson County (Kentucky) | Condado de Jefferson (Kentucky)
"Jefferson County, Kentucky"