SOMERSET, KENTUCKY

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'Somerset' is a city in Pulaski County, Kentucky, United States. The city population was 11,352 at the 2000 census; with over 50,000 if residents within a three mile radius of the city limits are included.

Contents

History

Future growth

Geography

Demographics

Local schools

Famous citizens

External links

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 they 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. .

Future growth

Somerset is poised to become the largest urban area in the south-central region of Kentucky, due largely in part for being just close enough to neighboring Lexington, Kentucky and Knoxville, Tennessee but still far enough away to provide principally for citizens of surrounding counties, both work and leisure. Likewise, the highly-anticipated arrival of Interstate 66 (west), to be built east to west across the state and to run in close proximity, will bring more traffic into Somerset and continue its city growth. Today, Somerset contains the longest continuous commercial strip outside of Kentucky's golden triangle (Louisville, Lexington, and Northern Kentucky) with U.S. Route 27, the main 'artery' through the community, being lined with restaurants, hotels, and shops for 10 miles.

Geography

Somerset is located at (37.082966, -84.609387).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 29.2 km² (11.3 mi²). 29.2 km² (11.3 mi²) of it is land and 0.09% is water.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 11,352 people, 4,831 households, and 2,845 families residing in the city. The population density was 388.9/km² (1,007.1/mi²). There were 5,428 housing units at an average density of 186.0/km² (481.5/mi²). 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. As the region continues to grow, it is anticipated that a fifth major high school will be developed. All schools are usually around state averages, although a slight increase at SHS and Somerset Christian may be noted due to smaller classroom sizes. Additionally, there is a local two-year college, Somerset Community College and technical college.

Famous citizens

★ John Sherman Cooper - former Senator and member of the Warren Commission

★ Edwin P. Morrow - Kentucky Governor, 1919-1923

★ Hal Rogers - District 5 U.S. Representative for the State of Kentucky

★ Sam Catron - Former sheriff who was assassinated

External links

★ City of Somerset Website

★ SuperSomerset

★ Commonwealth Journal

★ Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce

★ Somersplash Waterpark Website

★ Somernites Cruise Car Show

★ Southwestern High School

★ Pulaski County High School

★ Images of Somerset