Lyon County
countyLyon County, Kentucky, situated in the western part of the state, is a blend of rural charm and recreational opportunities. As of 2024, the population is estimated to be around 9,078. The county is characterized by its proximity to Lake Barkley and the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, making it a popular destination for tourism, vacations, and retirement. Lyon County's economy is diverse, with key sectors including agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. The presence of the Eddyville Riverport also contributes to the local economy, supporting agricultural-related businesses. Additionally, the county is home to multiple state correctional facilities, which serve as major employers. What sets Lyon County apart is its rich history and natural beauty. Established in 1854 and named after Congressman Chittenden Lyon, the county has a unique story tied to the construction of Barkley Dam, which led to the relocation of Eddyville. Today, Lyon County offers a high quality of life with its outdoor recreation, affordable cost of living, and strong sense of community.
Lyon County, Kentucky
- Classification
- County
- Country
- United States
- County
- Lyon County
- Region
- Western Kentucky
- Total Area
- 257 sq mi
- Land Area
- 214 sq mi
- Water Area
- 43 sq mi
- Latitude
- 37.058964
- Longitude
- -88.113643
- Notable Features
- Lake Barkley · Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
- Neighboring Areas
- Crittenden County · Caldwell County · Trigg County · Marshall County · Livingston County
- Population (2020)
- 8,680
- Est. Population (2024)
- 9,078
- Median Age
- 47.8
- Median Income
- $64,464
- Poverty Rate
- 10.6%
- Family Households
- 61.1%
- Owner-Occupied
- 80.8%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county was 87.8% White, 6.9% Black or African American, 2.7% Two or More Races, 1.0% Asian, and 1.8% Hispanic or Latino.
- Government Type
- Fiscal Court
- Governing Body
- Lyon County Fiscal Court
- Body Size
- 4 members
- School District
- Lyon County School District
- Municipal Services
- Road work · Economic development · Animal control · Emergency & disaster coordination · Tourism promotion
- Unemployment Rate
- 3.7%
- Economic Profile
- Agriculture · Tourism · Correctional Facilities
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Public Administration · Transportation & Warehousing · Manufacturing
- Major Employers
- Kentucky State Penitentiary · Ross-Cash Correctional Complex · Western Kentucky Correctional Complex · D&D Industries Inc. · Buchanan Logging
- Schools
- 3
- Students
- 973
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 21:1
- School Districts
- Lyon County Public Schools
- Transportation
- Interstate access · KY 819 · KY 93
- Utilities
- Electric · Gas · Fiber internet
- Major Facilities
- Kentucky State Penitentiary · Ross-Cash Correctional Complex · Western Kentucky Correctional Complex
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area · Lake Barkley · Venture River Water Park
- Parks & Trails
- Lee S. Jones Park · Mineral Mound State Park · Old Kuttawa Park · Trailhead Pavilion · Playground Pavilion
- Founded
- 1854
- Named After
- Chittenden Lyon
- Historical Significance
- Lyon County's history is intertwined with the development of the Land Between the Lakes area and the impact of infrastructure projects like Barkley Dam.
- Key Events
- Formation from Caldwell County · Relocation of Eddyville due to Barkley Dam construction