Winchester
cityWinchester, Kentucky, the county seat of Clark County, is situated roughly halfway between Lexington and Mt. Sterling. As of 2020, the city had a population of 19,134. Winchester offers a blend of small-town charm and access to larger metropolitan areas, retaining a home-town feel while providing access to outdoor adventures. The city's economy includes retail trade, manufacturing, and healthcare. Winchester is known as the "Gateway to the Mountains" and has a historic downtown district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Winchester-Clark County Industrial Development Authority supports existing industries and promotes future business investment. Winchester is known as the birthplace of beer cheese and home to Ale-8-One, Kentucky's official soft drink. The city was named after Winchester, Virginia, and was founded in 1792. Winchester offers a mix of historical attractions, cultural experiences, and outdoor recreation, contributing to its distinctive quality of life.
Winchester, Kentucky
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 21-83676
- Country
- United States
- County
- Clark County
- Region
- Lexington-Fayette Metropolitan Statistical Area
- Elevation
- 994 ft
- Total Area
- 9.25 sq mi
- Land Area
- 9.15 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.1 sq mi
- Latitude
- 37.99472
- Longitude
- -84.18417
- Neighboring Areas
- Lexington · Mt. Sterling
- Population (2020)
- 19,134
- Est. Population (2026)
- 19,530
- Median Age
- 40.1
- Median Income
- $54,378
- Poverty Rate
- 17.28%
- Family Households
- 56%
- Owner-Occupied
- 60.5%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of Winchester is 84.8% White, 4.7% Black or African American, 1.3% Asian, 4.4% Hispanic, and 4.5% Multiracial.
- Government Type
- Home-rule class city
- Governing Body
- City Commission
- School District
- Clark County Public Schools
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire & Emergency Medical Services · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Water, Sanitary, Sewer, Trash
- Unemployment Rate
- 4.7%
- Economic Profile
- Commercial · Industrial · Residential
- Employment Sectors
- Retail Trade · Manufacturing · Health Care & Social Assistance
- School Districts
- Clark County Public Schools
- Colleges & Universities
- Bluegrass Community and Technical College (Winchester Campus)
- Transportation
- Interstate 64 · US Route 60 · Kentucky Route 627 · Kentucky Route 1958 · Winchester Bypass · Public Transportation
- Utilities
- Municipal Water · Natural Gas · Electric Service · Sanitary Sewer
- Major Facilities
- Clark Regional Medical Center
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Red River Gorge · Fort Boonesborough State Park · Lower Howard's Creek Nature and Heritage Preserve · Quail Point Preserve and Recreational Hunt
- Parks & Trails
- Legacy Grove Park · Lykins Park · College Park · Clark County Bicycle Share Program
- Founded
- 1792
- Named After
- Winchester, Virginia
- Historical Significance
- Winchester has served as a major banking and commercial center, known as the "Gateway to the Mountains”.
- Key Events
- Established as county seat of Clark County in 1792 · Downtown Commercial District listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 · Birthplace of Beer Cheese