Spencer County
countySpencer County, Kentucky, nestled in the north-central part of the state, offers a blend of rural charm and growing communities. Part of the Louisville/Jefferson County Metropolitan Statistical Area, Spencer County had a population of 19,490 in 2020. The county is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities centered around Taylorsville Lake and its family-friendly atmosphere. The county's economy is diverse, with manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade representing key employment sectors. Taylorsville Lake serves as a significant economic resource, attracting tourism and recreation. Spencer County has seen considerable residential and commercial growth in recent years. Spencer County was formed in 1824 and named in honor of Captain Spier Spencer, a Kentucky militia hero who died at the Battle of Tippecanoe. Taylorsville, the county seat, was established in December 1824. The county's history is intertwined with the Civil War, during which the courthouse was burned by Confederate guerrillas, though records were saved.
Spencer County, Kentucky
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 21-215
- Country
- United States
- County
- Spencer County
- Region
- Outer Bluegrass
- Elevation
- 880 ft
- Total Area
- 192 sq mi
- Land Area
- 187 sq mi
- Water Area
- 5 sq mi
- Latitude
- 38.0278
- Longitude
- -85.311
- Climate
- The county experiences a moderate climate typical of Kentucky.
- Notable Features
- Taylorsville Lake · Salt River
- Neighboring Areas
- Shelby County · Anderson County · Nelson County · Bullitt County · Jefferson County
- Population (2020)
- 19,490
- Est. Population (2024)
- 20,823
- Median Age
- 43.3
- Median Income
- $98,333
- Poverty Rate
- 7.38%
- Owner-Occupied
- 86.6%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county is 93.2% White, 1.5% Black or African American, 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% Asian, 0.1% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 0.7% from some other race, and 5.1% from two or more races. 2.3% of the population are Hispanic or Latino.
- Government Type
- County Government
- Governing Body
- Fiscal Court
- School District
- Spencer County Public Schools
- Municipal Services
- Road Department · Recycling · Parks & Recreation · Planning & Zoning · County Clerk / Elections · Emergency Services
- Unemployment Rate
- 3.1%
- Economic Profile
- Residential · Agricultural · Tourism
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade
- Schools
- 6
- Students
- 3,324
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 22:1
- School Districts
- Spencer County Public Schools
- Transportation
- KY-44 · KY-55 · KY-248
- Utilities
- Water · Power · Broadband
- Major Facilities
- Spencer County Courthouse · Taylorsville Lake Regional Jail
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Taylorsville Lake State Park · Waterford Community Park · Ray Jewell Memorial Park
- Parks & Trails
- Hiking trails · Fishing Piers · Playgrounds
- Founded
- 1824
- Incorporated
- 1829
- Named After
- Spier Spencer
- Historical Significance
- Named for a hero of the Battle of Tippecanoe; significant growth in the early 2000s.
- Key Events
- Establishment from parts of Bullitt, Shelby, and Nelson Counties · Burning of the courthouse during the Civil War