Washington County
countyWashington County, located in the heart of Kentucky, holds the distinction of being the first county established by the Commonwealth in 1792. With a population of approximately 12,027 residents as of the 2020 Census, the county seat is located in Springfield. The county is named in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States. Agriculture, manufacturing, and small-scale industry drive the economy of Washington County. While specific details on major employers are limited in the provided context, the county supports a mix of manufacturing, healthcare, and educational services. The median household income was $59,762 in 2023. Washington County is historically significant as the home of the family of Abraham Lincoln's mother, Nancy Hanks. The Washington County Courthouse, completed in 1816, is the oldest courthouse still in use in Kentucky. The county transitioned to "wet" in November 2024, allowing retail alcohol sales.
Washington County, Kentucky
- Classification
- County
- Country
- United States
- County
- Washington County
- Region
- Outer Bluegrass
- Elevation
- 1,020 ft
- Total Area
- 301 sq mi
- Land Area
- 297 sq mi
- Water Area
- 3.9 sq mi
- Latitude
- 37.75
- Longitude
- -85.17
- Notable Features
- Rolling hills · Pristine waters
- Neighboring Areas
- Anderson County · Boyle County · Marion County · Mercer County · Nelson County
- Population (2020)
- 12,027
- Est. Population (2024)
- 12,269
- Median Age
- 42.2
- Median Income
- $59,762
- Poverty Rate
- 12.6%
- Owner-Occupied
- 78.2%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county was 87.8% White (Non-Hispanic), 5.88% Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic), 5.2% Black or African American (Non-Hispanic), 0.389% Asian (Non-Hispanic), and 0.289% White (Hispanic).
- Unemployment Rate
- 3%
- Economic Profile
- Agriculture · Manufacturing · Small-scale industry
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Health Care & Social Assistance · Educational Services
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Lincoln Homestead State Park
- Founded
- 1792
- Named After
- George Washington
- Historical Significance
- Washington County holds historical significance as the first county formed in Kentucky and for its connection to the family of President Abraham Lincoln.
- Key Events
- County established as first in Kentucky · Courthouse completed in 1816 · Home to Abraham Lincoln's maternal family
