Somerset, Kentucky
Somerset, Kentucky | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Motto(s): Welcome Home | |
 Location of Somerset in Pulaski County, Kentucky. | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Kentucky |
| County | Pulaski |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Mr.White |
| Area | |
| • Total | 11.3 sq mi (29 km2) |
| • Land | 11.3 sq mi (29 km2) |
| • Water | 0.0 sq mi (0 km2) |
| Population (2010) | |
| • Total | 11,196 |
| • Density | 990/sq mi (380/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes | 42501-42503 |
| Area code(s) | 606 |
| Website | http://www.cityofsomerset.com/ |
Somerset is a city inside the state Kentucky, It's county is Pulaski.
History[edit]
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 some of the settlers 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. Template:GR.
Geography and Climate[edit]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.3 square miles (29.2 km²), of which, 11.3 square miles (29.2 km²) of it is land and 0.09% is water.
Somerset's climate is warm during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 70's and very cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 30's. The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 25.10 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation at Somerset is 51.08 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is May with an average rainfall of 5.17 Inches. Snowfall typically occurs between the months of December and February, though on record as early as November and as late as April.
Demographics[edit]
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 11,352 people, 4,831 households, and 2,845 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,007.1 people per square mile (388.9/km²). There were 5,428 housing units at an average density of 481.5/sq mi (186.0/km²). 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 Economy[edit]
Tourism is one of most important economic aspects of Somerset, due to its proximity to Lake Cumberland and several other events that are held throughout the year. Lake Cumberland alone generates approximately $150 million dollars in revenue each year[1] . The city also holds the annual Master Musician's Festival, which has featured such performers as Sam Bush, Murder By Death, and Nickel Creek. Somerset is home to the Somernites Cruise, the largest monthly car show in the state. The Battle of Mill Springs was took place in nearby Nancy, KY and the reenactments held there often draw large crowds.
Commerce, driven in part by the area's tourism, thrives in Somerset. The city is home to a small mall and several shopping centers. Most of these stores, as well as many restaurants and hotels are located along Highway 27, making up the state's longest stretch of businesses outside of Louisville and Lexington.
Industry also plays a role in the city's economy. Somerset is home to the Valley Oak Technology Complex, a key industrial center in the state. Somerset's location along Lake Cumberland has caused it to become a major houseboat manufacturing center. Both Sumerset Houseboats and Sharpe Houseboats are located in Somerset. Somerset has recently become a major medical center, with many doctor's offices and Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital being one of the largest in the state.
Religion[edit]
Like many people in Kentucky, citizens of Somerset are typically very religious. Baptist churches are the most common and have the largest memberships, closely followed by other Protestant denominations. Somerset also has a sizable Catholic population, which has greatly increased over the past 10 years due to an influx of Mexican immigrants. Somerset is also home to a Mormon church and an Islamic mosque.
Local schools[edit]
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. The Pulaski County School System contains Pulaski County High School (PCHS) and Southwestern High School, which was built in 1993 to alleviate overcrowding.
There are several other smaller schools, including Science Hill Independent, Somerset Christian School, Saleen Christian Academy. The four main high schools are Southwestern, Pulaski County, Somerset, and Somerset Christian. Schools are usually around state averages regarding test scores. There is a local two-year college, Somerset Community College and technical college, both of which are part of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS).
Notable citizens[edit]
- 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
- Tommy Lee Wallace - American film producer, director, and screenwriter
- Colonels Harvey and Freda Parsons-Owners and operators of the famous Appaloosa and Golden Retriever "HF Ranch" at the Eastern edge of Pulaski County.
