County of jefferson
kentucky
History & Founding
Established in 1780 from parts of Nelson and Shelby counties, this Kentucky county owes its existence to the burgeoning population and westward expansion of the late 18th century. Initially named Shelby County, the name was changed just a year later to honor Thomas Jefferson, then the Governor of Virginia and a champion of the American Revolution. Jefferson’s influence extended beyond just a namesake; he played a crucial role in negotiating Kentucky’s admission into the Union. A fascinating, albeit little-known, historical anecdote involves a supposed “lost city” believed to exist within the county's borders. Rumors persisted for decades about a pre-Native American settlement, fueled by unusual rock formations and folklore, though no definitive proof ever surfaced, adding a touch of mystery to its past. The county’s development was intrinsically linked to the growth of Louisville, its county seat, which rapidly became a vital trading hub along the Ohio River.
Geography & Landscape
Located in the heart of Kentucky, the county occupies a strategically important position in the state’s rolling bluegrass region. Its terrain is characterized by gentle hills and fertile valleys, a product of the Ohio River’s alluvial plain. The Ohio River forms its northern boundary, a significant factor in the area’s early settlement and economic development. Several creeks and streams, including Floyd’s Fork and Clear Creek, weave through the landscape. While no major mountain ranges exist within the county, the surrounding hills offer scenic vistas. The climate is humid subtropical, with warm, humid summers and mild winters. The county's landscape is a tapestry of farmland, suburban developments, and urban areas, showcasing a diverse mix of natural beauty and human activity.
Economy & Communities
The county is a complex blend of urban and suburban communities, with Louisville dominating the landscape and serving as the primary economic engine. Eighty-eight incorporated and unincorporated towns dot the area, creating a mosaic of small-town charm alongside the vibrancy of a major city. The economy is diverse, encompassing healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and financial services. Agriculture, particularly thoroughbred horse breeding and tobacco farming, remains an important part of the area's heritage, though significantly diminished in scale compared to earlier eras. Notable employers include Humana, UPS, Yum! Brands (parent company of KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut), and Ford Motor Company. The character of the area is predominantly suburban, with pockets of rural farmland persisting, particularly in the eastern portions of the county.
Points of Interest
The county boasts a wealth of attractions for residents and visitors alike. The Louisville Waterfront Park, along the Ohio River, offers recreational opportunities and stunning views. Historic sites, such as Locust Grove, the preserved home of George Rogers Clark, provide a glimpse into the region’s colonial past. The Kentucky Derby Museum, a celebration of the iconic horse race, is a major draw. The Speed Art Museum houses a diverse collection of art spanning various periods and cultures. Festivals, including the Kentucky State Fair and various music festivals, enliven the area throughout the year. The county has produced numerous notable residents, including Muhammad Ali, the legendary boxer, and Diane Sawyer, the acclaimed journalist. Notably, the county holds the record for the largest number of UPS vehicles based in a single location, a testament to the company’s significant presence in the region.
Information
- State
- kentucky
- Type
- County
- Population
- 693,604
- Land area
- 385 sq mi
- Capital
- Louisville
- Time zone
- UTC-5
- FIPS
- 21111
88 Cities
| City | Population | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville | 256,231 | 462 ft (141 m) |
| Jeffersontown | 26,633 | 711 ft (217 m) |
| Valley Station | 22,946 | 420 ft (128 m) |
| Newburg | 20,636 | 480 ft (146 m) |
| Fern Creek | 17,870 | 700 ft (213 m) |
| Okolona | 17,807 | 465 ft (142 m) |
| St. Matthews | 15,852 | 550 ft (168 m) |
| Highview | 15,161 | 670 ft (204 m) |
| Shively | 15,157 | 450 ft (137 m) |
| Lyndon | 9,369 | 580 ft (177 m) |
| St. Dennis | 9,177 | - |
| Fairdale | 7,658 | 470 ft (143 m) |
| Buechel | 7,272 | 500 ft (152 m) |
| Middletown | 5,744 | - |
| Douglass Hills | 5,718 | 720 ft (219 m) |
| Westwood | 4,888 | 630 ft (192 m) |
| Prospect | 4,657 | 460 ft (140 m) |
| Hurstbourne | 3,884 | 626 ft (191 m) |
| Graymoor-Devondale | 2,925 | 585 ft (178 m) |
| Indian Hills | 2,882 | - |
| Oakdale | 2,638 | - |
| Windy Hills | 2,480 | 580 ft (177 m) |
| Anchorage | 2,264 | 710 ft (216 m) |
| Worthington Hills | 1,594 | 753 ft (230 m) |
| Audubon Park | 1,545 | 510 ft (155 m) |
| St. Regis Park | 1,520 | 560 ft (171 m) |
| Hurstbourne Acres | 1,504 | - |
| Minor Lane Heights | 1,435 | 540 ft (165 m) |
| West Buechel | 1,301 | 480 ft (146 m) |
| Barbourmeade | 1,260 | 630 ft (192 m) |
| Beechwood Village | 1,173 | - |
| Woodlawn Park | 1,033 | 560 ft (171 m) |
| Langdon Place | 974 | 641 ft (195 m) |
| Northfield | 970 | 590 ft (180 m) |
| Lynnview | 965 | - |
| Coldstream | 956 | 760 ft (232 m) |
| Watterson Park | 953 | 480 ft (146 m) |
| Rolling Hills | 907 | 640 ft (195 m) |
| Plantation | 902 | 630 ft (192 m) |
| Bellemeade | 871 | 602 ft (183 m) |
| Fincastle | 825 | - |
| Hollow Creek | 815 | 640 ft (195 m) |
| Meadow Vale | 765 | 662 ft (202 m) |
| Green Spring | 759 | 630 ft (192 m) |
| Parkway Village | 715 | 490 ft (149 m) |
| Seneca Gardens | 699 | 520 ft (158 m) |
| Brownsboro Farm | 676 | 630 ft (192 m) |
| Spring Valley | 668 | 572 ft (174 m) |
| Woodland Hills | 657 | 720 ft (219 m) |
| Rolling Fields | 648 | 560 ft (171 m) |
| Strathmoor Village | 625 | 550 ft (168 m) |
| Blue Ridge Manor | 623 | 695 ft (212 m) |
| Murray Hill | 616 | 645 ft (197 m) |
| Wellington | 561 | 500 ft (152 m) |
| Glenview | 558 | 440 ft (134 m) |
| Briarwood | 554 | 620 ft (189 m) |
| Bancroft | 536 | 600 ft (183 m) |
| Forest Hills | 494 | - |
| Houston Acres | 491 | 580 ft (177 m) |
| Hollyvilla | 481 | 500 ft (152 m) |
| Riverwood | 469 | 550 ft (168 m) |
| Moorland | 464 | 620 ft (189 m) |
| Norbourne Estates | 461 | 540 ft (165 m) |
| Richlawn | 454 | 520 ft (158 m) |
| Kingsley | 428 | - |
| Springlee | 426 | 530 ft (162 m) |
| Meadowview Estates | 422 | - |
| Whipps Millgate | 415 | 660 ft (201 m) |
| Poplar Hills | 396 | 465 ft (142 m) |
| Norwood | 395 | 550 ft (168 m) |
| Old Brownsboro Place | 384 | 610 ft (186 m) |
| Keeneland | 383 | 670 ft (204 m) |
| Spring Mill | 380 | 594 ft (181 m) |
| Glenview Hills | 337 | 530 ft (162 m) |
| Creekside | 336 | 680 ft (207 m) |
| Strathmoor Manor | 333 | 530 ft (162 m) |
| Cherrywood Village | 327 | 560 ft (171 m) |
| Brownsboro Village | 318 | 580 ft (177 m) |
| Druid Hills | 318 | 570 ft (174 m) |
| Bellewood | 300 | 530 ft (162 m) |
| Broeck Pointe | 294 | 655 ft (200 m) |
| Goose Creek | 272 | - |
| Fairmeade | 264 | 520 ft (158 m) |
| Crossgate | 251 | 595 ft (181 m) |
| Broad Fields | 250 | 542 ft (165 m) |
| Wildwood | 247 | 650 ft (198 m) |
| Manor Creek | 221 | 655 ft (200 m) |
| Plymouth Village | 201 | 540 ft (165 m) |