Allen County, Kentucky

Last updated

Allen County
Allen County Kentucky courthouse.jpg
Allen County Courthouse in Scottsville
Map of Kentucky highlighting Allen County.svg
Location within the U.S. state of Kentucky
Kentucky in United States.svg
Kentucky's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 36°45′N86°11′W / 36.75°N 86.19°W / 36.75; -86.19
CountryFlag of the United States.svg United States
StateFlag of Kentucky.svg  Kentucky
Founded1815
Named for John Allen
Seat Scottsville
Largest cityScottsville
Area
  Total352 sq mi (910 km2)
  Land344 sq mi (890 km2)
  Water7.5 sq mi (19 km2)  2.1%
Population
 (2020)
  Total20,588
  Estimate 
(2023)
21,788 Increase2.svg
  Density58/sq mi (23/km2)
Time zone UTC−6 (Central)
  Summer (DST) UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district 1st
Website www.allencountykentucky.com

Allen County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 20,588. [1] Its county seat and only municipality is Scottsville. [2] The county is named for Colonel John Allen, a state senator and soldier who was killed leading the 1st Regiment of Kentucky Rifleman at the Battle of Frenchtown, Michigan during the War of 1812. [3] Allen County was a dry county until 2023, when it voted to legalize the sale of alcohol. [4] It was formed in 1815 from parts of Barren and Warren counties. Allen County is included in the Bowling Green, KY Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Contents

History

Allen County was established in 1815 from land given by Barren and Warren counties. A courthouse fire in 1902 resulted in the loss of some county records. [5]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 352 square miles (910 km2), of which 344 square miles (890 km2) is land and 7.5 square miles (19 km2) (2.1%) is water. [6]

Adjacent counties

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note
1820 5,327
1830 6,48521.7%
1840 7,32913.0%
1850 8,74219.3%
1860 9,1875.1%
1870 10,29612.1%
1880 12,08917.4%
1890 13,69213.3%
1900 14,6577.0%
1910 14,8821.5%
1920 16,76112.6%
1930 15,180−9.4%
1940 15,4962.1%
1950 13,787−11.0%
1960 12,269−11.0%
1970 12,5982.7%
1980 14,12812.1%
1990 14,6283.5%
2000 17,80021.7%
2010 19,95612.1%
2020 20,5883.2%
2023 (est.)21,788 [7] 5.8%
U.S. Decennial Census [8]
1790-1960 [9] 1900-1990 [10]
1990-2000 [11] 2010-2020 [1]

As of the census of 2000, there were 17,800 people, 6,910 households, and 5,113 families residing in the county. The population density was 51 per square mile (20/km2). There were 8,057 housing units at an average density of 23 per square mile (8.9/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 97.62% White, 1.07% Black or African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.12% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.36% from other races, and 0.66% from two or more races. 0.83% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 6,910 households, out of which 34.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.60% were married couples living together, 9.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.00% were non-families. 23.10% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 25.80% under the age of 18, 8.90% from 18 to 24, 28.50% from 25 to 44, 23.10% from 45 to 64, and 13.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 95.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.30 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $31,238, and the median income for a family was $36,815. Males had a median income of $27,587 versus $22,659 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,506. About 13.20% of families and 17.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.40% of those under age 18 and 20.40% of those age 65 or over.

Politics

Allen County, like most of Kentucky, is increasingly solidly Republican, although it was like those counties to its east in Appalachia never a part of the "Solid South". The last Democrat to carry the county in a presidential election was Woodrow Wilson in 1912, although a number of other elections have given Democratic majorities as recently as the 1999 gubernatorial election. [12]

Voter Registration

Allen County Voter Registration & Party Enrollment as of July 2024 [13]
Political PartyTotal VotersPercentage
Republican 10,33267.17%
Democratic 3,69624.03%
Others7955.17%
Independent4753.09%
Libertarian 600.39%
Green 130.08%
Constitution 70.04%
Socialist Workers 30.02%
Reform 10.01%
Total15,382100%

Statewide Elections

United States presidential election results for Allen County, Kentucky [14]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.%No.%No.%
2020 7,58781.02%1,64217.54%1351.44%
2016 6,46679.87%1,34916.66%2813.47%
2012 5,18473.01%1,80825.46%1081.52%
2008 5,25871.15%2,02427.39%1081.46%
2004 5,20272.62%1,92326.85%380.53%
2000 4,41568.67%1,95030.33%641.00%
1996 3,03257.97%1,78134.05%4177.97%
1992 2,74750.73%2,04037.67%62811.60%
1988 3,34267.89%1,57331.95%80.16%
1984 3,42769.04%1,52130.64%160.32%
1980 3,18660.36%2,01038.08%821.55%
1976 2,50852.49%2,23146.69%390.82%
1972 3,02569.83%1,25929.06%481.11%
1968 2,95261.63%92719.35%91119.02%
1964 2,30953.18%2,02346.59%100.23%
1960 3,41067.22%1,66332.78%00.00%
1956 3,20061.62%1,97538.03%180.35%
1952 2,94662.45%1,75037.10%210.45%
1948 2,28055.81%1,60539.29%2004.90%
1944 3,12063.86%1,74235.65%240.49%
1940 3,23261.11%2,03638.49%210.40%
1936 3,07055.77%2,42244.00%130.24%
1932 3,21950.55%3,11648.93%330.52%
1928 4,25373.14%1,56226.86%00.00%
1924 3,13256.52%2,37342.83%360.65%
1920 3,47660.24%2,25539.08%390.68%
1916 2,14756.03%1,64742.98%380.99%
1912 1,18635.67%1,36641.08%77323.25%
Previous gubernatorial elections results
Year Republican Democratic Third parties
2019 67.13%3,56431.06% 1,6491.81% 96
2015 69.00%2,34428.76% 9772.24% 76
2011 53.21%1,54042.19% 1,2214.60% 133
2007 51.79%1,95548.21% 1,8200.00% 0
2003 64.99%2,20235.01% 1,1860.00% 0
1999 28.68% 33962.69%7418.63% 102
1995 57.95%1,82942.05% 1,3270.00% 0

Communities

City

Unincorporated communities

Notable residents

See also

36°45′N86°11′W / 36.75°N 86.19°W / 36.75; -86.19

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pickett County, Tennessee</span> County in Tennessee, United States

Pickett County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 5,001, making it the least populous county in Tennessee. Its county seat is Byrdstown. The city of Byrdstown and the Kentucky town of Albany, 11 miles (18 km) to the northeast, are positioned between two Army Corps of Engineers lakes: Dale Hollow Lake, mainly in Tennessee, and Lake Cumberland, in Kentucky. The area is known as "Twin Lakes" and Byrdstown is noted as "The Gateway To Dale Hollow Lake". Every year thousands of people vacation at the many resorts situated along the lakes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Macon County, Tennessee</span> County in Tennessee, United States

Macon County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee As of the 2020 census, the population was 25,216. Its county seat is Lafayette. Macon County is part of the Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN Metropolitan Statistical Area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Warren County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Warren County is a county located in the south central portion of the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 134,554, making it the fifth-most populous county in Kentucky. The county seat is Bowling Green. Warren County is now classified as a wet county after voters approved the measure in 2018. The measure became law in January 2019 that allows alcohol to be sold county wide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Simpson County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Simpson County is a county located in the south central portion of the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the total population was 19,594. Its county seat is Franklin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rockcastle County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Rockcastle County is a county located in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 16,037. Its county seat is Mt. Vernon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robertson County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Robertson County is a county located in the U.S. Commonwealth of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 2,193. Its county seat is Mount Olivet. The county is named for George Robertson, a Kentucky Congressman from 1817 to 1821. It is Kentucky's smallest county by both total area and by population.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Powell County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Powell County is a county located in the U.S. Commonwealth of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 13,129. Its county seat is Stanton. The county was formed January 7, 1852, by Kentucky Governor Lazarus W. Powell from parts of Clark, Estill, and Montgomery counties. It is no longer a dry county as of 2018. Powell County is home to Natural Bridge State Resort Park and the Red River Gorge Geologic Area, two of Kentucky's most important natural areas and ecotourism destinations, as well as the Pilot Knob State Nature Preserve.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Morgan County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Morgan County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 13,726. Its county seat is West Liberty. The county is among the dry counties, which means that the sale of alcohol is restricted or prohibited.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monroe County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Monroe County is a county located in the Eastern Pennyroyal Plateau region of the U.S. state of Kentucky. Its county seat is Tompkinsville. The county is named for President James Monroe. It was a prohibition or dry county until November 7, 2023, when voters approved the sale of alcohol.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metcalfe County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Metcalfe County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. Its county seat and only municipality is Edmonton. The county was founded in May 1860 and named for Thomas Metcalfe, Governor of Kentucky from 1828 to 1832. Metcalfe County is part of the Glasgow, KY Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Bowling Green-Glasgow, KY Combined Statistical Area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lyon County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Lyon County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 8,680. Its county seat is Eddyville. The county was formed from Caldwell County, Kentucky in 1854 and named for former Congressman Chittenden Lyon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Livingston County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Livingston County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 8,888. Its county seat is Smithland and its largest community is Ledbetter. The county was established in 1798 from land taken from Christian County and is named for Robert R. Livingston, a member of the Committee of Five that drafted the U.S. Declaration of Independence. The county was strongly pro-Confederate during the American Civil War and many men volunteered for the Confederate Army. Livingston County is part of the Paducah, KY-IL Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is a prohibition or dry county with the exception of Grand Rivers which voted to allow alcohol sales in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lincoln County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Lincoln County is a county located in south-central Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 24,275. Its county seat is Stanford. Lincoln County is part of the Danville, KY Micropolitan Statistical Area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lawrence County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Lawrence County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 16,293. Its county seat is Louisa. The county is named for James Lawrence, and co-founded by Isaac Bolt, who served as a Lawrence County Commissioner and Justice of the Peace. It is the birthplace of country music star Tyler Childers, late Chief Justice of the United States Frederick Moore Vinson, and former Kentucky Governor Paul E. Patton. In regard to alcoholic beverage sales, Lawrence County is considered a "moist" county, meaning alcohol sales are only allowed within the city limits of Louisa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hancock County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Hancock County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 9,095. Its county seat is in the city of Hawesville located in the Northern part of the county, and its largest city of Lewisport is located in the Northwestern part of the county.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fleming County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Fleming County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 15,082. Its county seat is Flemingsburg. The county was formed in 1798 and named for Colonel John Fleming, an Indian fighter and early settler. It is a moist county. In 1998, the Kentucky General Assembly designated Fleming County as the Covered Bridge Capital of Kentucky.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carlisle County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Carlisle County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 4,826, making it the fourth-least populous county in Kentucky. Its county seat is Bardwell. The county was founded in 1886 and named for John Griffin Carlisle, a Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from Kentucky. It remains a prohibition or dry county. Carlisle County is included in the Paducah, KY-IL, Metropolitan Statistical Area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barren County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Barren County is a county located in the south-central portion of the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 44,485. Its county seat is Glasgow. The county was founded on December 20, 1798, from parts of Warren and Green Counties. It was named for the Barrens, meadowlands that cover the northern third, though actually the soil is fertile. Barren County is part of the Glasgow, KY Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Bowling Green-Glasgow, KY Combined Statistical Area. In 2007 Barren County was named the "Best Place to Live in Rural America" by Progressive Farmer Magazine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scottsville, Kentucky</span> City in Kentucky, United States

Scottsville is a home rule-class city in Allen County, Kentucky, in the United States. It is the seat of its county. The population was 4,299 during the 2020 United States Census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fountain Run, Kentucky</span> City in Kentucky, United States

Fountain Run is a home rule-class city in Monroe County, Kentucky, in the United States. The population was 216 at the 2020 census.

References

  1. 1 2 "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 8, 2022.
  2. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 6, 2011.
  3. The Register of the Kentucky State Historical Society, Volume 1. Kentucky State Historical Society. 1903. pp.  34.
  4. Parham, Derek (May 17, 2023). "Prohibition comes to an end in Allen County with wet/dry decision". www.wbko.com. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
  5. Hogan, Roseann Reinemuth (1992). Kentucky Ancestry: A Guide to Genealogical and Historical Research. Ancestry Publishing. p. 187. ISBN   9780916489496 . Retrieved July 26, 2013.
  6. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on August 12, 2014. Retrieved August 11, 2014.
  7. "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  8. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 11, 2014.
  9. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved August 11, 2014.
  10. Forstall, Richard, ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 27, 2020. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
  11. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved August 11, 2014.
  12. Sullivan, Robert David; "How the Red and Blue Map Evolved Over the Past Century"; America Magazine in The National Catholic Review; June 29, 2016
  13. "Commonwealth of Kentucky - State Board of Elections Voter Registration Statistics Report" (PDF). July 2024. Retrieved August 4, 2024.
  14. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved June 29, 2018.