Bath County, Kentucky

Last updated

Bath County
Bath county, kentucky courthouse.jpg
Bath County Courthouse in Owingsville
Map of Kentucky highlighting Bath County.svg
Location within the U.S. state of Kentucky
Kentucky in United States.svg
Kentucky's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 38°08′N83°44′W / 38.14°N 83.74°W / 38.14; -83.74
CountryFlag of the United States.svg United States
StateFlag of Kentucky.svg  Kentucky
Founded1811
Named for Medicinal springs located within the county
Seat Owingsville
Largest cityOwingsville
Area
  Total284 sq mi (740 km2)
  Land279 sq mi (720 km2)
  Water5.2 sq mi (13 km2)  1.8%
Population
 (2020)
  Total12,750
  Estimate 
(2023)
12,975 Increase2.svg
  Density45/sq mi (17/km2)
Time zone UTC−5 (Eastern)
  Summer (DST) UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district 6th
Website bathcounty.ky.gov

Bath County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 12,750. [1] The county seat is Owingsville. [2] The county was formed in 1811. [3] Bath County is included in the Mount Sterling, KY Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Lexington-Fayette–Richmond–Frankfort, KY combined statistical area.

Contents

History

Bath County was established in 1811 from land given by Montgomery County, Kentucky. Its name is derived from natural springs said to have medicinal qualities. The courthouse in Owingsville was destroyed by an accidental fire caused by Union troops during the American Civil War in 1864. [4]

It is the site of the Kentucky Meat Shower. From 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., on March 3, 1876, a mysterious substance believed to be meat of some sort fell from the sky.

In 1932, an archaeological field survey observed fourteen archaeological sites in Bath County, including the Ramey Mound near Sharpsburg and multiple ancient burials near the Springfield Presbyterian Church. [5]

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 284 square miles (740 km2), of which 279 square miles (720 km2) is land and 5.2 square miles (13 km2) (1.8%) is water. [6]

Adjacent counties

National protected area

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note
1820 7,961
1830 8,79910.5%
1840 9,76311.0%
1850 12,11524.1%
1860 12,1130.0%
1870 10,145−16.2%
1880 11,98218.1%
1890 12,8136.9%
1900 14,73415.0%
1910 13,988−5.1%
1920 11,996−14.2%
1930 11,075−7.7%
1940 11,4513.4%
1950 10,410−9.1%
1960 9,114−12.4%
1970 9,2351.3%
1980 10,0258.6%
1990 9,692−3.3%
2000 11,08514.4%
2010 11,5914.6%
2020 12,75010.0%
2023 (est.)12,975 [7] 1.8%
U.S. Decennial Census [8]
1790-1960 [9] 1900-1990 [10]
1990-2000 [11] 2010-2021 [12]

As of the census [13] of 2000, there were 11,085 people, 4,445 households, and 3,195 families residing in the county. The population density was 40 per square mile (15/km2). There were 4,994 housing units at an average density of 18 per square mile (6.9/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 96.87% White, 1.85% Black or African American, 0.21% Native American, 0.02% Asian, 0.40% from other races, and 0.66% from two or more races. 0.80% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 4,445 households, out of which 32.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.70% were married couples living together, 10.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.10% were non-families. 25.30% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.20% under the age of 18, 8.60% from 18 to 24, 28.80% from 25 to 44, 23.80% from 45 to 64, and 14.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.80 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $26,018, and the median income for a family was $31,758. Males had a median income of $27,786 versus $20,986 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,326. About 16.40% of families and 21.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.60% of those under age 18 and 21.20% of those age 65 or over.

Communities

Cities

Unincorporated communities

See also

Politics

Throughout the 20th century, Bath County was overwhelmingly Democratic, only voting the other way in the Republican landslides of 1928, 1972, and 1984. However, in 2000, George W. Bush flipped the county into the Republican column. Bath County was one of the few counties in Kentucky to flip from Bush to Kerry in 2004. Despite Barack Obama's indomitable midwestern strength in 2008, Bath County was one of the small number of counties to flip from Kerry to McCain that year, although Obama lost it very narrowly. In 2016, Donald Trump won over two-thirds of the vote in Bath County.

Despite its Republican devotion in presidential elections, Bath County still retains loyalty to state and local Democrats, as they have not voted for a Republican gubernatorial candidate since 1919.

Voter Registration

Bath County Voter Registration & Party Enrollment as of February 17, 2020 [14]
Political PartyTotal VotersPercentage
Democratic 6,94072.53%
Republican 2,16022.57%
Others3543.70%
Independent1031.08%
Libertarian 80.08%
Green 10.01%
Constitution 10.01%
Reform 10.01%
Socialist Workers 10.01%
Total9,569100%

Statewide Elections

United States presidential election results for Bath County, Kentucky [15]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.%No.%No.%
2024 4,04174.99%1,27823.71%701.30%
2020 3,98670.84%1,57327.95%681.21%
2016 3,08267.19%1,36129.67%1443.14%
2012 2,27555.19%1,77042.94%771.87%
2008 2,23449.17%2,21048.65%992.18%
2004 2,26946.13%2,60853.02%420.85%
2000 2,30351.49%2,08746.66%831.86%
1996 1,22934.43%1,88652.83%45512.75%
1992 1,25929.95%2,22953.02%71617.03%
1988 1,61443.34%2,09956.36%110.30%
1984 2,02052.88%1,78146.62%190.50%
1980 1,46339.56%2,17458.79%611.65%
1976 93830.54%2,11368.80%200.65%
1972 1,91958.47%1,34741.04%160.49%
1968 1,27738.34%1,39441.85%66019.81%
1964 1,00928.13%2,57171.68%70.20%
1960 1,88847.75%2,06652.25%00.00%
1956 1,88945.79%2,22153.84%150.36%
1952 1,73741.94%2,40057.94%50.12%
1948 1,27635.26%2,28763.19%561.55%
1944 1,58141.90%2,18457.88%80.21%
1940 1,63639.18%2,52860.54%120.29%
1936 1,72538.08%2,79561.70%100.22%
1932 1,57634.98%2,90964.57%200.44%
1928 2,22354.74%1,83045.06%80.20%
1924 1,72344.90%2,09354.55%210.55%
1920 1,99744.79%2,44054.72%220.49%
1916 1,36042.77%1,79656.48%240.75%
1912 1,00236.34%1,47753.57%27810.08%
Previous gubernatorial elections results
Year Republican Democratic Third parties
2023 44.19% 1,51555.81%1,9130.00% 0
2019 46.09% 1,67251.98%1,8861.93% 70
2015 46.65% 1,04549.87%1,1173.48% 78
2011 22.61% 41758.62%1,08118.76% 346
2007 33.09% 1,13666.91%2,2970.00% 0
2003 42.56% 1,39857.44%1,8870.00% 0
1999 15.89% 19755.00%68229.11% 202
1995 41.41% 1,30958.34%1,844

Related Research Articles

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

Clinton County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky in the Pennyrile Region along the southern border with Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 9,253. Its county seat is Albany. The county was formed in 1835 and named for DeWitt Clinton, the seventh Governor of New York. It is a prohibition or dry county.

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

Montgomery County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 28,114. Its county seat is Mount Sterling. With regard to the sale of alcohol, it is classified as a moist county—a county in which alcohol sales are prohibited, but containing a "wet" city where package alcohol sales are allowed, in this case Mount Sterling. Montgomery County is part of the Mount Sterling, KY Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Lexington-Fayette–Richmond–Frankfort, KY combined statistical area.

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

Wolfe County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 6,562. Its county seat is Campton. The county is named for Nathaniel Wolfe, one of the first two graduates of the University of Virginia School of Laws in 1829 and a loyal Unionist attorney for Jefferson County, Kentucky.

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

Taylor County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 26,023. Its county seat is Campbellsville. Settled by people from Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and North Carolina after the American Revolutionary War, the county was organized in 1848 in the Highland Rim region. It is named for United States Army General Zachary Taylor, later President of the United States. Taylor County was the 100th of the 120 counties created by Kentucky. The Campbellsville Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Taylor County.

<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">Russell County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Russell County is a county located in the U.S. Commonwealth of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 17,991. Its county seat is Jamestown and its largest city is Russell Springs. The county was formed on December 14, 1825, from portions of Adair, Cumberland and Wayne Counties and is named for William Russell.

<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">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">Menifee County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Menifee County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 6,113, making it the fifth-least populous county in Kentucky. Its county seat is Frenchburg. The county is named for Richard Hickman Menefee, U.S. Congressman, although the spelling has changed. It is a prohibition or dry county. Menifee County is part of the Mount Sterling, KY Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Lexington-Fayette–Richmond–Frankfort, KY combined statistical area. It is located in the foothills of the Cumberland Plateau.

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

Magoffin County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 11,637. Its county seat is Salyersville. The county was formed in 1860 from adjacent portions of Floyd, Johnson, and Morgan Counties. It was named for Beriah Magoffin who was Governor of Kentucky (1859–62).

<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">Knott County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Knott County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 14,251. Its county seat is Hindman. The county was formed in 1884 and is named for James Proctor Knott, Governor of Kentucky (1883–1887). As of 2024 the county is now wet. Its county seat is home to the Hindman Settlement School, founded as America's first settlement school. The Knott County town of Pippa Passes is home to Alice Lloyd College.

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

Carroll County is a county located in the northern part of the U.S. state of Kentucky. Its county seat is Carrollton. The county was formed in 1838 and named for Charles Carroll of Carrollton, the last living signer of the Declaration of Independence. It is located at the confluence of the Kentucky and Ohio Rivers.

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

Christian County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. As of the 2020 census, the population was 34,032. Its county seat is Taylorville.

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

Owingsville is a home rule-class city in Bath County, Kentucky, in the United States. The population was 1,530 during the year 2010 U.S. Census. It is the county seat and is located roughly at the county's center, at the junction of US 60 and Kentucky 36. It is part of the Mount Sterling micropolitan area.

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

Sharpsburg is a home rule-class city in Bath County, Kentucky, in the United States. The population was 323 as of the 2010 U.S. census. It is part of the Mount Sterling micropolitan area.

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

Frenchburg is a home rule-class city in Menifee County, Kentucky, in the United States. The population was 601 at the 2020 census, up from 486 in 2010. It is the seat and only incorporated city in its rural county. It is located at the junction of U.S. Route 460 and Kentucky Route 36. Logging is the primary industry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sharpsburg, North Carolina</span> Town in North Carolina, United States

Sharpsburg is a town in Edgecombe, Nash, and Wilson counties, North Carolina, United States. It is part of the Rocky Mount, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 2,024 at the 2010 Census.

The Mount Sterling Micropolitan Statistical Area, as defined by the United States Census Bureau, is an area consisting of three counties in Kentucky, anchored by the city of Mount Sterling. As of the 2000 census, the μSA had a population of 40,195.

References

  1. "Census - Geography Profile: Bath County, Kentucky". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved December 30, 2022.
  2. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on July 12, 2012. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. "Bath County". Kyenc.org. Archived from the original on October 1, 2018. Retrieved June 3, 2013.
  4. Hogan, Roseann Reinemuth (1992). Kentucky Ancestry: A Guide to Genealogical and Historical Research. Ancestry Publishing. p. 192. ISBN   9780916489496 . Retrieved July 26, 2013.
  5. Funkhouser, W.D., and W.S. Webb. "Archaeological Survey of Kentucky: Butler County". University of Kentucky Reports in Anthropology 2 (1932): 56–58.
  6. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on August 12, 2014. Retrieved August 12, 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 12, 2014.
  9. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
  10. "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
  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 12, 2014.
  12. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved March 5, 2014.
  13. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  14. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on November 26, 2014. Retrieved March 14, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  15. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved June 29, 2018.

38°08′N83°44′W / 38.14°N 83.74°W / 38.14; -83.74