About Somerset, KY

Somerset, Kentucky was first settled in 1798 by Thomas Hansford and named after Somerset County, New Jersey, where some of the early settlers lived. It became the Pulaski County seat in 1801 and was incorporated as a city in 1887. The city is renowned for its natural spring with pristine water and serves as a regional hub near Lake Cumberland.

The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century spurred growth, and many historic buildings in the city center from that era are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, Somerset operates as a "home rule" city, allowing self-governance independent of state law.

The 2020 U.S. Census recorded a population of 11,924, with slow but steady growth expected. The area is famous for outdoor recreation including camping, boating, golfing, and fishing.

What To Do in Somerset, KY

• City Center: Known for public murals, local art, shopping, dining, and vibrant entertainment including theater groups.
• Lee’s Ford Resort Marina: A premier marina on Lake Cumberland approximately four miles from downtown. Offers houseboat rentals, lakeside cabins, floating cottages, and a popular restaurant with dockside delivery.
• Sackett's Lake Bluff Cabins: Luxury cabins with amenities such as fire pits and hot tubs, ideal for stylish outdoor adventures.
• Pulaski County Park: Hosts live concerts, festivals, and food events year-round.

Working in Somerset, KY

Somerset’s economy is driven by healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism including hospitality. The unemployment rate is 5.9%, higher than the U.S. average of 4.3%. Median household income is $35,962, about $48,000 less than the national median.

Projected job growth over the next decade is 24.4%, below the national forecast of 33.5%.

Key employment sectors include:

• Healthcare and social programs (15.6%)
• Light manufacturing (15.1%)
• Retail trade (13.0%)
• Hospitality (10.9%)
• Education (6.3%)
• Administrative and waste management (6.0%)
• Building construction (5.5%)

Somerset, KY Neighborhoods

• City Center: Encompasses downtown and surrounding suburbs; median home price $227,484, higher than 47.3% of Kentucky neighborhoods; mostly owner-occupied with homes largely built post-1970s; average rent $1,353; vacancy 12.1%.
• Ferguson: Rural area south of city center; median price $192,566; average rent $1,280; vacancy 11.3%.
• Elihu: Located near the airport on the city’s east side; median price $185,390; average rent $1,099; vacancy 17.2%.

Somerset, KY School District

Public schools are administered by Somerset Independent Schools, spending $14,264 per student annually, with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1.

Private schools in town include:

• Somerset Christian School (PK to 12th)
• The Children’s House (PK to K)
• Saline Christian Academy (PK to 12th)

The city is home to Somerset Community College, a public two-year institution. Other nearby four-year colleges include University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg and Berea College in Berea.

Moving to Somerset, KY Resource Guide

Somerset is governed by an elected mayor and 12 city council members. Further community resources are detailed on the city’s official website.

The Somerset Parks and Recreation Department manages public parks, recreational activities, and sports leagues for youth and adults.

Somerset, KY Housing

The median home sales price is $349,000, with prices slightly decreasing, favoring buyers due to greater supply than demand.

Housing costs are approximately 36% lower than the national average, and the cost of living is 1% lower than other Kentucky cities and 11% lower than other U.S. cities.