About Somerset, KY

Somerset was first settled in 1798 by Thomas Hansford, who named the city after Somerset County, New Jersey, where many of the early settlers originated. It became the county seat of Pulaski County in 1801 and was incorporated as a city in 1887. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the population was 11,924, with estimates suggesting it has grown closer to 13,000.

In January 1862, a significant Civil War battle occurred near Mill Springs (now called Nancy), about eight miles west of Somerset. Today, a museum at the site commemorates this history.

The construction of Lake Cumberland in the 1950s, one of the world's largest man-made lakes stretching over 100 miles with an average depth of 85 feet, transformed Somerset into a prominent lake resort destination.

In June 2025, Somerset hosted the 25th anniversary of the Somernites Cruise, highlighted by a replica of the Dukes of Hazzard car jumping over Fountain Square in front of 35,000 spectators, drawing international attention.

What To Do in Somerset, KY

Somerset offers a wealth of outdoor activities and attractions:

• Lake Cumberland Fishing: With over 50 boat ramps, the lake offers excellent fishing for crappie, walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, striped bass, white bass, and channel catfish. Early morning and dusk are prime fishing times using a variety of bait and techniques.
• Bear Wallow Farm: Kentucky’s number one fall festival and pumpkin patch with family-friendly activities including roller tubes, slides, Christmas light displays, and hayrides.
• Liberty Nature Center: Located south of Somerset, this animal rescue center focuses on raptors and offers guided tours accessible for all, including wheelchair users.
• Golfing: Five public 18-hole golf courses nearby, including the oldest Somerset Country Club, and mini-golf at Somerset Fall Family Park.

Working in Somerset, KY

Major economic sectors include healthcare, manufacturing, and hospitality. The unemployment rate stands at 5.9%, higher than the U.S. average of 4.3%. Median household income is $35,962, about $48,000 lower than the national median.

Job growth is projected at 24.4% over the next decade, below the national 33.5% forecast.

Key industries by employment share:

• Healthcare and social assistance (15.6%)
• Manufacturing (15.1%)
• Retail (13.0%)
• Accommodation and food services (10.9%)
• Education (6.3%)
• Administrative support and waste management (6.0%)
• Construction (5.5%)

Somerset, KY Neighborhoods

• Shafter: Located south, bordered by the Cumberland River. Median home price $421,502, higher than 87.3% of Kentucky neighborhoods. Mostly owner-occupied homes built post-1970s and into the 2000s. Average rent $1,478, vacancy 4.8%.
• Barnesburg / Dabney: Rural area northeast of town; median price $308,186; average rent $1,399; vacancy 5.6%.
• Somerset West: Well-maintained; median price $275,152; average rent $1,210; vacancy 6.1%.

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 include:

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

Colleges Near Somerset, KY

Somerset houses Somerset Community College, a public two-year college. Within 100 miles, 44 colleges and universities are accessible, including private four-year schools like the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg and Berea College in Berea.

Moving to Somerset, KY Resource Guide

The city government includes an elected mayor and 12 city council members. More information can be found on Somerset's official website.

The Somerset Parks and Recreation Department manages parks, community programs, and sports leagues, including basketball, soccer, and baseball, with playgrounds and trails catering to all ages.

Somerset, KY Housing

Median home sales price is $349,000, up 5.8% year over year. The housing market favors buyers, with the number of listings exceeding the number of buyers.

Housing costs are 36% lower than national averages, with a cost of living 1% less than other Kentucky cities and 11% less than the U.S. average.