About Somerset, KY

Somerset, Kentucky, was first settled in 1798 by Thomas Hansford and named after Somerset County, New Jersey, where many early settlers originated. The city is the county seat of Pulaski County and was incorporated in 1887. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the population was 11,924, with current estimates placing it closer to 13,000 residents.

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

In the 1950s, the completion of Lake Cumberland, a massive man-made lake over 100 miles long with an average depth of 85 feet, transformed the area into a popular lake resort, attracting nearly 4 million visitors annually.

Somerset is a home rule city, meaning it governs itself independently from state law. In June 2025, the 25th anniversary of the Somernites Cruise featured a replica of the Dukes of Hazzard car jumping over Fountain Square before a crowd of over 35,000, drawing international attention.

What To Do in Somerset, KY

Somerset offers a variety of outdoor and cultural activities:

• Cumberland River & Lake Cumberland: Excellent fishing spots with a variety of bass and catfish, boating, and lakeside cabins for rent.
• Finley Mountain: One of Kentucky's "knobs," offering challenging hikes and panoramic forest views.
• Daniel Boone National Forest: Over 708,000 acres with 600+ miles of trails for camping, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, plus public shooting ranges and ATV areas.
• SomerSplash Waterpark: Family-friendly water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and shaded areas. Tickets can be purchased online for fast entry.

Working in Somerset, KY

The local economy centers on healthcare, manufacturing, accommodations, and food services. The unemployment rate is 5.9%, higher than the national average of 4.3%. The median household income is $35,962, approximately $48,000 less than the national median.

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

Primary industries:

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

Somerset, KY Neighborhoods

• Oak Hill: Western lakeshore neighborhood, median home price $268,198, mostly post-1970 construction, average rent $1,328, vacancy 12.5%.
• Somerset North: Rural farming area north of town, median home price $263,905, average rent $1,492, vacancy 3.8%.
• Somerset South: Popular suburban area, median home price $228,024, average rent $1,330, vacancy 14.8%.

Somerset, KY School District

Public schools are operated by Somerset Independent Schools, spending $14,264 per student annually and maintaining a student-to-teacher ratio of 14:1.

Private schools include:

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

Colleges Near Somerset, KY

Somerset is home to Somerset Community College, a public two-year college. Within 100 miles, there are 44 colleges and universities, including private four-year institutions like the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg and Berea College in Berea.

Moving to Somerset, KY Resource Guide

The local government consists of an elected mayor and 12 city council members. More information and community resources are listed on Somerset's official website.

The Somerset Parks and Recreation Department manages parks, recreational programs, fitness classes, and youth and adult sports leagues.

Somerset, KY Housing

The median home sales price is $349,000, rising 5.8% year-over-year. The housing market currently favors buyers as listings exceed demand.

Housing costs are about 36% below the national average, with a cost of living 1% lower than the rest of Kentucky and 11% lower than the U.S. average.