Oldham County, Kentucky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Oldham County
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|
Oldham County courthouse in La Grange
|
|||
|
|||
Location within the U.S. state of Kentucky
|
|||
 Kentucky's location within the U.S. |
|||
| Country |  United States |
||
| State |  Kentucky |
||
| Founded | December 15, 1823 | ||
| Named for | William Oldham (1753–1791), American Revolutionary War colonel | ||
| Seat | La Grange | ||
| Largest city | La Grange | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 196 sq mi (510 km2) | ||
| • Land | 187 sq mi (480 km2) | ||
| • Water | 9.2 sq mi (24 km2) 4.7% | ||
| Population
(2020)
|
|||
| • Total | 67,607 | ||
| • Estimate
(2023)
|
70,183  |
||
| • Density | 344.9/sq mi (133.2/km2) | ||
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) | ||
| Congressional district | 4th | ||
Oldham County is a county located in north-central Kentucky. In 2020, about 67,607 people lived there. The main town, called the county seat, is La Grange.
The county is named after Colonel William Oldham. He was a hero from the American Revolutionary War. Oldham County is part of the larger Louisville area. This area includes parts of Kentucky and Indiana.
Oldham County is known as the wealthiest and most educated county in Kentucky. It is also one of the wealthiest counties in the entire United States. Many people moved here from the nearby city of Louisville. They liked the area for its large homes and suburban feel.
Contents
Exploring Oldham County's Past
Oldham County was created on December 15, 1823. It was formed from parts of Henry, Jefferson, and Shelby Counties. It was the 74th county established in Kentucky.
How Oldham County Grew Over Time
At first, Oldham County was mostly a rural area. It had small towns like Westport, which was founded in 1800. Westport was the county seat for a while.
In the 1850s, the Louisville and Frankfort Railroad brought train lines to the area. This led to many new towns and communities growing up. Later, the trains stopped carrying people, but the county stayed rural.
Since the 1970s, Interstate 71 has connected Oldham County to Downtown Louisville. This highway made it easier for people to travel. As a result, Oldham County has become more suburban. It is now a natural extension of Louisville's wealthy eastern side.
Geography and Location
Oldham County covers about 196 square miles. Most of this area, 187 square miles, is land. The remaining 9.2 square miles, or 4.7%, is water. It is the 13th-smallest county in Kentucky.
The northern border of the county is formed by the Ohio River. This river also separates Kentucky from Indiana.
Neighboring Counties
Oldham County shares borders with several other counties:
- Clark County, Indiana (to the northwest)
- Trimble County (to the northeast)
- Henry County (to the east)
- Shelby County (to the southeast)
- Jefferson County (to the southwest)
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1830 | 9,588 | — | |
| 1840 | 7,380 | −23.0% | |
| 1850 | 7,629 | 3.4% | |
| 1860 | 7,283 | −4.5% | |
| 1870 | 9,027 | 23.9% | |
| 1880 | 7,667 | −15.1% | |
| 1890 | 6,754 | −11.9% | |
| 1900 | 7,078 | 4.8% | |
| 1910 | 7,248 | 2.4% | |
| 1920 | 7,689 | 6.1% | |
| 1930 | 7,402 | −3.7% | |
| 1940 | 10,716 | 44.8% | |
| 1950 | 11,018 | 2.8% | |
| 1960 | 13,388 | 21.5% | |
| 1970 | 14,687 | 9.7% | |
| 1980 | 27,795 | 89.2% | |
| 1990 | 43,455 | 56.3% | |
| 2000 | 46,178 | 6.3% | |
| 2010 | 60,316 | 30.6% | |
| 2020 | 67,607 | 12.1% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 70,183 | 16.4% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 1790–1960 1900–1990 1990–2000 2010–2020 |
|||
In 2000, there were 46,178 people living in Oldham County. There were 14,856 households and 12,196 families. The population density was about 244 people per square mile.
Most of the people in the county were White (93.62%). About 4.21% were Black or African American. Other groups made up smaller percentages. About 1.30% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
Many households had children under 18 living with them (44.10%). Most families were married couples living together (71.50%). The average household had 2.85 people. The average family had 3.17 people.
The median age in the county was 37 years old. About 27.40% of the population was under 18. About 7.00% were 65 years or older.
Towns and Communities
Oldham County has several cities and other communities.
Cities in Oldham County
- Crestwood
- Goshen
- La Grange (the county seat)
- Orchard Grass Hills
- Pewee Valley
- Prospect (mostly in Jefferson County)
- River Bluff
Census-Designated Places
These are areas that are like towns but are not officially incorporated as cities.
- Buckner
- Westport
Other Unincorporated Places
These are smaller communities that are not part of any city.
- Ballardsville
- Brownsboro
- Centerfield
- Floydsburg
- Park Lake
Education in Oldham County
The Oldham County School District serves the students in the county. It operates Oldham County High School, along with other schools.
Famous People from Oldham County
Many notable people have connections to Oldham County:
- D. W. Griffith – A very important film director, known for movies like The Birth of a Nation.
- Kyra Elzy – A college basketball player and coach for the Kentucky Wildcats women's basketball team.
- Buddy Pepper – A talented songwriter, pianist, and actor.
- Knocked Loose – A hardcore band.
- Justin Thomas – A professional golfer.
- Dean Kiekhefer – A pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB).
- Jon Rauch – Another MLB pitcher.
- Donta Smith – A professional basketball player.
See also
In Spanish: Condado de Oldham (Kentucky) para niños
