According to Countryaah, Bath County, Kentucky is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and is home to a population of 11,566 people as of the 2019 U.S. Census Bureau estimates. The largest city in Bath County is Owingsville, with a population of 1,852 people. The remaining 9,714 people live in rural areas and small towns throughout the county. The racial makeup of Bath County is 94.2% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.1% Asian and 1% from two or more races according to 2019 estimates from the U.S Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year estimates data set. The median age of the population is 42 years old and the median household income for Bath County residents is $38,583 per year according to 2019 estimates from the U.S Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year estimates data set.
The economy of Bath County has traditionally been driven by agriculture but has seen an increase in tourism due to its location within a popular vacation area as well as service-related industries such as health care and education in recent years due to its proximity to larger metropolitan areas such as Lexington and Louisville. Agriculture continues to be a major economic driver for the county with cattle production being the most important revenue source followed by corn farming and hay production. Manufacturing also continues to play an important role in Bath County’s economy with local companies providing employment opportunities for many residents throughout the area including Enerfab Inc., which manufactures steel products for use primarily in oil refineries across Kentucky and beyond.
History of Bath County, Kentucky
Bath County, Kentucky is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and was founded in 1811. The county was named after the English spa town of Bath and is home to a population of 11,566 people as of 2019 U.S. Census Bureau estimates. The first settlers to the area were primarily Scots-Irish immigrants who were drawn to the area for its fertile soil and abundant natural resources.
The county’s economy was largely driven by subsistence farming with tobacco being one of the main crops grown in the area. During this time, Bath County also saw an increase in manufacturing including iron works, tanneries, distilleries, grist mills, and saw mills all taking advantage of the local resources available to them.
In 1861, Bath County became a part of Confederate Kentucky when it seceded from the Union during the Civil War but it would return to its allegiance with Union shortly after as a result of a plebiscite held in November 1861. Following this event, many former slaves moved into Bath County bringing with them their own culture which still influences life in Bath County today.
In 1902, oil was discovered in Owingsville which attracted many new residents and businesses to the area furthering economic development within Bath County. In recent years, tourism has become an increasingly important part of the local economy due to its location within a popular vacation area as well as service-related industries such as health care and education becoming increasingly important sources of employment for many residents throughout the county.
Major cities and towns in Bath County, Kentucky
Bath County, Kentucky is home to a number of small cities and towns that each contribute to the local economy and culture. The county seat is located in Owingsville, a small city with a population of 1,832 people as of 2019 U.S. Census Bureau estimates. Owingsville was founded in 1803 by William Owings and has served as the county seat since 1811 when Bath County was first established.
The largest city in Bath County is Sharpsburg with a population of 2,722 people as of 2019 U.S. Census Bureau estimates. Sharpsburg was first settled in 1812 by James Sharp who had previously served in the Revolutionary War and his family has played an important role in the history of the city ever since.
Other notable cities and towns within Bath County include Olympia which was founded in 1828 by John Caudill; Salt Lick which was first settled by Revolutionary War veterans; Farmers which was named after a local farming family; Bethel which was established as an agricultural center for farmers throughout the area; and Means which is home to one of the oldest post offices still operating within Kentucky today.
Other smaller communities located within Bath County include: Clearfield, Ezel, Hecla, Hendrysburg, Olympia Springs, Prestonsburg, Roundhead, Sharpsburg Springs, Stoney Point, Tub Run, Unionville and White Oak among many others. Each of these communities provides its own unique flavor to life within Bath County while also contributing to its overall economy through their respective businesses and industries located throughout the area.
Population in Bath County, Kentucky
According to existingcountries.com, Bath County, Kentucky is home to a population of around 11,945 people as of 2019 U.S. Census Bureau estimates. This population is spread across the county’s many small cities and towns with Owingsville, the county seat, being the most populous city with 1,832 people. Sharpsburg follows closely behind with a population of 2,722 people as of 2019 U.S. Census Bureau estimates.
The majority of Bath County’s population is white at 91% while 7% identify as African American and 1% identify as Hispanic or Latino. There is also a small Asian population at 0.3%. The median age in Bath County is 44 years old with 15% of the population under 18 years old and 22% over 65 years old.
In terms of educational attainment, 23% of Bath County residents have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher while 12% have some college education but no degree and 27% have only completed high school or less. Additionally, there are 882 veterans living within the county according to 2019 U.S Census Bureau estimates which accounts for 7% of the total population in Bath County.
The median household income in Bath County is $41,528 according to 2019 U.S Census Bureau estimates which is slightly lower than both state ($47,542) and national ($61,937) averages respectively for that same year. In terms of poverty rate within the county it stands at 17%, slightly higher than both state (13%) and national (11%) averages respectively for that same year according to 2019 U.S Census Bureau estimates.
