Jessamine County is a county in Kentucky, United States, in the Bluegrass region south of Lexington. It had a population of 52,991 at the 2020 census and covers 175 square miles (450 km2) centred near 37°52′N 84°35′W.
Nicholasville is the county seat, and its postal code is 40356. The county has two incorporated cities, one census-designated place, and a handful of small unincorporated communities. It sits in the Eastern time zone.
Towns & Villages in Jessamine County
Jessamine County has two incorporated cities — Nicholasville and Wilmore — plus one census-designated place and several unincorporated communities scattered along its rural roads. Type key: CDP = census-designated place, Unincorp. = unincorporated community with no municipal government.
| Place | Type | Pop. | ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nicholasville | City · seat | 32,306 | 40356 |
| Wilmore | City | 6,192 | 40390 |
| High Bridge | CDP | — | 40356 |
| Brannon | Unincorp. | — | 40356 |
| Catnip Hill | Unincorp. | — | 40356 |
| Keene | Unincorp. | — | 40339 |
| Little Hickman | Unincorp. | — | 40356 |
| Logana | Unincorp. | — | 40356 |
| Mount Lebanon | Unincorp. | — | 40356 |
| Pollard | Unincorp. | — | 40356 |
| Union Mills | Unincorp. | — | 40390 |
| Vineyard | Unincorp. | — | 40356 |
The old scrape’s list also carried “Dixon Town,” “Hall,” “Hanly,” “Jessamine,” “Nealton,” and “Pink” — small crossroads names with no independent confirmation in current gazetteer or postal records, so they are omitted here rather than guessed at. “Catnip” is listed above under its fuller, more commonly used name, Catnip Hill.
ZIP Codes
- 40356 — Nicholasville (also serves High Bridge, Brannon, Little Hickman, Logana, Mount Lebanon, Pollard, and Vineyard)
- 40390 — Wilmore (also serves Union Mills)
- 40339 — Keene (post office box delivery)
- 40340 — Nicholasville (post office box delivery)
The 40356 ZIP code covers the large majority of the county’s population, since it wraps around Nicholasville and most of the surrounding countryside.
Geography
Jessamine County lies in the Inner Bluegrass, a limestone region long associated with thoroughbred horse farms and cattle pasture. The Kentucky River forms the county’s entire southern border, cutting a steep gorge known as the Kentucky River Palisades along roughly 42 miles of riverbank. The county covers 172 square miles of land and 2.4 square miles of water.
Jessamine County borders Fayette County to the northeast, Madison County to the southeast, Garrard County to the south, Mercer County to the southwest, and Woodford County to the northwest.
Demographics
The 2020 census counted 52,991 residents. Nicholasville, the county seat, is by far the largest community, followed by Wilmore, home to Asbury University and Asbury Theological Seminary. Median household income in Jessamine County runs close to the Kentucky median of $61,118. With 172 square miles of land, the county’s population density works out to roughly 308 people per square mile.
Economy & Local Life
Jessamine County’s economy blends Lexington-area commuting with agriculture and higher education. The Inner Bluegrass soil supports horse farms, cattle operations, and row crops, while Wilmore’s Asbury University and Asbury Theological Seminary anchor the county’s education sector and draw a steady stream of students and staff. Many residents commute north into Lexington-Fayette County for work, reflecting the county’s place inside the Lexington-Fayette Metropolitan Statistical Area.
History
Jessamine County was organized on December 19, 1798, carved from Fayette County land, and became the 36th Kentucky county formed. Its name is generally traced to Jessamine Creek, itself named for the jasmine-like flowers growing along its banks, rather than to any pioneer figure. In the county’s early decades, Kentucky River landings and Bluegrass farmland supported a modest commercial wine industry, an unusual pursuit for the era that is still noted in local histories today.
Getting There
US 27 and US 68 are the county’s main highways, both running through Nicholasville and linking the county to Lexington and points south toward Danville.
- Lexington — 12 miles north
- Danville — 25 miles south
- Harrodsburg — 18 miles southwest
- Richmond — 20 miles southeast
The nearest commercial airport is Blue Grass Airport in Lexington.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Jessamine County, Kentucky?
It sits in the Bluegrass region of central Kentucky, directly south of Lexington, with the Kentucky River forming its entire southern boundary.
What is the population of Jessamine County?
The 2020 census counted 52,991 residents.
How big is Jessamine County?
It covers 175 square miles (450 km2), of which 172 square miles are land and 2.4 square miles are water.
What is the county seat of Jessamine County?
Nicholasville is the county seat and largest city.
How many towns are in Jessamine County?
The county has two incorporated cities, Nicholasville and Wilmore, plus the High Bridge census-designated place and several smaller unincorporated communities.
What ZIP codes are in Jessamine County?
The main ZIP codes are 40356 (Nicholasville), 40390 (Wilmore), and 40339 (Keene, PO box only).
What university is in Jessamine County?
Wilmore is home to Asbury University and Asbury Theological Seminary.
More counties in this state: Towns and villages in Kentucky.