Why Madison County

As you explored “Why Kentucky,” it became apparent why Kentucky is a winner.  Home is where the heart is,” and those of us lucky enough to call it “home” are eager to share what we know of it.  As the Realtors always say, it’s about location … location … location.

Richmond is in the middle of the county.

Madison County is in the middle of the state.

Kentucky is in the middle of the Midwest.

In a short 12 minutes, traveling south of Lexington towards Knoxville, one crosses the Kentucky River over the Clays Ferry Bridge into Madison County.  It’s just the beginning of beautiful vistas that greet you driving farther along one of the major highways that run through this central region:  I-75, U.S. 25, U.S. 421, and KY 52.

Snuggled between the Bluegrass Region and the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Madison County’s beauty is both every-changing and breathtaking.  The weather is usually mild year-round.  Harsh winters blow above us and wild springs fly beneath us on the map.  The summers are perfect for fishing, golf and swimming while autumn brings the beauty of fall colors with temperate days and cool evenings.  Its proximity to Lexington-Fayette County to the north allows folks to take advantage of lower housing costs, lower taxes and less populated areas.

Our beautiful industrial park encourages new business while we boast an unemployment rate of 6.2%, lower than the state and national averages.  It’s an easy commute to Clark County (northeast), Estill County (east), Jackson County (southeast), Rockcastle County (south), Garrard County (southwest) and Jessamine County (northwest).  If you’re interested in business in Madison County, contact Richmond Industrial Development Corporation for help.

A short two-hour drive gets you to most of the surrounding states:  Tennessee, W. VA, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Virginia, and Missouri.  Madison County is 45 minutes from the Bluegrass Airport and less than two hours from the McGhee Tyson Airport-Knoxville, Louisville International and Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airports.  We even boast our own Madison County Airport just off I-75 ten minutes from either Berea or Richmond.  Now you can’t beat that for location! 

History

Madison County’s interesting history consists of stories about the little communities that make up the entire county.  The county was named for Virginia statesman James Madison, who later became the fourth President of the United States.

Madison County, established in 1785 by land given by Lincoln County, Virginia,  is home to the outstanding Eastern Kentucky University and Berea College, now ranked by Kiplinger as the country’s best value in education.  It’s also home to the White Hall State Shrine, home of Statesman Cassius M. Clay, and Bybee Pottery, (closed February 2011) one of the oldest pottery operations in the United States.   The Battle of Richmond was fought here in 1862.  This is also where famous pioneer Daniel Boone lived and built Fort Boonesborough, now a state historic site.

Of Interest

Madison is considered a moist county, meaning that although the county prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages (and is thus a dry county), it contains a city where retail alcohol sales are allowed. Nevertheless, two of Richmond's 19 precincts are dry. Alcohol can also be sold by the drink by Arlington and The Bull golf clubs. In addition, Acres of Land Winery is authorized to make and sell wine, and is also allowed to sell beer and wine by the drink at its on-site restaurant.

Demographics

From the 2010 census, the population of Madison County is around 82,916 people.  This breakdown will give you an accurate assessment of demographics.  Madison County is part of the Richmond-Berea, KY Micropolitan Statistical Area.  Richmond is the County Seat. 

Stable Community  

Madison County is growing and thriving.  According to the KY Department of Revenue,  data based on the last six months of the 2011 indicated:

 

Per Capita Income 2010

$27,564
 

Median Household Income 2009

$40,241
 

Median Home Price 2011

$148,750

With our stable, safe communities, student-teacher ratios  (Richmond 16-1 and Berea 14-1) and great weather, it’s a great place to call home.  Give us a call and we’ll start building yours today.  

Community Growth

 

Economic Development:

Think Kentucky
 

State Government:

Kentucky.gov

 

City Governments: 

Kentucky League of Cities
 

County Governments:

Kentucky Association of Counties

 

Area Development Districts:

Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts

Lots to See and Do

We all “bleed blue” for our Kentucky Wildcats, and whether you live in Lexington or Richmond, you won’t have far to go to catch a game. But we never forget to support, Eastern Kentucky University Maroons, who will keep you hopping on the edge of your seat with great sports events.  Make sure you contact their Athletic Offices for your tickets early in the season. 

Need more info?  We’ll try to help.  Contact us.