Shelby County, Kentucky

Shelby County Education, Geography, and History

Shelby County is a county located in the state of Kentucky. Based on the 2010 census, the population was 42,074.  The county was founded in 1792. The county seat is Shelbyville. Shelby county is named for Isaac Shelby, the first Governor of Kentucky.

Shelby County is part of the Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Etymology - Origin of Shelby County Name

General Isaac Shelby (1750-1826), Revolutionary War veteran, Indian fighter, and Kentucky's first governor.

Demographics:

County QuickFacts: CensusBureau Quick Facts

Shelby County History

Shelby county was formed in 1792. The county is located in the Outer Bluegrass region of the state. In 2000 the county population was 33,337 in a land area of 384.19 square miles, an average of 86.8 people per square mile. The county seat is Shelbyville.

Geography: Land and Water

As reported by the Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 386 square miles (1,000 km²), of which 380 square miles (980 km²) is land and 6.0 square miles (16 km²) (1.6%) is water. The elevation in the county ranges from 550 to 1188 feet above sea level. Jeptha Knob at 1,188 feet (362 m) is the highest point in the Louisville area. Guist Creek Lake and Marina offers 325 acres of fishing.

Shelby county is located close to the center of Kentucky. Guist Creek Lake and Marina offers 325 acres of fishing.

Neighboring Counties

Bordering counties are as follows:

• North: Henry County
• East: Franklin County
• Southeast: Anderson County
• Southwest: Spencer County
• West: Jefferson County
• Northwest: Oldham County

Education

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