Lawrence County, Kentucky

Lawrence County
Lawrence County Courthouse in Louisa
Location within the U.S. state of Kentucky
Kentucky's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 38°04′N 82°44′W / 38.06°N 82.73°W / 38.06; -82.73
Country United States
State Kentucky
FoundedDecember 14, 1821
Named afterJames Lawrence
SeatLouisa
Largest cityLouisa
Area
  Total
420 sq mi (1,100 km2)
  Land416 sq mi (1,080 km2)
  Water4.5 sq mi (12 km2)  1.1%
Population
 (2020)
  Total
16,293
  Estimate 
(2024)
15,798
  Density39/sq mi (15/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
  Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district5th
Websitelawrencecountyky.gov

Lawrence County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 16,293. Its county seat is Louisa. The county is named for James Lawrence, and co-founded by Isaac Bolt, who served as a Lawrence County Commissioner and Justice of the Peace. It is the birthplace of country music star Tyler Childers, late Chief Justice of the United States Frederick Moore Vinson, and former Kentucky Governor Paul E. Patton. In regard to alcoholic beverage sales, Lawrence County is considered a "moist" county, meaning alcohol sales are only allowed within the city limits of Louisa.