Madison County, Kentucky
Madison County | |
|---|---|
Madison County Courthouse in Richmond | |
Location within the U.S. state of Kentucky | |
Kentucky's location within the U.S. | |
| Coordinates: 37°43′N 84°17′W / 37.72°N 84.28°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Kentucky |
| Founded | December 15, 1785 |
| Named after | James Madison |
| Seat | Richmond |
| Largest city | Richmond |
| Area | |
• Total | 443 sq mi (1,150 km2) |
| • Land | 437 sq mi (1,130 km2) |
| • Water | 6.0 sq mi (16 km2) 1.3% |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 92,701 |
• Estimate (2024) | 99,582 |
| • Density | 210/sq mi (81/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Congressional district | 6th |
| Website | www |
Madison County is a county located in the central part of the U.S. state of Kentucky. At the 2020 census, its population was 92,701. Its county seat is Richmond. The county is named for Virginia statesman James Madison, who later became the fourth President of the United States.
The county is part of the Richmond-Berea, KY Micropolitan Statistical Area which is also included in the Lexington-Fayette–Richmond–Frankfort, KY combined statistical area.
Madison County was considered a moist county, meaning that although the county prohibited the sale of alcoholic beverages (and is thus a dry county), it contained a city where retail alcohol sales are allowed. Nevertheless, two of the county's 19 precincts are completely dry. Alcohol can also be sold by the drink in Berea, Richmond, and at Arlington and The Bull golf clubs. In 2023, the county voted to become wet.
Madison County is home to Eastern Kentucky University, Berea College, and historic Boone Tavern. Famous pioneer Daniel Boone lived in Madison County and built Fort Boonesborough, now a state historic site.