Overview and Recent Events in Russell County, Kentucky

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Russell County, Kentucky, is located in the Pennyrile region of the state. It was formed in 1826 from parts of Adair, Cumberland, and Wayne counties. The county seat is Jamestown. The county covers an area of approximately 253.66 square miles, with a population of 17,991 as of the 2020 census.

Geography

Russell County's elevation ranges from 530 to 1,140 feet above sea level. The highest point is atop Dickerson Ridge in the northern part of the county. The county is bordered by Casey County to the north, Pulaski County to the northeast, Wayne County to the southeast, Clinton County to the south, Cumberland County to the southwest, and Adair County to the west.

Demographics

As of 2022, the population of Russell County was estimated to be around 18,021. The largest ethnic groups in the county are White (Non-Hispanic) at 92.9%, followed by Two or More (Non-Hispanic) at 2.14%, and Hispanic at 1.59%. The median household income in 2022 was $48,220, with a significant increase from $41,851 in 2021. However, 17.9% of families in the county live in poverty.

Economy

The median property value in Russell County in 2022 was $121,400, and the homeownership rate was 74.4%. Most residents drive alone to work, with an average commute time of 20.4 minutes. The average car ownership per household was two cars.

Recent Events

Tragically, a Russell County Sheriff’s Deputy, Josh Phipps, was fatally shot in the line of duty on Monday night in Russell Springs. The incident has deeply affected the community, and multiple law enforcement agencies are investigating the shooting.

Education and Employment

The educational attainment in Russell County shows that 38.57% of the population has a high school diploma, while 9.05% have a bachelor's degree. The highest rate of high school graduation is among white people at 83.11%, and the highest rate of bachelor's degrees is among other races at 22.73%. The poverty rate varies significantly by educational attainment, with those having less than a 9th-grade education experiencing the highest poverty rate at 43.83%, while those with a bachelor's degree or higher have a much lower poverty rate of 4.71%.

Notable People

Russell County has been home to several notable individuals, including Tara Conner, Miss Kentucky USA 2006 and Miss USA 2006, and Steve Wariner, a country music singer and songwriter.

Community and Support

The community has come together to support the family and friends of the fallen officer, Deputy Josh Phipps. Various local and state agencies are involved in the investigation, and the community has been asked to keep the first responders and the family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.