Union County, Kentucky


Union County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2010 census, the population was 15,007. Its county seat is Morganfield. The county was formed on January 15, 1811.
The county is located on the Ohio River opposite the mouth of the Wabash River. Union County, along with neighboring Posey County, Indiana, and Gallatin County, Illinois, form the tri-point of the Illinois-Indiana-Kentucky Tri-State Area.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of, of which is land and is water. Union County is part of the Western Coal Fields region of Kentucky. The county's northwestern border with Illinois and Indiana is formed by the Ohio River.

Adjacent counties

As of the 2010 Census, the population was 15,007. Of this, 85.45% were White, 12.05% were Black or African American, 1.49% were two or more races, 0.44% were some other race, 0.34% were Asian, 0.19% were American Indian or Alaska Native, 0.05% were Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander. Hispanic or Latino were 1.62% of the population
As of the census of 2000, there were 15,637 people, 5,710 households, and 4,082 families residing in the county. The population density was. There were 6,234 housing units at an average density of. The racial makeup of the county was 85.04% White, 12.89% Black or African American, 0.17% Native American, 0.15% Asian, 0.39% from other races, and 1.37% from two or more races. 1.56% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 5,710 households out of which 32.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.50% were married couples living together, 11.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.50% were non-families. 26.10% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 2.99.
25.30% of the population was under the age of 18, 13.80% from 18 to 24, 25.50% from 25 to 44, 22.50% from 45 to 64, and 12.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 101.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.30 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $35,018, and the median income for a family was $43,103. Males had a median income of $30,244 versus $20,817 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,465. About 9.30% of families and 17.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.30% of those under age 18 and 11.70% of those age 65 or over.

Education

Public schools are managed by Union County Public Schools. The three public elementary schools in the county are located in Morganfield, Sturgis, and Uniontown. The county has one public middle school and one public high school, Union County High School. Located near Morganfield, Kentucky, it is known for its wrestling program. St. Ann School, the only private school in the county, is located in Morganfield—it teaches preschool, elementary, and middle school classes.

Libraries

There are three libraries in Union County, the main branch is in Morganfield with branches in Sturgis and Uniontown. The library supplies the county with educational resources such as computers with internet access. There are several programs for children,
Time for Tots is a range of activities including music, dancing, crafts, stories, and more. For ages 6 months to 5 years.
Blox’ N Bots is a hands-on robotic experience for grades K-5.
Between You and Me is a program for middle and high school students and an adult family member. Which includes crafts, games, and activities.
There is also access to KY Virtual Library with databases, which include:
• Britannica Digital Learning
• Databases
• EBSCO
• LearningExpress Library
• NoveList
• ProQuest
• Scholastic GO!
• TeenBookCloud
• WorldCat
This can be useful to students, adults and educators.
Kentucky Libraries Unbound is an online source for eBooks, audiobooks, magazines and children’s books. There is also access to your Kindle device or reading app.
Another service provided by the Union County Public Library is Test Proctoring Union County Public Library District offers test-proctoring services at our Morganfield location. Students wishing to have a test proctored must set up an appointment in advance by calling the library at 270.389.2696 or sending an email Students must present a picture ID to the staff member proctoring their exam before beginning their test. Students will remain in the same room and within eyesight of test proctor during their exam. Library Director, Asst. Director, will supervise students or available Library Aide. Students will be asked to leave all notes, bags, etc. at front desk unless otherwise instructed by teacher. If exam is computer based, students will take test on a PC with Internet Explorer and Firefox browsers, and Microsoft Office 2010. Test proctor will not be available to sit at desk next to student while they take computer-based exam.
Children’s online educational resources include:
• ABCya
• Bob the builder
• CoolMath4Kids
• Dr. Seuss
• Fun with Spot
• KidzPage
• Little Critter
• Littlest Pet Shop
• Neopets
• Nick Jr.
• Nickelodeon
• PBS Kids
• Ramo Math games
• Star Wars
• Turtle Diary
• Typing games
Ready Reference Links include:
Fast Facts, Health, Jobs, Kentucky Driver's Tests, Kentucky Legal Assistance Information, Kentucky Links, Kids, Language, Newspapers, People,
Senior Links, Staff Resources, Tax Information, Teen Links, and Union County Links

Transportation

These are the major highway routes through Union County:
The John T. Myers Locks and Dam, once known as Uniontown Locks and Dam, is located on the Ohio River 3½ miles downstream from Uniontown. It straddles the river between Union County and Posey County Indiana. Construction of the dam was begun in 1965 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and completed in 1977. It was renamed to honor retired Indiana congressman John T. Myers.

Communities

Cities

Union County was a longtime Democratic stronghold in presidential elections. However, it gradually shifted to supporting Republican candidates. In 2016, Donald Trump won more than three fourths of the county's vote.

Notable people