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Berea, KY

Frequently asked questions

Berea, KY

Berea is a home rule-class city in Madison County, Kentucky, in the United States. The town is best known for its art festivals, historic restaurants, and buildings, and as the home to Berea College, a private liberal arts college. The population was 15,539 at the 2020 census. It is one of the fastest-growing towns in Kentucky, having increased by 27.4% since 2000. Berea is a principal city of the Richmond−Berea Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Madison and Rockcastle counties. It was formally incorporated by the state assembly in 1890.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.4 square miles (24 km²), of which 9.3 square miles (24 km²) is land and 0.04 square miles (0.10 km²) (0.32%) is water. The city is located along Interstate 75, which runs to the west of downtown, with access from exits 76 and 77. Via I-75, Lexington is 40 mi (64 km) north, and Knoxville, Tennessee is 134 mi (216 km) south. U.S. Route 25 is the main highway through the center of town, leading north 14 mi (23 km) to Richmond, the Madison County seat, and south 17 mi (27 km) to Mount Vernon. Kentucky Route 21 also runs through the city as well, leading east 6 mi (9.7 km) to Bighill and northwest 10 mi (16 km) to Paint Lick.

Berea is located on the border of the Cumberland Plateau. The area has a mountainous appearance, but most outcroppings in the area have a maximum elevation of 2,500 feet or 760 meters.

The history of Berea is tied with the history of Berea College, which was founded in 1855. The Berea railway station was created in 1882 as part of the Kentucky Central Railroad, and later the Louisville and Nashville Railroad (L&N). Berea was formally incorporated by the state assembly in 1890. In April 1996 a tornado went through the city, causing damage to about 800-1000 homes, with 20 percent of those being destroyed.

At the 2010 census, there were 13,561 people, 5,119 households, and 3,382 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,458.2 inhabitants per square mile (563.0/km²). There were 5,633 housing units at an average density of 612.3 per square mile (236.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 90.7% White, 4.00% African American, 0.5% Native American, 1.2 percent Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.9% from other races, and 2.6% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 2.7% of the population.

Due to the high number of arts and crafts produced, Berea is a tourist attraction. It hosts several crafts festivals throughout the year. Berea also hosts a Spoonbread Festival in mid-September, which features a cornmeal bread traditionally served with a wooden spoon. The annual Berea College Celebration of Traditional Music started in 1974, takes place in mid-October and features traditional music as passed down by people in the Appalachian region.

Health and wellness are paramount in Berea, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Saint Joseph Berea stands as a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Berea Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Berea Fitness and Berea College Athletics. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Berea, such as the Indian Fort Lookout and West Pinnacle Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Berea, KY are Berea Tourism / Berea Welcome Center, Berea College Forestry Outreach Center at the Pinnacles, and The Spotlight Playhouse (Theater).

Population: 15,998 (2023). ZIP codes: 40403-40404. Area code: 859. Elevation: 958 ft (292 m). Area: 16.58 sq mi (42.95 km²).

FAQs

Is Berea, KY a good place to live?

Berea is in Madison County and is one of the best places to live in Kentucky. Living in Berea offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many families and young professionals live in Berea and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Berea are above average.

What is Berea, KY famous for?

The town is best known for its art festivals, historic restaurants, and buildings, and as the home to Berea College, a private liberal arts college. It is one of the fastest-growing towns in Kentucky, having increased by 27.4% since 2000. Berea is a principal city of the Richmond−Berea Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Madison and Rockcastle counties. 

What is the crime rate in Berea, KY?

The crime rate in Berea is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 14 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Berea is 1 in 73. Based on FBI crime data, Berea is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Kentucky, Berea has a crime rate that is higher than 82% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Berea

Saint Joseph Berea 

Berea Parks and Recreation Department

Berea Fitness 

Berea College Athletics

Indian Fort Lookout 

West Pinnacle Trail

Berea Tourism / Berea Welcome Center

Berea College Forestry Outreach Center at the Pinnacles

The Spotlight Playhouse (Theater)

Niche

Neighborhood Scout

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