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Hopkinsville, KY

Frequently asked questions

Hopkinsville, KY

Hopkinsville is a home rule-class city in and the county seat of Christian County, Kentucky, United States. The population at the 2020 census was 31,180. Hopkinsville is located south of the center of Christian County at 36°51′17″N 87°29′20″W (36.854712, −87.488872). Madisonville is 35 miles (56 km) to the north, Russellville is 35 miles (56 km) to the east, Oak Grove is 15 miles to the south, and Clarksville, Tennessee, is 26 miles (42 km) to the south. According to the United States Census Bureau, Hopkinsville has a total area of 30.8 square miles (79.8 km²), of which 30.6 square miles (79.3 km²) is land and 0.15 square miles (0.4 km²), or 0.44%, is water.

The area of present-day Hopkinsville was initially claimed in 1796 by Bartholomew Wood as part of a 1,200-acre (5 km²) grant for his service in the American Revolution. He and his wife Martha Ann moved from Jonesborough, Tennessee, first to a cabin near present-day W. Seventh and Bethel streets; then to a second cabin near present-day 9th and Virginia streets; and finally to a third home near 14th and Campbell.

Following the creation of Christian County the same year, the Woods donated 5 acres (20,000 m²) of land and a half interest in their Old Rock Spring to form its seat of government in 1797. By 1798, a log courthouse, jail, and "stray pen" had been built; the next year, John Campbell and Samuel Means laid out the streets for the "Christian Court House". The community tried to rename itself "Elizabeth" after the Woods' eldest daughter, but Elizabethtown, Kentucky pre-ëmpted the name, and the Kentucky Assembly established the town in 1804 as "Hopkinsville" after veteran and state representative Samuel Hopkins of Henderson County (later the namesake of Hopkins County as well and despite being in a neighboring county and having the same namesake, Hopkinsville was never the county seat of Hopkins County, despite Hopkins County being created from Christian and Henderson Counties).

As of the census of 2010, there were 31,577 people, 12,600 households, and 14,318 housing units in the city of Hopkinsville. The racial makeup of the city was 62.6% White, 31.9% African American, 0.4% Native American, 1.1% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 3.5% from Hispanic or Latino origin, 61.1% White persons not Hispanic (U.S. Census), and 2.5% from two or more races.

Hopkinsville focuses on health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Hopkinsville 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 Planet Fitness and Crossfit Serenity. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Hopkinsville, such as Little River Park, Peace Park, and Westside Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and the enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Hopkinsville, KY are Cherokee Trail Of Tears Commemorative Park, Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County, and Casey Jones Distillery.

Population: 30,800 (2024). ZIP code: 42240. Area codes: 270, 364. Elevation: 528 ft. Area: 30.8 square miles (79.8 km²).

FAQs

What is the history of Hopkinsville, KY?

The City of Hopkinsville was initially settled in 1796 by a North Carolina couple, Bartholomew Wood and his wife Martha Ann. Wood staked a claim in the area as part of a grant on 1,200 acres of land for his service in the Revolutionary War, and he and his wife moved here from Jonesborough, Tennessee. The Wood family established a permanent settlement in the vicinity of present-day West Seventh and Bethel Streets, near what would become known as the Old Rock Spring.

Is Hopkinsville, KY a good place to live?

Living in Hopkinsville offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. Many families live in Hopkinsville and residents tend to have moderate political views. The public schools in Hopkinsville are above average.

What is the crime rate in Hopkinsville, KY?

With a crime rate of 40 per one thousand residents, Hopkinsville has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 25. Within Kentucky, more than 99% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Hopkinsville.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Hopkinsville

Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation Department 

Planet Fitness 

Crossfit Serenity

Little River Park

Peace Park 

Westside Park

Cherokee Trail Of Tears Commemorative Park

Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County

Casey Jones Distillery

Visit Hopkinsville

Niche

Neighborhoodscout

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