Kentucky map and facts
Kentucky, “the Bluegrass State”, is a South state in the East South Central division. Its capital is Frankfort.
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Kentucky in context
With 4,505,836 people counted in the 2020 Census, Kentucky holds about 1.4% of the US population. Its 40,408 square miles make it the 37th-largest state by area, and with 111.5 people per square mile it ranks 21st for population density.
Kentucky shares borders with Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia. Want to see how it measures up? Compare Kentucky with Illinois.
Kentucky FAQ
What is the capital of Kentucky?
The capital of Kentucky is Frankfort. The largest city is Lexington-Fayette, which is not the capital.
What is the population of Kentucky?
Kentucky had 4,505,836 residents in the 2020 Census, ranking 26th of the 50 states.
How big is Kentucky?
Kentucky covers 40,408 square miles (104,656 km²) including water, making it the 37th-largest state.
When did Kentucky become a state?
Kentucky became the 15th state on June 1, 1792.
What time zone is Kentucky in?
Kentucky is in the Eastern + Central (western half) time zones.
What states border Kentucky?
Kentucky borders 7 states: Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia.