Columbia, Kentucky

Columbia is a city in Adair County, Kentucky, just above Russell Creek. The area was settled around 1802 by Daniel Trabue. The post office was opened on April 1, 1806 by John Field, who also ran a local store. It is alleged that he named the community in honor of Christopher Columbus. The population was 4,014 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Adair CountyTemplate:GR.

Columbia is also the home of Lindsey Wilson College, a private four year college.

• Adair County Courthouse, A Local Landmark
  Adair County Courthouse, A Local Landmark

Geography

Location of Columbia, Kentucky

Columbia is located at 37°6′2″N 85°18′22″W (37.100652, -85.306056)Template:GR.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.9 km² (3.4 mi²), all land.

Demographics

As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 4,014 people, 1,554 households, and 893 families residing in the city. The population density was 450.5/km² (1,167.9/mi²). There were 1,789 housing units at an average density of 200.8/km² (520.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 90.38% White, 7.37% African American, 0.22% Native American, 0.60% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.20% from other races, and 1.20% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.02% of the population.

There were 1,554 households out of which 24.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.9% were married couples living together, 14.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.5% were non-families. 40.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 22.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.12 and the average family size was 2.84.

In the city the population was spread out with 18.0% under the age of 18, 19.1% from 18 to 24, 23.1% from 25 to 44, 19.1% from 45 to 64, and 20.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 83.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $22,861, and the median income for a family was $31,344. Males had a median income of $23,906 versus $21,000 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,836. About 19.9% of families and 26.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 39.4% of those under age 18 and 17.9% of those age 65 or over.

Education

Schools in Columbia include Adair County High School. The higher education presence is Lindsey Wilson College.

Media

Media in Columbia, KY, include:

• The Adair Progress, a local 2x weekly newspaper
• WHVE, a contemporary radio station
• WAIN, a country radio station
• Columbia Magazine, an online-only magazine updated daily with local news and history.

Columbia Bypass

After years of promises by various Governors and other Kentucky Officials, Governor Ernie Fletcher finally made construction of the Columbia Bypass a reality. Construction began early in May 2007, which culminated in an offical ground breaking ceremony by the Governor himself on May 15th, 2007[1] near the front of the newly constructed Adair County Elementary School, which faces the direction of the bypass.

While the completion date of the Columbia Bypass is not know, construction is ahead of schedule and making progress.

Columbia Bypass in Pictures

• Route Overlay before construction
  Route Overlay before construction
• Bypass as it appears from 24,000 feet on June 28th, 2007
  Bypass as it appears from 24,000 feet on June 28th, 2007
• Columbia Bypass Near Russell Creek
  Columbia Bypass Near Russell Creek
• Columbia Bypass at Pelham Branch Road (ACES in distance)
  Columbia Bypass at Pelham Branch Road (ACES in distance)
• A bridge and overpass will run the distance over Greensburg street and North 61 near Christian Life Center
  A bridge and overpass will run the distance over Greensburg street and North 61 near Christian Life Center

External links

• Columbia Magazine

• County Map from Kentucky Gazetteer