Fayette County is a historic county located in Kentucky. Lexington is Fayette County’s seat, and the state’s second-largest city. Known as the “Thoroughbred City” and the “Horse Capital of the World,” Lexington is located in the heart of the Bluegrass region, and enjoys a rather highly-educated population, ranking 10th among US cities in its college education rate with almost 40 percent of residents having at least a bachelor’s degree.
The Lexington area of Fayette County is home to the headquarters of Tempur-Pedic International, Lexmark International, the Kentucky Horse Park, Keeneland race course, Red Mile race course, Transylvania University, the University of Kentucky and Bluegrass Community & Technical College.
Fayette County was one of the original three counties created by the Virginia Act in 1780, along with Jefferson and Lincoln counties; together they separated from Virginia in 1792 to become the state of Kentucky. The county is named for Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, otherwise known as the Marquis de Lafayette, a colorful character who figured prominently in both the American and French revolutions.
According to the 2000 census, the county has a total area of approximately 285 square miles. Fayette County is bordered by Scott County to the north, Bourbon to the northeast, Clark to the east, Madison and Jessamine to the south and Woodford County to the west.
The median income for a household in the county was $39,813, and the median income for a family was $53,264. Approximately eight percent of families in Fayette County live below the poverty line.
Fayette County’s capital city is home to Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, a 734-acre nature preserve along the Kentucky River Palisades. This green space offers 11 miles of back-country hiking trails that range from wheelchair-accessible paved trails to difficult, single-track trails. It is common to meet up with Appalachian Trail backpackers along this trail.
Raven Run is home to over 56 species of trees, 600 species of plants, 200 species of birds, and other wildlife. Remains of a grist mill and homestead can still be seen here. Events at Raven Run include seasonal wildflower walks, stargazing during the warmer months, evening insect tours and historical walks and presentations.
Data provided by GreatSchools.org 2025 © 2025. All rights reserved.
Submitting Request
Apartment Finder utilizes the industry's largest and most complete database of real-time rents and availabilities to help you find an amazing deal on your next rental.
Apartment communities change their rental rates often - sometimes multiple times a day. We track the changes and keep you up to date when a rental rate decreases.
"Best value" units are located in buildings rated three stars or higher. We label apartment rentals that are priced significantly less than similar high-quality units nearby.
Apartment communities regularly advertise deals for new residents. Whether it's a move-in special or a free tv, we locate the rentals that offer a little something extra when you sign your lease.
Note: Based on community-supplied data and independent market research. Subject to change without notice.