Kentucky

Kentucky entered the Union on June 1, 1792 as the 15th state. Kentucky was carved from Virginia and became one of the early trans-Appalachian states, with a history shaped by frontier settlement, river commerce, and its border-state role in national politics. Today its state government is centered in Frankfort and follows the common model of a governor and a bicameral General Assembly made up of a Senate and House of Representatives.

Median household income$61,118
Poverty rate16.4%
Median age39.2
GovernorAndy Beshear (Democratic)
Next statewide electionNovember 3, 2026

Government & Representation

Use this section to understand how the state organizes executive authority, legislative power, and federal representation.

Kentucky’s government is organized around an elected governor and a bicameral General Assembly that includes a Senate and a House of Representatives. Frankfort serves as the center of state authority, where the constitution shapes the balance between executive administration and legislative control.