Population
20,333
County Introduction
Bourbon County
Bourbon County was formed in 1785 from part of Fayette County, Virginia, before becoming part of the newly established state of Kentucky. One of the region’s earliest and most notable exports was whiskey, with barrels shipped from the local port on the Ohio River that were stamped with “Old Bourbon,” referencing their place of origin. Made primarily from corn, this whiskey had a unique flavor that set it apart from other regional varieties. Over time, the name “bourbon” became synonymous with this distinct style of American whiskey.
Today, Bourbon County is home to more than 20,000 people. It contains the incorporated cities of Millersburg, North Middletown, and the county seat of Paris.
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Community Spotlight
The community is deeply rooted in agriculture, as evidenced by the presence of over 50 horse farms throughout the county.
The Emissions by Sector chart shows how much pollution Bourbon County created in 2021 from things like driving and powering buildings. The County Emissions Per Capita shows how much that pollution adds up to for each person living there. The County Emissions Projected to 2050 chart shows how following the Central Kentucky Climate Action Plan can help reduce this pollution over time.
The numbers are measured in a standard way (metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MT CO2e)) that compares all types of pollution to carbon dioxide, which is the most common kind. This helps us understand the total impact on the environment.
Bourbon County Action Items
The Lexington-Fayette MSA includes six distinct counties, each at a different stage in their sustainability journey. While the CCAP outlines a unified set of reduction measures for the region, the plan acknowledges that each county may require a tailored approach to reach shared goals. The Action Menu for Bourbon County is shown below.
