Jessamine County
Historic. Connected. Adventuresome.
With a diverse lifestyle and a population of just over 55,000, Jessamine County offers practicality with unexpected delights. Whether you seek small-town charm or the amenities of Kentucky’s 10th largest city, you’ll find affordable housing, safe neighborhoods and quality schools here.
Explore historic landmarks like Camp Nelson, or embrace rugged adventure and scenic beauty across the county. Engage in monthly and annual events that bring the community together. Plus, with one of the shortest drives to Lexington, Jessamine County provides a perfect balance of connectivity, recreation and livability.
Find affordability, rural beauty and exciting excursions in nature in Kentucky’s seventh-fastest growing city of Nicholasville.
Choose Your Own Adventure
Enjoy a more purposeful lifestyle with Jessamine County’s unique blend of history, nature and culture. Tour the grounds of First Vineyard Winery — the first commercial vineyard in America — and sip and celebrate any occasion. Browse artisan shops, frequent our community-based farmers market and attend seasonal festivals like the Jessamine Juneteenth Celebration in downtown Nicholasville.
Looking to satisfy your wanderlust? In Wilmore, High Bridge Park offers breathtaking views of the Kentucky River Gorge. Once the tallest railroad bridge over a navigable waterway (built in 1877), it’s a perfect spot for kayaking or canoeing beneath its towering structure. For equine enthusiasts, tour renowned horse farms like Taylor Made in Nicholasville or visit Asbury University Equine Center.
History lovers can explore Camp Nelson National Monument, a significant Civil War site where over 10,000 African American soldiers trained. Pay tribute to these heroes at the 50+ acre Camp Nelson National Cemetery, which is adjacent to the monument and managed by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
With a deep history, stunning landscapes and vibrant events, Jessamine County offers a unique home for history buffs and adventurers alike.
Perfectly Positioned for Life
Jessamine County offers the best of both worlds — small-town charm with big-city access. Just six miles apart, the quaint town of Wilmore (population 6,000) and the bustling city of Nicholasville (population 30,000) provide diverse living options to fit any lifestyle.
Located just south of Lexington and southeast of Woodford County, the county enjoys seamless connectivity via US Route 27 and US Route 68, making travel to Lexington’s urban center quick and easy. Blue Grass Airport is just 20 minutes away, while Louisville International Airport and Cincinnati Northern/Kentucky International Airport are a little over an hour’s drive, ensuring both regional and international access.
Whether commuting for work or exploring all that Kentucky has to offer, Jessamine County keeps you connected while letting you live at your own pace.
Affordable, Safe and Full of Opportunity
With a high quality of life at a cost of living nearly 13% lower than the national average, your dollar stretches further in Jessamine County, making it an ideal place to plant roots and build a future.
Families benefit from top-ranked schools and safe neighborhoods. Wilmore Elementary was named the No.1 best elementary school in the county by Niche in 2025, while West Jessamine Middle School ranked No.8 overall in the Lexington area. Asbury University, a private Christian institution in Wilmore, was ranked No.31 in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Regional Universities South in 2025. With 75+ programs and a 97% employment or grad school placement rate within six months, Asbury provides a strong foundation for success.
Residents also enjoy comprehensive healthcare, including full-service, 24/7 emergency care at CHI Saint Joseph Hospital Jessamine, ensuring peace of mind for all. And if you’re looking for employment, distributors like McLane and biotechnology and animal nutrition companies like Alltech provide abundant options. Even more opportunities for career growth exist just 20 minutes away in Lexington.
Discover More of Greater LEX
Explore Greater LEX
An irresistible quality of life awaits across Greater LEX’s nine counties, thanks to its picturesque countryside, suburban neighborhoods and walkable downtowns.
Cost of Living
Get more for less in Greater LEX. Compare your current cost of living to potential savings when you relocate here.
Housing
A range of living options are available in Greater LEX, from townhouses and condos to single-family homes with appreciating values.
