Lexington

The City in Brief

Founded: 1775 (incorporated 1781)

Head Official: Mayor Teresa Isaac (D) (since 2002)

City Population

1980: 204,165

1990: 225,366

2000: 260,512

2003 estimate: 266,798

Percent change, 1990–2000: 7.6%

U.S. rank in 1980: 68th

U.S. rank in 1990: 70th (State rank: 2nd)

U.S. rank in 2000: 70th (State rank: 1st)

Metropolitan Area Population

1980: 371,000

1990: 405,936

2000: 479,198

Percent change, 1990–2000: 15.2%

U.S. rank in 1980: 103rd

U.S. rank in 1990: 106th

U.S. rank in 2000: 85th

Area: 284 square miles (Lexington-Fayette) (2000)

Elevation: Approximately 966 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 54.9° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 44.6 inches

Major Economic Sectors: horses, tobacco, services, wholesale and retail trade, government

Unemployment rate: 2.8% (December 2004)

Per Capita Income: $26,912 (2004)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 12,521

Major Colleges and Universities: University of Kentucky, Transylvania University

Daily Newspaper: Lexington Herald-Leader