Discover the 5 Most Educated Places in Kentucky

When you think about educated places in Kentucky, academic institutions like The University of Kentucky (Lexington) and The University of Louisville may come to mind. Or, maybe the engineers at Valvoline in Lexington or the Corvette whizzes in Bowling Green are the most educated. However, the top places with the highest percentages of residents earning at least a bachelor’s degree are small towns, with most under 500 citizens. Let’s discover the five most educated places in Kentucky.

5. Indian Hills

A suburb of Louisville in Jefferson County, Indian Hills is a home rule-class city along the Ohio River. 64.5% of its residents hold at least a bachelor’s degree in this community of 2,878. The median household income is $163,750, and only 2.1% of the residents fall below the poverty line. One of the most prosperous suburbs of Louisville since the mid-1900s, the town’s median home cost is $609,100.

Only two square miles, Indian Hills’s median age is 51.4. Over one-third of the woodlands here is intentionally left undeveloped, with most of this land lying on the Indian Hills Trail between Louisville Country Club and the Ohio River.

The town is named after the Indian Hill Stock farm, which was in 1805 one of the largest horse farms in the state. The farm, owned by John Veech, spanned over 300 acres, and the Geogian-style Veech home can still be viewed at 125 Indian Hills Trail.

Slowly cruising through neighborhoods and viewing the large homes and lush landscapes is probably the most interesting activity in Indian Hills. Additionally, the Zachary Taylor National Cemetery and The Kentucky Derby Museum are high-interest attractions. For good eats, try the self-proclaimed “Best Deli in Indian Hills,” Safier, featuring Mediterranean fare.

4. Norbourne Estates

2.4 miles south of Indian Hills, Norbourne Estates is tiny, with a population of 47 and 0.10 square miles. 65.6% of its residents have earned a bachelor’s degree, more than double the rate of Kentucky. The median household income is $153,750, with only 1.6% (which is\ almost one person in its population) living under the poverty level.

The median home price here is $500,000, which is more than double the amount in the Louisville area or Kentucky as a whole. 47 is the median age, and females slightly outnumber males in the community (54% versus 46%).

Any recreation or arts available in the #5 most educated Kentucky place, Indian Hills, is fodder for visiting or living in Norbourne Estates! Some additional choices for fun include Arthur K. Draut Park and the Burks Family Burial Site. For good food, try Mojito in Havana for some authentic Cuban cuisine.

3. Druid Hills

The educated Kentucky places revolve around Louisville; that’s a trifecta! Druid Hills is another small (0.10 square miles, 301 population, home rule-class city located seven and one-half miles east of downtown Louisville.

Its median household income is $145,625, with the median home costing $386,700. Only 2.7% live below the poverty line. Yet another community classified as a home rule-class city, the median age here is 48.8.

Again, the Louisville area offers so much variety in recreation and shopping! Big Rock Park, Cherokee Park, and Locust Grove Historic Site are all highly recommended. For dining, try Drake’s which features chicken asada tacos and big blue smashed burgers.

2. Strathmoor Manor

A fourth home rule-class city, Strathmoor Manor also lies in Jefferson County, 5 miles southeast of downtown Louisville. 71.3% of its residents possess at least a bachelor’s degree while 97.7% graduated high school or higher.

With 0.10 square miles and a population of 462, this community is known for its tree-lined streets and lush, large landscaping and yards. Its median household income is $168,750, and its median home cost is $342,000.

Clarence C. Hieatt developed and constructed over 70 subdivisions — including Strathmoor Manor from 1921 to 1925 — in Louisville over several decades. Interestingly the community came to life during the age of the automobile, and it was called the “airplane subdivision” due to its proximity to Bowman Field.

Once more, immersing in the Strathmoor Manor culture means enjoying what Louisville has to offer!

1. St. Joseph

Located In Daviess County 15 miles west of Owensboro, Kentucky (and over two hours southwest of Louisville), St. Joseph is a highly educated town, with a considerable number, 98.5% to 100% (U.S. Census Bureau), holding at least a bachelor’s degree!

With a population of 110, St. Joseph is only .4 square miles. Interestingly, its median age is 77.5, with over 87% of the population at least 65 (and over). Household income information is not available as of this date, but the poverty rate of St. Joseph is astounding, especially compared to the other most educated places in Kentucky. 72% of these citizens live below the poverty line! Compare that with Kentucky as a whole’s 16.5% poverty rate, and even more alarmingly, the national rate of 12.4%.

The aforementioned Blugrass Music Hall of Fame is a treat as is Green River Distilling Company (both in nearby Owensboro). Famous Bistro offers made-from-scratch fare and a Saturday brunch.