Paris
Namesake of Bourbon Whiskey & Secretariat's Farm
Why People Move Here
Paris is the Bourbon County seat and the namesake of bourbon whiskey — the spirit, the county, and the town all draw their name from the French House of Bourbon, honored by Kentucky for King Louis XVI's Revolutionary War aid. The 18-mile Paris Pike from downtown Lexington is a Kentucky Scenic Byway through horse-farm country, and Claiborne Farm on the edge of town is the final resting place of Secretariat.
Key Statistics
Data sourced from census records, school district reports, and local transit authorities.
Commute Times
School Districts
Bourbon County Public Schools
B-Bourbon County High School ranked #140 in Kentucky (US News)
- Bourbon County High School ~796 students, grades 9–12
- Graduation rate 93%; avg GPA 3.54; avg SAT 1180; avg ACT 23
- 19:1 student-teacher ratio
FAQ — Paris
How long is the commute from Paris to downtown Lexington?
About 30 minutes off-peak via Paris Pike (US-27/US-68), covering 18 miles. Paris Pike is a designated Kentucky Scenic Byway lined with black plank fences, dry-stack stone walls, and horse farm entrances — frequently named one of the most picturesque commuter roads in the state.
What is the median home price in Paris, KY?
Approximately $235K–$265K as of 2025. Rocket and Redfin report a 12-month median around $235K (down about 2% year over year), while current-month medians run closer to $245K–$265K. Paris is one of the more affordable markets in the Lexington metro.
Why does Paris share a name with bourbon whiskey?
Bourbon County was established in 1785 from Fayette County, Virginia, and named after the French House of Bourbon in gratitude for King Louis XVI's Revolutionary War aid. Whiskey shipped in barrels from the old Bourbon County became known as 'bourbon.' The town was renamed from Hopewell to Paris in 1790 to match the county.
What horse farms can you visit near Paris?
Claiborne Farm at 703 Winchester Road (established 1910) raised 10 Kentucky Derby winners and is where Secretariat is buried. Public walking stallion tours run $20 for adults. Runnymede Farm, founded in 1867, is the oldest continuously owned thoroughbred farm in Kentucky and the birthplace of 2023 Derby winner Mage and 2024 Belmont winner Dornoch.
What schools serve Paris, Kentucky?
Bourbon County Public Schools operates Bourbon County High School in Paris (approximately 796 students, Niche grade B-, US News Kentucky rank #140). The graduation rate is 93% with an average SAT of 1180 and ACT of 23. Verify enrollment eligibility by address.
What are the crime statistics in Paris, KY?
CrimeGrade.org puts the overall crime rate at 29.37 per 1,000 residents (35th safety percentile nationally) but notes year-over-year crime has fallen 27.4% overall — violent crime down 40% and property crime down 26.2%. The chance of violent crime victimization is reported at 1 in 774.
What healthcare facilities are in Paris?
Bourbon Community Hospital at 9 Linville Drive is a 58-bed LifePoint Health acute care facility with an emergency room, surgery, ICU, diagnostic imaging, and a 33-bed inpatient behavioral health unit for adolescents and adults. Larger tertiary centers in Lexington (Baptist Health Lexington, UK HealthCare) are about 30 minutes southwest.