Fulton, Kentucky Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools
Fulton, Kentucky is a small rural town located in the southwestern corner of the state. It is situated just east of the Mississippi River and is bordered by Tennessee to the south and Missouri to the west. The population of Fulton was 2,852 at the 2010 census.
The town was first established in 1813 by John Fulton, a settler from Virginia. The original settlement was called “Fulton Station” due to its location along a stagecoach line that ran between Nashville, Tennessee and St. Louis, Missouri. The town grew rapidly during the 19th century, becoming an important trading post for farmers and merchants in western Kentucky.
Today, Fulton is best known for its historical landmarks such as Old Hickory Tavern (built in 1820), Old Oak Grove Cemetery (established in 1822), and Fulton Railroad Depot (built in 1888). These sites offer visitors a glimpse into Fulton’s past as an important hub for transportation and commerce during its heyday as a river port town.
The economy of Fulton has traditionally been based on agriculture, with cotton being one of its main crops until it declined after World War II. Today, farming still plays an important role but other industries such as manufacturing and timber have become increasingly prevalent over time.
Despite its small size, Fulton has many attractions for visitors to enjoy including several parks such as Ballard Park which features a playground and picnic areas; Booker T Washington Park which offers hiking trails; Elkhorn Park with fishing access; and Riverside Park which has scenic views along the riverfront. There are also several golf courses nearby including Hickory Hill Country Club, Pine Creek Golf Course and Rockwood Golf Course which all offer excellent golfing opportunities year-round.
In addition to these attractions, there are also several annual events held in town such as the annual 4th of July celebration which features live entertainment; BBQ cook-off; 5K run/walk; car show; craft fair; parade; fireworks show; carnival rides; games & more! Other popular events include Reelfoot Lake Festival (a three-day event celebrating Reelfoot Lake’s history & culture) & Christmas on Main Street (an event that includes live music & entertainment).
Overall, Fulton is a small rural town with big charm! With its historic landmarks & attractions combined with festivals & other events throughout the year – it’s no wonder why so many people flock to this quaint little spot each year.
Population: 2,775. Estimated population in July 2024: 2,564 (-7.6% change)
Males: 1,197 (43.1%), Females: 1,578 (56.9%)
Fulton County
Zip code: 42041
Demographics
Median resident age: 40.1 years
Median household income: $23,345
Median house value: $40,800
Population by Race
Races in Fulton:
- White Non-Hispanic (66.7%)
- Black (29.4%)
- Hispanic (1.4%)
- Two or more races (1.4%)
- Other race (0.9%)
- Asian Indian (0.6%)
- American Indian (0.6%)
Ancestries: Irish (9.3%), German (8.8%), English (8.6%), United States (7.3%), Scotch-Irish (3.6%), Dutch (2.7%).
Land area: 2.8 square miles
For population 25 years and over in Fulton
- High school or higher: 75.4%
- Bachelor’s degree or higher: 12.7%
- Graduate or professional degree: 6.7%
- Unemployed: 11.7%
- Mean travel time to work: 12.8 minutes
For population 15 years and over in Fulton city
- Never married: 21.9%
- Now married: 48.9%
- Separated: 3.6%
- Widowed: 12.1%
- Divorced: 13.5%
0.3% Foreign born
Population change in the 1990s: -300 (-9.8%).
Hospitals
Hospital/medical center in Fulton:
- PARKWAY REGIONAL HOSP (2000 HOLIDAY LANE)
Other hospitals/medical centers near Fulton:
- HEALTHSOUTH CANE CREEK REHAB HOSPITAL (about 11 miles; MARTIN, TN)
- METHODIST HEALTHCARE-VOLUNTEER HOSPITL (about 11 miles; MARTIN, TN)
- BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL UNION CITY (about 15 miles; UNION CITY, TN)
Airports
Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Fulton:
- BARKLEY REGIONAL (about 38 miles; PADUCAH, KY; Abbreviation: PAH)
- MC KELLAR-SIPES REGIONAL (about 64 miles; JACKSON, TN; Abbreviation: MKL)
- CAPE GIRARDEAU REGIONAL (about 69 miles; CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO; Abbreviation: CGI)
Other public-use airports nearest to Fulton:
- FULTON (about 2 miles; FULTON, KY; Abbreviation: 1M7)
- EVERETT-STEWART (about 13 miles; UNION CITY, TN; Abbreviation: UCY)
- MAYFIELD GRAVES COUNTY (about 28 miles; MAYFIELD, KY; Abbreviation: M25)
Amtrak station:
FULTON (HWY. 51 NORTH). Services: fully wheelchair accessible, enclosed waiting area, public payphones.
Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Fulton:
- THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE-MARTIN (about 19 miles; MARTIN, TN; Full-time enrollment: 5,131)
- MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY (about 42 miles; MURRAY, KY; Full-time enrollment: 7,676)
- UNION UNIVERSITY (about 57 miles; JACKSON, TN; Full-time enrollment: 2,144)
- JACKSON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 63 miles; JACKSON, TN; Full-time enrollment: 2,534)
- SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY (about 74 miles; CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO; Full-time enrollment: 7,227)
- SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY-CARBONDALE (about 86 miles; CARBONDALE, IL; Full-time enrollment: 19,742)
- JOHN A LOGAN COLLEGE (about 88 miles; CARTERVILLE, IL; Full-time enrollment: 4,255)
Schools
Public high school in Fulton:
- FULTON CITY HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 212; Location: 700 STEPHEN BEALE DR; Grades: 07 – 12)
Public primary/middle school in Fulton:
- CARR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 262; Location: 400 W STATE LINE; Grades: PK – 06)
Libraries
Library in Fulton:
- FULTON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $158,326; Location: 312 MAIN STREET; 56,191 books; 1,409 audio materials; 3,127 video materials; 162 serial subscriptions)