Since the late 20th century, Nicholasville has undergone rapid growth; the population increased 440.23% between 1970 and 2020.

The city serves as both a residential area for Lexington-area commuters and as an employment and shopping center for central Kentucky.

[10][1] The town was named in honor of Colonel George Nicholas, a father of the Kentucky Constitution in 1792.

The city has grown rapidly since the late 20th century and is working to accommodate new highways and transportation needs.

[12] Town Fork, a partially channelized stream, runs south and passes underneath downtown, eventually draining into Jessamine Creek.

The city and the surrounding Bluegrass region have four distinct seasons that include cool plateau breezes, moderate nights in the summer, and no prolonged periods of rain, snow, or other severe weather.

[18] The annual festival showcases wines from commercial vineyards and amateur winemakers from across Kentucky and the surrounding region.

The Nicholasville government operates under a non-partisan city commission, which exercises both executive and legislative powers.

The commission is composed of a mayor and four commissioners; all are elected at-large, requiring each candidate to gain the support of the majority of the electorate.

The mayor administers oaths, signs documents on the city's behalf, and conducts commission meetings.