Somerset is a home rule-class city serving as the county seat of Pulaski County in Kentucky, United States. It sits at the eastern end of the state's Mississippian Plateau, also known as the Pennyroyal Plateau, while its broader micropolitan area extends into the Appalachian Plateau and the Outer Bluegrass region. This location provides a varied landscape of landforms and scenery that distinguishes it from surrounding rural communities.

The city was first settled in 1798 by Thomas Hansford, who named it after Somerset County, New Jersey, where some early residents had previously lived. Somerset became the Pulaski County seat in 1801 and was officially incorporated as a city in 1887. The arrival of Southern Railway tracks in 1875 spurred significant population growth and industrial expansion during that era.

Geography defines much of the city's character, with a karst valley occupying the south-central portion and housing quasi-industrial zones alongside parks. Nearby landmarks include Lake Cumberland, one of the world's largest man-made lakes, and Cumberland Falls. The area also features the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, contributing to its scenic appeal and tourism industry.

Visitor appeal is driven by outdoor recreation and cultural events centered around the nearby lake and historic sites. The city hosts the annual Master Musicians Festival and the Somernites Cruise, a monthly classic car show that gained international attention in 2025. Historical interest is supported by the Mill Springs Battlefield Visitor Center and Museum, which opened in 2006 near the site of the 1862 Civil War battle.

As of the 2020 census, Somerset had a population of 11,924 residents with a humid subtropical climate featuring hot summers and mild winters. The economy relies heavily on tourism, which generated approximately $150 million annually from Lake Cumberland as of 2013, alongside healthcare services provided by the large Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital.