Floyd County, Kentucky

Floyd County, Kentucky is a county located in the Eastern Kentucky Coalfield region of Kentucky, bordered by Johnson County, Kentucky to the north, Martin County, Kentucky to the east, Pike County, Kentucky to the southeast, Knott County, Kentucky to the southwest, and Magoffin County, Kentucky to the northwest. The county seat is Prestonsburg, which is also the largest city in the county and home to the Jenny Wiley Theatre and the East Kentucky Science Center. Floyd County is part of the Prestonsburg, KY Micropolitan Statistical Area and is near the Breaks Interstate Park, which is located on the Kentucky-Virginia border. The county is also close to the Big Sandy River and the Levisa Fork.

Geography

Floyd County is situated in the Eastern Kentucky Coalfield region, which is known for its coal mining industry and its scenic Appalachian Mountains landscape. The county is bordered by several other counties, including Johnson County, Kentucky, Martin County, Kentucky, Pike County, Kentucky, Knott County, Kentucky, and Magoffin County, Kentucky. The Big Sandy River forms part of the northern boundary of the county, while the Levisa Fork flows through the county and empties into the Big Sandy River. The county is also home to the Fishpond Lake and the Dewey Lake, which are popular spots for fishing and boating. Nearby cities include Pikeville, Kentucky, Paintsville, Kentucky, and Hazard, Kentucky, which are all part of the Eastern Kentucky region.

History

Floyd County was established on June 1, 1800, from parts of Fleming County, Kentucky, Mason County, Kentucky, and Montgomery County, Kentucky. The county was named after John Floyd (Virginia politician), a Virginia politician and soldier who played a key role in the American Revolutionary War. The county seat, Prestonsburg, was founded in 1797 and was named after John Preston, a Virginia soldier who was killed in the French and Indian War. During the American Civil War, Floyd County was a key location for the Union Army and was the site of several battles, including the Battle of Middle Creek. The county is also home to the Garth House, which was built in the late 18th century and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Nearby historic sites include the Perry County, Kentucky Courthouse, the Leslie County, Kentucky Courthouse, and the Clay County, Kentucky Courthouse.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Floyd County was 35,942, with a population density of 91 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the county was 98.3% White, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 0.5% Native American. The median household income was $31,389, and the median family income was $38,445. The per capita income was $16,347. Nearby cities with similar demographics include Whitesburg, Kentucky, Hazard, Kentucky, and Hyden, Kentucky. The county is also close to the University of Pikeville and the Big Sandy Community and Technical College.

Economy

The economy of Floyd County is primarily based on coal mining, with several major coal mines operating in the county, including the Alliance Resource Partners and the Arch Coal. The county is also home to several manufacturing facilities, including the General Dynamics and the Lockheed Martin. The tourism industry is also a significant contributor to the county's economy, with attractions such as the Jenny Wiley Theatre and the East Kentucky Science Center. The county is also close to the Kentucky Speedway and the Red River Gorge. Nearby economic hubs include Lexington, Kentucky, Louisville, Kentucky, and Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Education

Floyd County is served by the Floyd County Schools district, which operates several schools in the county, including the Prestonsburg High School and the Floyd Central High School. The county is also home to the Big Sandy Community and Technical College, which offers a range of academic and technical programs. Nearby institutions of higher education include the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville, and the Morehead State University. The county is also close to the Kentucky Community and Technical College System and the Council on Postsecondary Education.

Government

Floyd County is governed by a Fiscal Court, which is composed of a Judge/Executive and several Magistrates. The county is also served by several state and federal agencies, including the Kentucky State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The county is part of the Kentucky 5th congressional district and is represented in the United States House of Representatives by Hal Rogers. Nearby government institutions include the Kentucky State Capitol and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. The county is also close to the Federal Correctional Institution, Manchester and the United States Penitentiary, Big Sandy. Category:Kentucky counties