Johnson County, Kentucky

Johnson County, Kentucky is a county located in the United States, specifically in the state of Kentucky. It was formed on February 24, 1843, from parts of Floyd County, Kentucky, Lawrence County, Kentucky, and Morgan County, Kentucky. The county seat is Paintsville, which is also the largest city in the county, and is situated near the Levisa Fork, a tributary of the Big Sandy River. The county is part of the Mount Sterling, Kentucky Micropolitan Statistical Area and is close to the Cumberland Plateau.

Geography

Johnson County, Kentucky is located in the eastern part of the state, bordering Floyd County, Kentucky to the east, Magoffin County, Kentucky to the south, Morgan County, Kentucky to the west, and Lawrence County, Kentucky to the north. The county's terrain is characterized by the Cumberland Mountains and the Big Sandy River valley, with the Levisa Fork flowing through the county seat, Paintsville. The county's geography is also marked by the presence of Lake Dewey, a reservoir created by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Nearby cities include Pikeville, Kentucky, Prestonsburg, Kentucky, and Hazard, Kentucky, which are all part of the Eastern Kentucky Coalfield. The county is also close to the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Red River Gorge.

History

The area that is now Johnson County, Kentucky was originally inhabited by the Cherokee and Shawnee Native American tribes, who were later displaced by European-American settlers. The county was formed in 1843 and was named after Richard M. Johnson, a United States Senator from Kentucky who served as the Vice President of the United States under Martin Van Buren. During the American Civil War, the 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 Paintsville Lake State Park, which was established in 1983 and is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Nearby historic sites include the Fort Boonesborough State Park and the Pioneer Village in Barbourville, Kentucky.

Demographics

As of the 2010 United States Census, the population of Johnson County, Kentucky was 23,356, with a population density of 54 people per square mile. The county's population is predominantly White American, with a small percentage of African American and Native American residents. The median household income in the county is around $30,000, with a per capita income of around $15,000. The county is part of the Appalachian Region and is classified as a persistent poverty county by the Appalachian Regional Commission. Nearby cities with similar demographics include Middlesboro, Kentucky, Harlan, Kentucky, and Whitesburg, Kentucky.

Economy

The economy of Johnson County, Kentucky is primarily based on coal mining, with several coal mines operating in the county. The county is also home to several manufacturing facilities, including those producing automotive parts and furniture. The tourism industry is also a significant contributor to the county's economy, with visitors drawn to the county's natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The county is part of the Eastern Kentucky Coalfield and is close to the Kentucky Coal Museum in Benham, Kentucky. Other major industries in the region include healthcare and education, with several hospitals and universities located in nearby cities, including University of Pikeville and Big Sandy Community and Technical College.

Education

The Johnson County, Kentucky school system is operated by the Johnson County Schools district, which includes several elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. The county is also home to the Big Sandy Community and Technical College, which offers associate's degree programs in a variety of fields. Nearby institutions of higher education include the University of Pikeville, Morehead State University, and Eastern Kentucky University. The county is also served by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System and the Council on Postsecondary Education.

Communities

Johnson County, Kentucky is home to several communities, including the county seat, Paintsville, as well as Van Lear, Meally, and Staffordsville. The county is also close to several other cities, including Pikeville, Kentucky, Prestonsburg, Kentucky, and Hazard, Kentucky. The county is part of the Eastern Kentucky Coalfield and is near the Cumberland Plateau. Other nearby communities include Inez, Kentucky, Warfield, Kentucky, and Louisa, Kentucky, which are all part of the Big Sandy River valley. The county is also close to the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Red River Gorge, which offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and tourism. Category:Johnson County, Kentucky