Perry County, Kentucky

Perry County, Kentucky
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County	Perry County
State	Kentucky
Founded	November 2, 1820
Seat	Hazard
Largest city	Hazard
Area total sq mi	172
Area land sq mi	169
Population as of	2020
Population total	85,925
Population density sq mi	510

Perry County, Kentucky is a county located in the Eastern Kentucky Coalfield region of Kentucky, bordered by Leslie County, Kentucky to the south, Clay County, Kentucky to the southwest, Owsley County, Kentucky to the west, Breathitt County, Kentucky to the northwest, and Knott County, Kentucky to the northeast. The county seat is Hazard, Kentucky, which is also the largest city in the county and a major hub for the Appalachian Regional Commission. Perry County is part of the Hazard, KY Micropolitan Statistical Area and is situated near the North Fork of the Kentucky River. The county is home to several notable landmarks, including the Buckhorn Lake and the Daniel Boone National Forest.

Geography

Perry County is located in the Eastern Kentucky Coalfield region, which is characterized by its rugged terrain and abundant natural resources, including coal, timber, and natural gas. The county is bordered by several other counties, including Leslie County, Kentucky, Clay County, Kentucky, Owsley County, Kentucky, Breathitt County, Kentucky, and Knott County, Kentucky. The North Fork of the Kentucky River flows through the county, providing a source of water and transportation for the local population. The county is also home to several notable landmarks, including the Buckhorn Lake, which is a popular spot for fishing and boating, and the Daniel Boone National Forest, which offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and hunting. Other nearby attractions include the Red River Gorge, the Natural Bridge of Kentucky, and the Cumberland Falls.

History

Perry County was founded on November 2, 1820, and was named after Oliver Hazard Perry, a United States Navy officer who played a key role in the War of 1812, particularly in the Battle of Lake Erie. The county has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Mississippian culture and the Cherokee and Shawnee tribes. The county was also home to several notable figures, including John Jacob Niles, a composer and singer who was known for his Appalachian music collections, and Jean Ritchie, a folk singer and songwriter who was known for her traditional music performances. Other notable events in the county's history include the Coal Strike of 1920-1921, which was a major labor dispute that involved the United Mine Workers of America and the National Guard, and the Flood of 1957, which caused significant damage and displacement in the county.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Perry County was 85,925, with a population density of 510 people per square mile. The county has a diverse population, with a mix of European American, African American, and Native American residents. The median household income in the county is around $30,000, and the median home value is around $70,000. The county is also home to several notable communities, including Hazard, Kentucky, Vicco, Kentucky, and Buckhorn, Kentucky. Other nearby cities and towns include London, Kentucky, Corbin, Kentucky, and Manchester, Kentucky. The county is served by several major highways, including U.S. Route 421 and Kentucky Route 80.

Economy

The economy of Perry County is primarily driven by the coal mining and timber industries, with several major companies operating in the county, including Arch Coal and Peabody Energy. The county is also home to several smaller businesses, including farming and manufacturing operations. The county is part of the Eastern Kentucky Coalfield region, which is one of the largest coal-producing regions in the country. Other major industries in the county include healthcare, education, and tourism, with several notable attractions, including the Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park and the Daniel Boone National Forest. The county is also served by several major transportation hubs, including the Hazard Railroad and the London-Corbin Airport.

Education

Perry County is served by the Perry County School District, which operates several schools in the county, including Hazard High School, Buckhorn School, and Vicco Elementary School. The county is also home to several higher education institutions, including the Hazard Community and Technical College and the University of Pikeville. Other nearby institutions include the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville, and the Eastern Kentucky University. The county is also served by several major libraries, including the Perry County Public Library and the Hazard Community Library.

Government

Perry County is governed by a fiscal court, which is composed of several elected officials, including the county judge-executive and the 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 5th congressional district of Kentucky and is represented in the United States House of Representatives by Hal Rogers. Other notable government officials from the county include Mitch McConnell, the Senate Majority Leader, and Rand Paul, a United States Senator from Kentucky. The county is also home to several notable government institutions, including the Perry County Courthouse and the Hazard City Hall. Category:Kentucky counties