Powell County, Kentucky

Last updated

Powell County
County
Powell County, Kentucky courthouse.jpg
Powell County courthouse in Stanton
Map of Kentucky highlighting Powell County.svg
Location within the U.S. state of Kentucky
Kentucky in United States.svg
Kentucky's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 37°50′N83°50′W / 37.83°N 83.83°W / 37.83; -83.83
CountryFlag of the United States.svg United States
StateFlag of Kentucky.svg  Kentucky
Founded1852
Named for Lazarus W. Powell
Seat Stanton
Area
 • Total
180 sq mi (500 km2)
 • Land179 sq mi (460 km2)
 • Water1.1 sq mi (3 km2)  0.6%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
13,129
 • Estimate 
(2023)
12,972 Decrease2.svg
 • Density73/sq mi (28/km2)
Time zone UTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district 6th
Website powellcountyky.us

Powell County is a county located in the U.S. Commonwealth of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 13,129. [1] Its county seat is Stanton. [2] The county was formed January 7, 1852, by Kentucky Governor Lazarus W. Powell from parts of Clark, Estill, and Montgomery counties. [3] It is no longer a dry county as of 2018. Powell County is home to Natural Bridge State Resort Park and the Red River Gorge Geologic Area, two of Kentucky's most important natural areas and ecotourism destinations, as well as the Pilot Knob State Nature Preserve.

Contents

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 180 square miles (470 km2), of which 179 square miles (460 km2) is land and 1.1 square miles (2.8 km2) (0.6%) is water. [4]

Adjacent counties

National protected area

Government

The Powell County courthouse is located at 525 Washington St in Stanton.

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1860 2,257—
1870 2,59915.2%
1880 3,63940.0%
1890 4,69829.1%
1900 6,44337.1%
1910 6,268−2.7%
1920 6,7457.6%
1930 5,800−14.0%
1940 7,67132.3%
1950 6,812−11.2%
1960 6,674−2.0%
1970 7,70415.4%
1980 11,10144.1%
1990 11,6865.3%
2000 13,23713.3%
2010 12,613−4.7%
2020 13,1294.1%
2023 (est.)12,972 [5] −1.2%
U.S. Decennial Census [6]
1790-1960 [7] 1900-1990 [8]
1990-2000 [9] 2010-2020 [1]

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 13,237 people, 5,044 households, and 3,783 families residing in the county. The population density was 74 per square mile (29/km2). There were 5,526 housing units at an average density of 31 per square mile (12/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 98.56% White, 0.62% Black or African American, 0.12% Native American, 0.05% Asian, 0.07% from other races, and 0.58% from two or more races. 0.66% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 5,044 households, out of which 36.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.20% were married couples living together, 12.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.00% were non-families. 21.80% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.02.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 26.60% under the age of 18, 9.50% from 18 to 24, 30.00% from 25 to 44, 23.30% from 45 to 64, and 10.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 99.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $25,515, and the median income for a family was $30,483. Males had a median income of $26,962 versus $18,810 for females. The per capita income for the county was $13,060. About 18.90% of families and 23.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.00% of those under age 18 and 20.00% of those age 65 or over.

Politics

In recent federal elections, Powell County has been reliably Republican.

United States presidential election results for Powell County, Kentucky [10]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No. %No. %No. %
2024 4,09276.34%1,17421.90%941.75%
2020 4,04173.41%1,36724.83%971.76%
2016 3,51370.87%1,27225.66%1723.47%
2012 2,76661.73%1,62036.15%952.12%
2008 2,83757.06%2,06541.53%701.41%
2004 2,68754.17%2,24945.34%240.48%
2000 2,25851.77%2,00846.03%962.20%
1996 1,52636.00%2,15650.86%55713.14%
1992 1,80935.89%2,32346.08%90918.03%
1988 2,12849.98%2,11349.62%170.40%
1984 2,26958.83%1,57540.83%130.34%
1980 1,71645.55%2,00653.25%451.19%
1976 1,14837.90%1,85961.37%220.73%
1972 1,76658.40%1,23040.67%280.93%
1968 1,15742.57%93434.36%62723.07%
1964 99337.83%1,62261.79%100.38%
1960 1,50857.34%1,12242.66%00.00%
1956 1,33949.87%1,34350.02%30.11%
1952 99244.83%1,21855.04%30.14%
1948 71941.51%97556.29%382.19%
1944 90246.71%1,02352.98%60.31%
1940 98943.57%1,26655.77%150.66%
1936 99845.43%1,18553.94%140.64%
1932 82638.69%1,30060.89%90.42%
1928 1,16061.31%73238.69%00.00%
1924 72442.87%93955.60%261.54%
1920 83544.32%1,03855.10%110.58%
1916 58743.68%75756.32%00.00%
1912 38131.83%64754.05%16914.12%

Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Powell County is home to Natural Bridge State Resort Park. The park is abundant with Native American relics, shelters, and burial grounds. The main attraction is the bridge itself, a natural arch with more than 15 million pounds (6,800 t) of rock in suspension. It is 30 feet (9.1 m) wide at the top and 85 feet (26 m) at the base; one of the more than 70 natural arches located in the area. [11]

Communities

Cities

Unincorporated community

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Montgomery County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Montgomery County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 28,114. Its county seat is Mount Sterling. With regard to the sale of alcohol, it is classified as a moist county—a county in which alcohol sales are prohibited, but containing a "wet" city where package alcohol sales are allowed, in this case Mount Sterling. Montgomery County is part of the Mount Sterling, KY Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Lexington-Fayette–Richmond–Frankfort, KY combined statistical area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Claiborne County, Tennessee</span> County in Tennessee, United States

Claiborne County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 32,043. Its county seat is Tazewell and its largest city is Harrogate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wolfe County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Wolfe County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 6,562. Its county seat is Campton. The county is named for Nathaniel Wolfe, one of the first two graduates of the University of Virginia School of Laws in 1829 and a loyal Unionist attorney for Jefferson County, Kentucky.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spencer County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Spencer County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the total population was 19,490. Its county seat is Taylorsville. The county was founded in 1824 and named for Spier Spencer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rockcastle County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Rockcastle County is a county located in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 16,037. Its county seat is Mt. Vernon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Menifee County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Menifee County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 6,113, making it the fifth-least populous county in Kentucky. Its county seat is Frenchburg. The county is named for Richard Hickman Menefee, U.S. Congressman, although the spelling has changed. It is a prohibition or dry county. Menifee County is part of the Mount Sterling, KY Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Lexington-Fayette–Richmond–Frankfort, KY combined statistical area. It is located in the foothills of the Cumberland Plateau.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Madison County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Madison County is a county located in the central part of the U.S. state of Kentucky. At the 2020 census, its population was 92,701. Its county seat is Richmond. The county is named for Virginia statesman James Madison, who later became the fourth President of the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lee County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Lee County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 7,395. Its county seat is Beattyville. The county was formed in 1870 from parts of Breathitt, Estill, Owsley and Wolfe counties. The county was named for Robert E. Lee. The area of Kentucky where Lee County is located was a pro-union region of Kentucky but the legislature that created the county was controlled by former Confederates. The town of Proctor, named for the Rev. Joseph Proctor, was the first county seat. The first court was held on April 25, 1870, in the old Howerton House. The local economy at the time included coal mining, salt gathering, timber operations, and various commercial operations. It had a U.S. post office from 1843 until 1918.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lawrence County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Lawrence County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 16,293. Its county seat is Louisa. The county is named for James Lawrence, and co-founded by Isaac Bolt, who served as a Lawrence County Commissioner and Justice of the Peace. It is the birthplace of country music star Tyler Childers, late Chief Justice of the United States Frederick Moore Vinson, and former Kentucky Governor Paul E. Patton. In regard to alcoholic beverage sales, Lawrence County is considered a "moist" county, meaning alcohol sales are only allowed within the city limits of Louisa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Harrison County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Harrison County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 18,692. Its county seat is Cynthiana. The county was founded in 1793 and named for Colonel Benjamin Harrison, an advocate for Kentucky statehood, framer of the Kentucky Constitution, and Kentucky legislator.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fleming County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Fleming County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 15,082. Its county seat is Flemingsburg. The county was formed in 1798 and named for Colonel John Fleming, an Indian fighter and early settler. It is a moist county. In 1998, the Kentucky General Assembly designated Fleming County as the Covered Bridge Capital of Kentucky.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Estill County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Estill County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 14,163. Its county seat is Irvine. The county was formed in 1808 and named for Captain James Estill, a Kentucky militia officer who was killed in the Battle of Little Mountain during the American Revolutionary War. Estill County is a moist county meaning that the county seat, the city of Irvine, allows the sale of alcohol after the October 9, 2013, vote, but not the rest of Estill County outside the Irvine city limits. Estill County has two adjacent towns, known as the twin cities, Irvine and Ravenna. Both cities sit along the Kentucky River in the central part of the county. Ravenna is home to a former CSX Transportation facility, now owned by Kentucky Steam Heritage Corporation for the restoration of Chesapeake and Ohio 2716. It conducts the Ravenna Railroad Festival annually in late summer, and the historic Fitchburg & Cottage Furnaces are located here. Irvine hosts the annual Mountain Mushroom Festival over the last weekend of April, which celebrates the abundant Morel Mushrooms found in the region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clark County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Clark County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 36,972. Its county seat is Winchester. The county was created in 1792 from Bourbon and Fayette counties and is named for Revolutionary War hero George Rogers Clark. Clark County is part of the Lexington-Fayette, KY Metropolitan Statistical Area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carlisle County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Carlisle County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 4,826, making it the fourth-least populous county in Kentucky. Its county seat is Bardwell. The county was founded in 1886 and named for John Griffin Carlisle, a Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from Kentucky. It remains a prohibition or dry county. Carlisle County is included in the Paducah, KY-IL, Metropolitan Statistical Area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bath County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Bath County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 12,750. The county seat is Owingsville. The county was formed in 1811. Bath County is included in the Mount Sterling, KY Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Lexington-Fayette–Richmond–Frankfort, KY combined statistical area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Allen County, Kentucky</span> County in Kentucky, United States

Allen County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 20,588. Its county seat and only municipality is Scottsville. The county is named for Colonel John Allen, a state senator and soldier who was killed leading the 1st Regiment of Kentucky Rifleman at the Battle of Frenchtown, Michigan during the War of 1812. Allen County was a dry county until 2023, when it voted to legalize the sale of alcohol. It was formed in 1815 from parts of Barren and Warren counties. Allen County is included in the Bowling Green, KY Metropolitan Statistical Area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Irvine, Kentucky</span> City in Kentucky, United States

Irvine is a home rule-class city in Estill County, Kentucky, in the United States. It is the seat of its county. Its population was 2,715 at the time of the 2010 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ravenna, Kentucky</span> City in Kentucky, United States

Ravenna is a home rule-class city in Estill County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 605 at the 2010 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stanton, Kentucky</span> City in Kentucky, United States

Stanton is a home rule-class city in and the county seat of Powell County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 3,251 in the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clay City, Kentucky</span> City in Kentucky, United States

Clay City is a home rule-class city in Powell County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 1,193 at the 2020 census.

References

  1. 1 2 "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  2. ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ↑ The Register of the Kentucky State Historical Society, Volume 1. Kentucky State Historical Society. 1903. pp.  36.
  4. ↑ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on August 12, 2014. Retrieved August 19, 2014.
  5. ↑ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  6. ↑ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 19, 2014.
  7. ↑ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved August 19, 2014.
  8. ↑ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 19, 2014.
  9. ↑ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved August 19, 2014.
  10. ↑ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved July 5, 2018.
  11. ↑ Powell, Robert (1989). Kentucky Counties. Lexington, KY: Kentucky Images. pp. 52–53.

37°50′N83°50′W / 37.83°N 83.83°W / 37.83; -83.83

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.