Breathitt County, Kentucky
County in Kentucky, United States
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Breathitt County (/ˈbrɛˌθɪt/ BREH-thit) is a county located in the eastern portion of the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 13,718.[1] Its county seat is Jackson.[2] The county was formed in 1839 and was named for John Breathitt, who was Governor of Kentucky from 1832 to 1834. Breathitt County was formerly a dry county, until a public vote in July 2016 passed, allowing alcohol sales.[3]
Breathitt County, Kentucky | |
|---|---|
Breathitt County Courthouse in Jackson | |
 Location within the U.S. state of Kentucky | |
| Coordinates: 37°31′N 83°19′W | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Kentucky |
| Founded | 1839 |
| Named after | John Breathitt |
| Seat | Jackson |
| Largest city | Jackson |
| Government | |
| • Judge/Executive | Jeff Noble (D) |
| Area | |
• Total | 495 sq mi (1,280 km2) |
| • Land | 492 sq mi (1,270 km2) |
| • Water | 2.9 sq mi (7.5 km2) 0.6% |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 13,718 |
• Estimate (2025) | 12,558  |
| • Density | 27.9/sq mi (10.8/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Congressional district | 5th |
| Website | breathittcounty |
History
The area now encompassed by Kentucky's Breathitt County was first bounded in 1772, when all of what is now the state of Kentucky was in the frontier county of Fincastle County, Virginia. Fincastle was divided in 1776, with the western portion named Kentucky County, Virginia. In 1780, Virginia set aside all land in Kentucky County for soldiers who had served in the Revolutionary War. In 1780, Kentucky County was divided into 3 counties, Jefferson, Fayette, and Lincoln. Lincoln County was divided in 1799, with part becoming Knox County. In 1807, the Legislature partitioned the upper part of Knox to create Clay County. On February 6, 1839, a portion of Clay (along with portions of Estill and Perry Counties) was partitioned off to create Breathitt County. It was named for Governor John Breathitt.[4] The first people to actually settle on the land that became Breathitt County were Joseph Back (1745–1819), his wife Elizabeth Hoffman-Maggard (1755–1826), and their four children: Joseph Back Jr. (1773–1802); John Back (1774–1854); Mary Back (1777–1807); and Henry Back (1785–1871).[5]
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 495 square miles (1,280 km2), of which 492 square miles (1,270 km2) is land and 2.9 square miles (7.5 km2) (0.6%) is water.[6]
The North and Middle Forks of the Kentucky River pass through the county as the main water drainages.
Adjacent counties
- Wolfe County - northwest
- Magoffin County - northeast
- Knott County - east
- Perry County - southeast
- Owsley County - southwest
- Lee County - west
Demographics
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1840 | 2,195 | — | |
| 1850 | 3,785 | 72.4% | |
| 1860 | 4,980 | 31.6% | |
| 1870 | 5,672 | 13.9% | |
| 1880 | 7,742 | 36.5% | |
| 1890 | 8,705 | 12.4% | |
| 1900 | 14,322 | 64.5% | |
| 1910 | 17,540 | 22.5% | |
| 1920 | 20,614 | 17.5% | |
| 1930 | 21,143 | 2.6% | |
| 1940 | 23,946 | 13.3% | |
| 1950 | 19,964 | −16.6% | |
| 1960 | 15,490 | −22.4% | |
| 1970 | 14,221 | −8.2% | |
| 1980 | 17,004 | 19.6% | |
| 1990 | 15,703 | −7.7% | |
| 2000 | 16,100 | 2.5% | |
| 2010 | 13,878 | −13.8% | |
| 2020 | 13,718 | −1.2% | |
| 2025 (est.) | 12,558 | [7] | −8.5% |
| US Decennial Census[8] 1790–1960[9] 1900–1990[10] 1990–2000[11] 2010–2020[1] | |||
| Race (NH = Non-Hispanic) | % 2020[12] | % 2010[13] | % 2000[14] | Pop 2020 | Pop 2010 | Pop 2000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 95% | 97.8% | 98.1% | 13,038 | 13,575 | 15,797 |
| Black alone (NH) | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.4% | 57 | 43 | 62 |
| American Indian alone (NH) | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 11 | 12 | 14 |
| Asian alone (NH) | 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.3% | 37 | 67 | 47 |
| Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0% | 11 | 12 | 4 |
| Other race alone (NH) | 0% | 0.1% | 0% | 0 | 9 | 2 |
| Multiracial (NH) | 3.4% | 0.5% | 0.4% | 471 | 71 | 68 |
| Hispanic/Latino (any race) | 0.7% | 0.6% | 0.7% | 93 | 89 | 106 |
2020 census
As of the 2020 census, the county had a population of 13,718. The median age was 42.7 years. 22.2% of residents were under the age of 18 and 18.3% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 99.0 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 94.7 males age 18 and over.[15][16]
The most reported ancestries in 2020 were English (42.5%), Irish (5.1%), German (3.2%), and Scottish (1.4%).[17]
The racial makeup of the county was 95.4% White, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% Asian, 0.1% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 0.1% from some other race, and 3.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 0.7% of the population.[16]
0.0% of residents lived in urban areas, while 100.0% lived in rural areas.[18]
There were 5,716 households in the county, of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them and 30.9% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. About 32.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[15]
There were 6,551 housing units, of which 12.7% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 74.8% were owner-occupied and 25.2% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.6% and the rental vacancy rate was 7.7%.[15]
2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 16,100 people, 6,170 households, and 4,541 families in the county. The population density was 32 per square mile (12/km2). There were 6,812 housing units at an average density of 14 per square mile (5.4/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 98.69% White, 0.39% Black or African American, 0.09% Native American, 0.29% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.08% from other races, and 0.43% from two or more races. 0.66% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 6,170 households, out of which 34.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.00% were married couples living together, 14.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.40% were non-families. 23.80% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.00.
The county population contained 25.50% under the age of 18, 10.00% from 18 to 24, 28.90% from 25 to 44, 24.00% from 45 to 64, and 11.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 97.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.70 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $19,155, and the median income for a family was $23,721. Males had a median income of $26,208 versus $20,613 for females. The per capita income for the county was $11,044. About 28.10% of families and 33.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 42.90% of those under age 18 and 26.80% of those age 65 or over.
Politics
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 1880 | 330 | 29.10% | 797 | 70.28% | 7 | 0.62% |
| 1884 | 459 | 34.08% | 870 | 64.59% | 18 | 1.34% |
| 1888 | 505 | 43.61% | 636 | 54.92% | 17 | 1.47% |
| 1892 | 566 | 36.42% | 977 | 62.87% | 11 | 0.71% |
| 1896 | 776 | 38.92% | 1,204 | 60.38% | 14 | 0.70% |
| 1900 | 850 | 34.92% | 1,573 | 64.63% | 11 | 0.45% |
| 1904 | 829 | 34.66% | 1,537 | 64.26% | 26 | 1.09% |
| 1908 | 1,620 | 50.33% | 1,567 | 48.68% | 32 | 0.99% |
| 1912 | 910 | 30.34% | 1,682 | 56.09% | 407 | 13.57% |
| 1916 | 1,584 | 43.09% | 2,067 | 56.23% | 25 | 0.68% |
| 1920 | 2,464 | 47.09% | 2,737 | 52.31% | 31 | 0.59% |
| 1924 | 1,708 | 37.59% | 2,826 | 62.19% | 10 | 0.22% |
| 1928 | 2,309 | 43.35% | 3,017 | 56.65% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1932 | 1,371 | 23.23% | 4,524 | 76.65% | 7 | 0.12% |
| 1936 | 1,790 | 30.96% | 3,980 | 68.85% | 11 | 0.19% |
| 1940 | 1,602 | 28.66% | 3,977 | 71.14% | 11 | 0.20% |
| 1944 | 1,230 | 29.40% | 2,922 | 69.85% | 31 | 0.74% |
| 1948 | 957 | 22.38% | 3,295 | 77.06% | 24 | 0.56% |
| 1952 | 1,381 | 28.99% | 3,383 | 71.01% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1956 | 2,423 | 42.71% | 3,246 | 57.22% | 4 | 0.07% |
| 1960 | 1,996 | 37.64% | 3,307 | 62.36% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1964 | 669 | 12.43% | 4,714 | 87.57% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1968 | 1,361 | 29.09% | 2,954 | 63.15% | 363 | 7.76% |
| 1972 | 1,846 | 40.65% | 2,677 | 58.95% | 18 | 0.40% |
| 1976 | 1,014 | 22.16% | 3,544 | 77.45% | 18 | 0.39% |
| 1980 | 1,532 | 27.69% | 3,916 | 70.79% | 84 | 1.52% |
| 1984 | 2,855 | 45.25% | 3,435 | 54.45% | 19 | 0.30% |
| 1988 | 2,149 | 38.51% | 3,387 | 60.70% | 44 | 0.79% |
| 1992 | 1,303 | 24.42% | 3,496 | 65.52% | 537 | 10.06% |
| 1996 | 1,058 | 23.11% | 3,106 | 67.85% | 414 | 9.04% |
| 2000 | 2,084 | 41.08% | 2,902 | 57.20% | 87 | 1.71% |
| 2004 | 2,542 | 42.77% | 3,327 | 55.97% | 75 | 1.26% |
| 2008 | 2,671 | 53.10% | 2,205 | 43.84% | 154 | 3.06% |
| 2012 | 3,318 | 66.25% | 1,562 | 31.19% | 128 | 2.56% |
| 2016 | 3,991 | 69.55% | 1,537 | 26.79% | 210 | 3.66% |
| 2020 | 4,265 | 75.34% | 1,301 | 22.98% | 95 | 1.68% |
| 2024 | 4,036 | 78.86% | 1,002 | 19.58% | 80 | 1.56% |
During the 20th century, Breathitt County was a Democratic stronghold typical of rural Appalachia, only voting Republican narrowly once. Starting in 1912, Breathitt County continuously voted for the Democratic presidential nominee, a streak that would last until the 2004 election. Since 2008, the county has voted for the Republican nominee each election by increasingly wide margins. Despite this, 79% of registered voters remain Democrats.[20]
In gubernatorial elections, Breathitt County has only voted for the Republican nominee on three occasions: 1907, 1919, and 2015.
Elected officials
| Elected officials as of January 3, 2025[21][22] | ||
| U.S. House | Hal Rogers (R) | KY 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Ky. Senate | Brandon Smith (R) | 30 |
| Ky. House | Chris Fugate (R) | 84 |
Economy
Education
K-12 education
There are two school districts in the county: Jackson Independent School District and Breathitt County School District. The former includes a portion of Jackson and some unincorporated areas, while the latter has the remainder of the city and county.[25][26] The Jackson school district operates Jackson City School a single K-12 facility. The county school district operates several schools, including:
- Sebastian Elementary School – Jackson, Kentucky (Opened 1970)
- Highland-Turner Elementary School – Canoe, Kentucky (Opened 1992)
- Breahitt Elementary School
- Breathitt County High School – Jackson, Kentucky (New School Opened 1982)
Private schools:
- Mount Carmel School – Vancleve
- Oakdale Christian Academy – Jackson
- Riverside Christian School – Lost Creek
Higher education
- Lees College Campus of Hazard Community and Technical College (part of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System) – Jackson, Kentucky
- Kentucky Mountain Bible College – Vancleve, Kentucky
Breathitt Area Technology Center
The Breathitt Area Technology Center serves both the Jackson Independent and the Breathitt County school districts. It is located on the campus of Breathitt County High School. The school is operated by the state of Kentucky. While most of the funding comes from the state, much of the equipment is purchased with federal Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act funds, which are aimed at advancing technical education.
The school is focused on technical education, offering these technical programs:
- Automotive Technology
- Construction Technology
- Electrical Technology
- Health Sciences
- Office Technology
UK Robinson Station
The community of Quicksand is the location for the University of Kentucky Robinson Station. This agriculture research facility is a pivotal asset in Breathitt County, furthering the scientific studies in the areas of agriculture and forestry.
Health care
- Breathitt County Family Health Center, Jackson, Kentucky
Breathitt County health care providers were featured in a November 23, 2013, article in The Washington Post: "In Rural Kentucky, Health-Care Takes Back Seat as the Long-Uninsured Line Up".[27] As of 2014 the county had the highest morbidity rate in the state of Kentucky.
Communities
City
- Jackson (county seat)
Unincorporated communities
- Altro
- Bays
- Caney
- Canoe
- Chenowee
- Clayhole
- Cockrell Fork (on line between Breathitt and Perry Counties)
- Crockettsville
- Elkatawa
- Evanston
- Fishtrap
- Flintville
- Frozen/Frozen Creek
- Fugates Fork
- Guage
- Haddix
- Hardshell Caney
- Hayes Branch
- Leatherwood
- Lost Creek
- Morris Fork
- Ned
- Nix Branch
- Noble
- Noctor
- Oakdale
- Portsmouth
- Quicksand
- River Caney
- Riverside
- Rose Branch
- Rousseau
- Rowdy
- Saldee
- Sebastians Branch
- Shoulder Blade/Shoulderblade
- Smith Branch
- South Fork
- Stevenson[28]
- Troublesome Creek
- Turners Creek
- Vancleve
- War Creek
- Watts
- Whick
- Wilstacy
- Wolf Coal
Nature viewing
Notable people
- Kim Davis, the Rowan County clerk known for her refusal to comply with a federal court order directing her to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, was born in Breathitt County.[31]
- Jeffrey Reddick, writer for the Final Destination franchise, was born in Jackson.
- Sturgill Simpson, country music artist/singer was born in Jackson, the county seat of Breathitt County and spent much of his childhood there.
- JD Vance, 50th vice president of the United States
- Chad Warrix, member of the country music duo Halfway to Hazard