:Breathitt County, Kentucky

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.{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_luoxAQAAMAAJ |title=The Register of the Kentucky State Historical Society, Vol. 1 |publisher=Kentucky State Historical Society |year=1903 |page=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_luoxAQAAMAAJ/page/n34 34]}}

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of {{convert|495|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|492|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|2.9|sqmi}} (0.6%) is water.{{Cite web |date=August 22, 2012 |title=2010 Census Gazetteer Files |url=https://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_21.txt |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812210847/http://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_21.txt |archive-date=August 12, 2014 |access-date=August 12, 2014 |publisher=US Census Bureau}}

The North and Middle Forks of the Kentucky River pass through the county as the main water drainages.

{{div col}}

• Wolfe County - northwest
• Magoffin County - northeast
• Knott County - east
• Perry County - southeast
• Owsley County - southwest
• Lee County - west

{{div col end}}

{{US Census population

| 1840 = 2195

| 1850 = 3785

| 1860 = 4980

| 1870 = 5672

| 1880 = 7742

| 1890 = 8705

| 1900 = 14322

| 1910 = 17540

| 1920 = 20614

| 1930 = 21143

| 1940 = 23946

| 1950 = 19964

| 1960 = 15490

| 1970 = 14221

| 1980 = 17004

| 1990 = 15703

| 2000 = 16100

| 2010 = 13878

| 2020 = 13718

| estyear = 2024

| estimate = 12804

| estref = {{Cite web |title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2024 |url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-counties-total.html|access-date=March 13, 2025 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}

| align-fn = center

| footnote = US Decennial Census{{Cite web |title=US Decennial Census |url=https://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426102944/http://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html |archive-date=April 26, 2015 |access-date=August 12, 2014 |publisher=US Census Bureau}}
1790–1960{{Cite web |title=Historical Census Browser |url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu |access-date=August 12, 2014 |publisher=University of Virginia Library}} 1900–1990{{Cite web |title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990 |url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/ky190090.txt |access-date=August 12, 2014 |publisher=US Census Bureau}}
1990–2000{{Cite web |title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000 |url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327165705/http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2010 |access-date=August 12, 2014 |publisher=US Census Bureau}} 2010–2020

}}

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 {{convert|32|/sqmi|/km2}}. There were 6,812 housing units at an average density of {{convert|14|/sqmi|/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.

{{PresHead|place=Breathitt County, Kentucky|source={{Cite web |last=Leip |first=David |title=Atlas of US Presidential Elections |url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS |access-date=June 29, 2018 |website=uselectionatlas.org}}}}

{{PresRow|2024|Republican|4,036|1,002|80|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|2020|Republican|4,265|1,301|95|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|2016|Republican|3,991|1,537|210|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|2012|Republican|3,318|1,562|128|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|2008|Republican|2,671|2,205|154|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|2004|Democratic|2,542|3,327|75|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|2000|Democratic|2,084|2,902|87|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1996|Democratic|1,058|3,106|414|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1992|Democratic|1,303|3,496|537|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1988|Democratic|2,149|3,387|44|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1984|Democratic|2,855|3,435|19|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1980|Democratic|1,532|3,916|84|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1976|Democratic|1,014|3,544|18|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1972|Democratic|1,846|2,677|18|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1968|Democratic|1,361|2,954|363|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1964|Democratic|669|4,714|0|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1960|Democratic|1,996|3,307|0|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1956|Democratic|2,423|3,246|4|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1952|Democratic|1,381|3,383|0|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1948|Democratic|957|3,295|24|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1944|Democratic|1,230|2,922|31|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1940|Democratic|1,602|3,977|11|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|1,790|3,980|11|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|1,371|4,524|7|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1928|Democratic|2,309|3,017|0|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1924|Democratic|1,708|2,826|10|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1920|Democratic|2,464|2,737|31|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1916|Democratic|1,584|2,067|25|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1912|Democratic|910|1,682|407|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1908|Republican|1,620|1,567|32|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1904|Democratic|829|1,537|26|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1900|Democratic|850|1,573|11|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1896|Democratic|776|1,204|14|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1892|Democratic|566|977|11|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1888|Democratic|505|636|17|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1884|Democratic|459|870|18|Kentucky}}

{{PresFoot|1880|Democratic|330|797|7|Kentucky}}

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.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-18 |title=Democrats are dwindling in Wyoming. A primary election law further reduces their influence |url=https://apnews.com/article/wyoming-primary-democrats-switching-registration-republicans-5954c50500556a36f6664cc0bce2a6d6 |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=AP News |language=en}}

In gubernatorial elections, Breathitt County has only voted for the Republican nominee on three occasions: 1907, 1919, and 2015.

• Arch Coal[http://www.archcoal.com/aboutus/hazard.aspx Arch Coal – Hazard Complex] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130910184003/http://www.archcoal.com/aboutus/hazard.aspx|date=September 10, 2013}}
• US Coal[http://www.uscoalinc.com/operations.html US Coal Corporation :: Operations]{{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102175059/http://www.uscoalinc.com/operations.html|date=January 2, 2016}}

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.{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st21_ky/schooldistrict_maps/c21025_breathitt/DC20SD_C21025.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Breathitt County, KY|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=2024-07-18}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st21_ky/schooldistrict_maps/c21025_breathitt/DC20SD_C21025_SD2MS.txt Text list]{{cite web |url=https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/lrc/publications/ResearchReports/RR415.pdf |title=Appendix B: Maps Of Independent School Districts In Operation In FY 2014-FY 2015 Using 2005 Tax District Boundaries – Jackson ISD |work=Research Report No. 415 – Kentucky's Independent School Districts: A Primer |publisher=Office of Education Accountability, Legislative Research Commission |location=Frankfort, KY |page=115 (PDF p. 129/174) |date=September 15, 2015 |accessdate=July 18, 2024|archive-date=December 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210175230/https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/lrc/publications/ResearchReports/RR415.pdf |url-status=live }} 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

• 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

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

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.

• 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".{{Cite news |last=McCrummen, Stephanie |date=November 13, 2013 |title=In Rural Kentucky Health-Care Debate Takes Back Seat as the Long-Uninsured Line Up |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/in-rural-kentucky-health-care-debate-takes-back-seat-as-people-sign-up-for-insurance/2013/11/23/449dc6e0-5465-11e3-9e2c-e1d01116fd98_story.html |access-date=November 23, 2014 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} As of 2014 the county had the highest morbidity rate in the state of Kentucky.

• Jackson (county seat)

{{div col|colwidth=12em}}

• 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
• {{not a typo|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[https://www.google.com/maps/place/Stevenson,+KY+41339/@37.5799163,-83.2702213,14.75z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x884492d09f28106f:0x5ee7fdebd52982b6!8m2!3d37.5809248!4d-83.2610096 Stevenson, KY (Google Maps, accessed 26 June 2020)]
• Troublesome Creek
• Turners Creek
• Vancleve
• War Creek
• Watts
• Whick
• Wilstacy
• Wolf Coal

{{div col end}}

File:Feralhorses.jpg

In the community of Southfork, there is a local elk viewing area where elk and feral horses can be seen.{{Cite web |last=Guggenmos |first=Lean |title=Red River Gorge Day Trip – Southfork Elk View |url=https://stayovernow.com/2020/11/11/red-river-gorge-day-trip-southfork-elk-view/ |access-date=May 13, 2023 |website=StayOver |date=November 11, 2020 |publisher=Stay Over Management}}{{Cite web |title=South Fork Elkview |url=https://www.explorekywildlands.com/listing/south-fork-elk-view/871/ |website=Explore Kentucky Wildlands}}

• 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.{{Cite news |date=September 6, 2015 |title=Kentucky clerk who refused same-sex marriage licenses starts new appeal |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-gaymarriage-kentucky-idUSKCN0R60UY20150906 |access-date=May 8, 2016 |work=Reuters}}
• 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

{{Portal|United States}}

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Breathitt County, Kentucky
• Robinson Forest

{{Reflist|30em}}

• T.R.C. Hutton, Bloody Breathitt: Politics and Violence in the Appalachian South. Lexington, KY: University Press of Kentucky, 2013.

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070210131605/http://www.kentuckyhighlands.com/kh/counties/breathitt_county.asp The Kentucky Highlands Project]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20150123151232/http://www.breathittmuseum.com/ The Breathitt County Museum] – Provides a wealth of information on the rich history of Breathitt County.
• [http://ces.ca.uky.edu/robinsonstation UK Robinson Station]
• http://www.breathittcounty.com – hundreds of photos and articles about Breathitt County
• [http://www.breathitt.kyschools.us Breathitt County Public Schools]
• [http://www.breathittatc.com Breathitt Area Technology Center]
• [http://kygenealogy.com/ Breathitt County History & Ancestry]

{{Breathitt County, Kentucky}}

{{Eastern Mountain Coal Fields (Kentucky)}}

{{Kentucky}}

{{Authority control}}

{{Coord|37.52|-83.32|display=title|type:adm2nd_region:US-KY_source:UScensus1990}}

Category:1839 establishments in Kentucky

Category:Populated places established in 1839

Category:Kentucky counties