Floyd County, Kentucky

{{short description|County in Kentucky, United States}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}

{{Infobox U.S. county

| county = Floyd County

| state = Kentucky

| seal =

| ex image = Floyd County Courthouse (new), Prestonsburg.jpg

| ex image cap = Floyd County Courthouse

| named for = John Floyd

| founded year = 1800

| founded date =

| seat wl = Prestonsburg

| largest city wl = Prestonsburg

| area_total_sq_mi = 396

| area_land_sq_mi = 393

| area_water_sq_mi = 2.4

| area percentage = 0.6%

| population_as_of = 2020

| population_total = 35942

| pop_est_as_of = 2024

| population_est = 34532 {{decrease}}

| density_sq_mi = auto

| time zone = Eastern

| footnotes =

| web = www.floydcountykentucky.com

| district = 5th

}}

Floyd County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 35,942.{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/floydcountykentucky/PST045221 |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=July 13, 2022}} Its county seat is Prestonsburg.{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |access-date=June 7, 2011 |title=Find a County |publisher=National Association of Counties |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531210815/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |archive-date=May 31, 2011}} The county, founded in 1800, is named for Colonel John Floyd (1750–1783).{{cite book | url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_9V1IAAAAMAAJ | title=The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States | publisher=Govt. Print. Off. | author=Gannett, Henry | year=1905 | pages=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_9V1IAAAAMAAJ/page/n126 127]}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.kyenc.org/entry/f/FLOYD02.html |title=Floyd County |access-date=January 29, 2013 |archive-date=July 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717121828/http://www.kyenc.org/entry/f/FLOYD02.html |url-status=dead }}

History

On December 13, 1799, the Kentucky General Assembly passed legislation to form Floyd County as the 40th county of Kentucky.Kleber, John E. The Kentucky Encyclodpedia (University Press of Kentucky), p. 330 The county was made from parts of Fleming, Montgomery, and Mason County, Kentucky. The legislation became effective on June 1, 1800. The county was named for James John Floyd, a pioneer surveyor who helped lay out the city of Louisville. The county seat was Preston's Station, later renamed Prestonsburg. The first court house burned down on April 8, 1808, destroying all the early records, so the earliest records of government activity do not date prior to 1808. Prestonsburg was used as a Confederate stronghold during the Civil War and two battles took place nearby, the Battle of Ivy Mountain on November 8, 1861, and the Battle of Middle Creek on January 10, 1862. Both were Union victories.

File:Harry Fain, coal loader. Inland Steel Company, Wheelwright ^1 & 2 Mines, Wheelwright, Floyd County, Kentucky. - NARA - 541452 - cropped and restored.jpg, 1946]]

Since the early 1900s, coal mining has had a large presence in Floyd County. In 1900, the first commercial coal mine in eastern Kentucky was opened in the Floyd County community of Betsy Layne. Soon, coal would become the dominant industry in Floyd County. With the arrival of coal, coal towns began popping up all over the county. These coal towns included Wheelwright, Bypro, Emma, Garrett, Wayland, and many more. By 1950, the county had a population of over 50,000 people. With the decline of coal in eastern Kentucky, people began migrating away from the area in large numbers, in what's known as the Hillbilly Highway. As of 2016, the county had 23 coal mines in operation, and produced roughly around 640,000 tons of coal.{{Cite web |title=Kentucky Coal Facts |url=https://eec.ky.gov/Energy/Coal%20Facts%20%20Annual%20Editions/Kentucky%20Coal%20Facts%20-%2017th%20Edition%20(2017).pdf |website=Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet (.gov)}}

On February 28, 1958, the county was the site of one of the deadliest bus accidents in U.S. history, leaving 27 people dead.

On June 30, 2022, a mass shooting targeting police officers occurred in Allen, a city in Floyd County. Three police officers and a police dog were killed, and four other people were injured. The alleged shooter, 49-year-old Lance Storz, was arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder of a police officer before committing suicide in the county jail.{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/kentucky-officers-killed-hurt-gunman-opened-fire-home/story?id=86076193|title=3 Kentucky officers killed, several hurt by gunman who opened fire at his home|publisher=ABC News|last=Shapiro|first=Emily|date=July 1, 2022|accessdate=July 1, 2022}}{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/police-officers-wounded-eastern-kentucky-shooting-86052607|title=3 police officers killed in Kentucky by suspect with rifle|publisher=ABC News|date=July 1, 2022|accessdate=July 1, 2022|via=Associated Press}}{{cite news|url=https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/02/wsaz-gets-first-look-home-where-mass-shooting-happened/|title=Third officer confirmed dead from Ky. mass shooting|publisher=WSAZ-TV|last1=Bennett|first1=Emily|last2=Colegrove|first2=Andrew|date=July 1, 2022|accessdate=July 1, 2022}}

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of {{convert|396|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|393|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|2.4|sqmi}} (0.6%) is water.{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_21.txt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812210847/http://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_21.txt |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 12, 2014 |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=August 14, 2014 |date=August 22, 2012 |title=2010 Census Gazetteer Files }}

=Adjacent counties=

Demographics

{{US Census population

| 1810 = 3485

| 1820 = 8207

| 1830 = 4347

| 1840 = 6302

| 1850 = 5714

| 1860 = 6388

| 1870 = 7877

| 1880 = 10176

| 1890 = 11256

| 1900 = 15552

| 1910 = 18623

| 1920 = 27427

| 1930 = 41942

| 1940 = 52986

| 1950 = 53500

| 1960 = 41642

| 1970 = 35889

| 1980 = 48764

| 1990 = 43586

| 2000 = 42441

| 2010 = 39451

| 2020 = 35942

| estyear = 2024

| estimate = 34532

| 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 = U.S. Decennial Census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 14, 2014}}
1790-1960{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=August 14, 2014}} 1900-1990{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/ky190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 14, 2014}}
1990-2000{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |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 |url-status=live|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 14, 2014}} 2010-2020

}}

File:Coal mine, Floyd County, Kentucky, 8a09652.jpg

As of the census of 2010, there were 39,451 people living in the county. 98.2% were White, 0.7% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, 0.1% Native American, 0.2% of some other race and 0.6% of two or more races. 0.6% were Hispanic or Latino (of any race).

As of the census{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=January 31, 2008 |title=U.S. Census website }} of 2000, there were 42,441 people, 16,881 households, and 12,272 families living in the county. The population density was {{convert|108|/sqmi|/km2}}. There were 18,551 housing units at an average density of {{convert|47|/sqmi|/km2}}. The racial makeup of the county was 97.73% White, 1.29% Black or African American, 0.12% Native American, 0.24% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 0.12% from other races, and 0.42% from two or more races. 0.61% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. The Kentucky Melungeons live primarily in Floyd and Magoffin counties. These families once lived in certain pockets or clusters within Floyd County, some continue to do this. However, most of these Melungeon families have now spread out or moved away, and so they cannot be defined by one valley, ridge, hollow, watershed, area, etc. However, some of their known historic residences were: The upper waters of both the Right and Left Forks of Beaver Creek, as well as its smaller streams, branches, and forks; extending into Knott County as well.

There were 16,881 households, out of which 33.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.50% were married couples living together, 12.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.30% were non-families. 25.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.60% under the age of 18, 9.40% from 18 to 24, 30.30% from 25 to 44, 24.50% from 45 to 64, and 12.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 96.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $21,168, and the median income for a family was $25,717. Males had a median income of $30,242 versus $20,569 for females. The per capita income for the county was $12,442. About 26.90% of families and 30.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 39.80% of those under age 18 and 20.50% of those age 65 or over.

Education

The county's public schools are operated by the Floyd County School District.[http://www.floyd.kyschools.us/ Floyd County School District]

Economy

=Coal companies in Floyd County=

  • Blackhawk Mining[http://www.blackhawkmining.com/operations.html Blackhawk Mining - Operations] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130814135829/http://blackhawkmining.com/operations.html |date=August 14, 2013}}
  • James River Coal Company{{Cite web |url=http://www.jamesrivercoal.com/mccoyelkhorn.htm |title=James River Coal Company – McCoy Elkhorn complex |access-date=June 20, 2013 |archive-date=January 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116183514/http://www.jamesrivercoal.com/mccoyelkhorn.htm |url-status=dead }}
  • Frasure Creek Mining

Politics

{{PresHead|place=Floyd County, Kentucky|source={{Cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections|last=Leip|first=David|website=uselectionatlas.org|access-date=July 1, 2018}}}}

{{PresRow|2024|Republican|12,326|3,061|286|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|2020|Republican|12,250|3,884|219|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|2016|Republican|11,993|4,015|532|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|2012|Republican|9,784|4,733|373|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|2008|Republican|7,741|7,530|388|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|2004|Democratic|6,612|11,132|141|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|2000|Democratic|5,068|10,088|238|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1996|Democratic|3,139|9,655|1,590|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1992|Democratic|3,540|13,351|1,783|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1988|Democratic|5,296|12,327|141|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1984|Democratic|5,218|10,259|66|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1980|Democratic|4,179|10,975|231|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1976|Democratic|3,108|10,151|74|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1972|Democratic|6,099|7,544|157|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1968|Democratic|3,550|8,333|1,160|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1964|Democratic|2,352|11,644|45|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1960|Democratic|5,010|9,876|0|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1956|Democratic|6,166|7,907|15|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1952|Democratic|4,238|8,940|11|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1948|Democratic|3,127|8,823|132|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1944|Democratic|3,197|7,729|0|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1940|Democratic|3,711|9,100|0|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|3,375|7,962|0|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|3,415|8,537|34|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1928|Democratic|5,109|5,721|0|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1924|Democratic|3,773|4,220|579|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1920|Democratic|2,825|3,597|46|Kentucky}}

{{PresRow|1916|Democratic|1,823|2,217|26|Kentucky}}

{{PresFoot|1912|Democratic|961|1,553|514|Kentucky}}

Floyd County was historically a Democratic stronghold, voting Democratic in every election since the founding of the party until 2008. The county gave Bill Clinton over 65% in both 1992 and 1996 while George W. Bush never received more than 37% of the county's vote.[http://elections.nytimes.com/2008/results/president/map.html?scp=1&sq=%22election%20map&st=cse The New York Times Electoral Map (Zoom in on Kentucky)] Like the rest of the state outside of Jefferson County (Louisville) and Fayette County (Lexington), the county eventually shifted to the Republican Party, but became one of the last counties in Kentucky to make that transition.{{cite web |last1=Lists |first1=Geography |title=Bonus List- Geography Lists |url=http://www.geographylists.com/list21j.html |website=Geography Lists |access-date=May 13, 2019}}

In 2008, its votes went to the Republican Party's presidential candidate for the first time in the county's history, and in 2016 Donald Trump won 72.5% of its vote. The county has trended strongly Republican since 2004, shifting from a 25% margin for the Democrat that year, to a 59.2% margin for the Republican in 2024.:File:PresidentialCounty1860Colorbrewer.gif

=Elected officials=

class=wikitable
colspan="3" |Elected officials as of January 3, 2025{{Cite web |url=https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/Legislators/smembers_county.html |title=Senate Members - County |author= |date= |website=apps.legislature.ky.gov |publisher=Kentucky General Assembly |access-date=January 3, 2025 |quote=}}{{Cite web |url=https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/Legislators/hmembers_county.html |title=House Members - County |author= |date= |website=apps.legislature.ky.gov |publisher=Kentucky General Assembly |access-date=January 3, 2025 |quote=}}
scope=row|U.S. House

| {{party shading/Republican}}|Hal Rogers (R)

| {{party shading/Republican}}|{{ushr|KY|5|B}}

scope=row|Ky. Senate

| {{party shading/Republican}}|Scott Madon (R)

| {{party shading/Republican}}|29

scope=row|Ky. House

| {{party shading/Democratic}}|Ashley Tackett Laferty (D)

| {{party shading/Democratic}}|95

Communities

=Cities=

=Census-designated places=

=Other unincorporated places=

Notable residents

  • Willie Edward Taylor Carver Jr. — educator and author, 2022 Kentucky Teacher of the Year
  • Kelly Coleman — professional basketball player
  • Bette Henritze — stage, film and TV actress{{IMDb name|0377701|Bette Henritze}}[http://www.familytreelegends.com/records/12252?c=search&first=&last=Henritze&spelling=Exact&8_year=&8_month=5&8_day=0&4=&9=&11=&SubmitSearch.x=34&SubmitSearch.y=13&SubmitSearch=Submit Floyd County record of the birth of Bette J. Henritze]
  • Boyd Holbrook — actor and model
  • Kenny Rice — sportscaster

See also

References

{{reflist}}