Laurel County, Kentucky

Infobox U.S. County
county = Laurel County
state = Kentucky


founded year = 1826
founded date =
seat wl = London
area_total_sq_mi = 444
area_total_km2 = 1149
area_land_sq_mi = 436
area_land_km2 = 1128
area_water_sq_mi = 8
area_water_km2 = 12
area percentage = 1.82%
census yr = 2000
pop = 52715
density_sq_mi = 121
density_km2 = 47
time zone = Eastern
UTC offset = -5
DST offset = -4
footnotes =
web =
named for = Mountain laurel trees that are prominent in the area

Laurel County is a county in the U.S. state of Kentucky. The population was 52,715 at the 2000 census. Its county seat is London.GR|6 Laurel County is a limited dry county, meaning that sale of alcohol in the county is prohibited except in certain areas as voted on by the residents of the area. In the case of Laurel County, by the drink alcohol sales is permitted only in restaurants in the city of London seating at least 100 diners and derive at least 70% of their total sales from food.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 444 square miles (1,149 km²), of which, 436 square miles (1,128 km²) of it is land and 8 square miles (21 km²) of it (1.82%) is water. Part of Laurel River Lake is in Laurel County.

Adjacent counties

*Jackson County (northeast)
*Clay County (east)
*Knox County (southeast)
*Whitley County (south)
*McCreary County (southwest)
*Pulaski County (west)
*Rockcastle County (northwest)

National protected area

* Daniel Boone National Forest (part)

Demographics

USCensusPop
1830= 2206
1840= 3079
1850= 4145
1860= 5488
1870= 6016
1880= 9131
1890= 13747
1900= 17592
1910= 19872
1920= 19814
1930= 21109
1940= 25640
1950= 25797
1960= 24901
1970= 27386
1980= 38982
1990= 43438
2000= 52715
estimate= 56979
estyear= 2007
estref=
footnote=http://ukcc.uky.edu/~census/21125.txt

As of the censusGR|2 of 2000, there were 52,715 people, 20,353 households, and 15,366 families residing in the county. The population density was 121 people per square mile (47/km²). There were 22,317 housing units at an average density of 51 per square mile (20/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 97.66% White, 0.63% Black or African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.35% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.08% from other races, and 0.90% from two or more races. 0.55% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 20,353 households out of which 35.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.60% were married couples living together, 11.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.50% were non-families. 21.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 2.97.

The age distribution was 25.40% under the age of 18, 9.20% from 18 to 24, 30.40% from 25 to 44, 23.50% 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 95.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.80 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $27,015, and the median income for a family was $31,318. Males had a median income of $27,965 versus $19,757 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,165. About 17.80% of families and 21.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.80% of those under age 18 and 20.10% of those age 65 or over.

Cities and towns

Incorporated

*London

Unincorporated

*East Bernstadt
*Lake
*North Corbin

Education

Two public school districts serve K-12 students in the county:
*Laurel County Public Schools — Operates one preschool, 11 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools.
*East Bernstadt Independent Schools — Operates a single K-8 school. High school students in the district attend North Laurel High School.

History

Laurel County is home to the Battle of Wildcat Mountain, a pivotal yet little known battle during the Civil War that kept Confederate armies from advancing on Big Hill, a major stronghold during the war.

The World Chicken Festival is celebrated every year in Laurel County, drawing crowds of up to 250,000 people over the four-day festival.

Famous Residents

Nationally bestselling author Silas House was raised and currently lives in Laurel County, at the small town of Lily.

Laurel County is home to Sanders Cafe, the restaurant where today's Kentucky Fried Chicken chain has its roots, located in the southern section of the county in the unincorporated community of North Corbin.

2000 ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Darrell Scott, who has written hit songs for the Dixie Chicks, Travis Tritt, Brad Paisley, Patty Loveless, and many others, was born in London, the county seat of Laurel County.

ee also

*Dry counties

References

External links

* [http://www.kentuckyhighlands.com/kh/counties/laurel_county.asp The Kentucky Highlands Project]