Laurel County, Kentucky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Laurel County
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Laurel County courthouse in London
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Location within the U.S. state of Kentucky
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 Kentucky's location within the U.S. |
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Kentucky |
| Founded | December 21, 1825 |
| Named for | Mountain laurel trees |
| Seat | London |
| Largest city | London |
| Area | |
| • Total | 444 sq mi (1,150 km2) |
| • Land | 434 sq mi (1,120 km2) |
| • Water | 9.7 sq mi (25 km2) 2.2% |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 62,613 |
| • Estimate
(2023)
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63,296  |
| • Density | 141.02/sq mi (54.45/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Congressional district | 5th |
Laurel County is a place in the southeastern part of Kentucky, a state in the United States. It is called a county, which is like a smaller area within a state.
In 2020, about 62,613 people lived here. The main town, or county seat, is London. Laurel County is part of the London, KY Micropolitan Statistical Area. This means it's connected to London for things like jobs and businesses.
Contents
History of Laurel County
Laurel County was created on December 21, 1825. It was the 80th county to be formed in Kentucky. Parts of other counties like Rockcastle, Clay, Knox, and Whitley were used to make it.
The county got its name from the Laurel River. This river was known for having many thickets of laurel plants along its banks.
Important Events in Laurel County History
Laurel County was the site of the Battle of Wildcat Mountain. This was an important battle during the American Civil War. It stopped the Confederate army from moving forward into a strong area called Big Hill.
In 1958, a fire damaged the county's courthouse. A new building was finished in 1961.
The Home of KFC
The very first Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) restaurant started in southern Laurel County. It was opened by Colonel Harland Sanders near the town of Corbin.
Today, you can visit the original cafe and museum. You can eat there, take a tour, and learn how this famous worldwide restaurant chain began.
Because of this history with chicken, London, the county seat, hosts the World Chicken Festival every year. This festival brings in a lot of people, sometimes up to 250,000, over four days!
Geography of Laurel County
Laurel County covers about 444 square miles (1,150 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, about 434 square miles (1,124 square kilometers). The rest, about 9.7 square miles (25 square kilometers), is water.
Part of Laurel River Lake is located in Laurel County.
Neighboring Counties
Laurel County shares borders with these other counties:
- Jackson County (to the northeast)
- Clay County (to the east)
- Knox County (to the southeast)
- Whitley County (to the south)
- McCreary County (to the southwest)
- Pulaski County (to the west)
- Rockcastle County (to the northwest)
Protected Natural Areas
A part of the Daniel Boone National Forest is located in Laurel County. This is a large area of protected land.
Population of Laurel County
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1830 | 2,206 | — | |
| 1840 | 3,079 | 39.6% | |
| 1850 | 4,145 | 34.6% | |
| 1860 | 5,488 | 32.4% | |
| 1870 | 6,016 | 9.6% | |
| 1880 | 9,131 | 51.8% | |
| 1890 | 13,747 | 50.6% | |
| 1900 | 17,592 | 28.0% | |
| 1910 | 19,872 | 13.0% | |
| 1920 | 19,814 | −0.3% | |
| 1930 | 21,109 | 6.5% | |
| 1940 | 25,640 | 21.5% | |
| 1950 | 25,797 | 0.6% | |
| 1960 | 24,901 | −3.5% | |
| 1970 | 27,386 | 10.0% | |
| 1980 | 38,982 | 42.3% | |
| 1990 | 43,438 | 11.4% | |
| 2000 | 52,715 | 21.4% | |
| 2010 | 58,849 | 11.6% | |
| 2020 | 62,613 | 6.4% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 63,296 | 7.6% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 1790-1960 1900-1990 1990-2000 2010-2020 |
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In 2020, the county had 62,613 people living there. Most people in Laurel County are White. There are also smaller groups of Black or African American people, Native Americans, Asian people, and people of two or more races. Some people are also of Hispanic or Latino background.
The average age of people in Laurel County in 2010 was 36 years old. About 25% of the population was under 18 years old.
Education in Laurel County
There are two public school districts that serve students from kindergarten through 12th grade in Laurel County:
- Laurel County School District – This district runs one preschool, 11 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools.
- East Bernstadt Independent School District – This district has one school that teaches students from kindergarten through 8th grade. After 8th grade, students from this district can go to high school in the Laurel County School District.
Communities in Laurel County
Cities
Census-designated places (CDPs)
These are areas that are like towns but are not officially incorporated as cities.
Other Unincorporated Communities
These are smaller communities that are not officially part of a city or CDP.
Notable People from Laurel County
- Silas House – A nationally bestselling author who grew up in Laurel County.
- Jeff Sheppard – A former basketball star for the University of Kentucky. He also played briefly in the NBA.
- Reed Sheppard – Son of Jeff and Stacey Sheppard, he also played basketball for the University of Kentucky basketball. He was picked third overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets.
- Darrell Scott – A songwriter who won the ASCAP Songwriter of the Year award in 2000. He has written popular songs for many famous music artists. He was born in London.
- Chera-Lyn Cook – The first person from Southeast Kentucky to win the title of Miss Kentucky. She was also a talent winner and 4th runner-up in the Miss America 1999 pageant.
- Flem D. Sampson – The 42nd governor of Kentucky, who was from Laurel County.
See also
In Spanish: Condado de Laurel para niños
