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McKee, Kentucky facts for kids

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McKee, Kentucky
Jackson County Courthouse in McKee
Jackson County Courthouse in McKee
Motto(s): 
Where the Mountains and the Bluegrass Blend
Location of McKee in Jackson County, Kentucky
Location of McKee in Jackson County, Kentucky
Country United States
State Kentucky
County Jackson
Incorporated April 1, 1882
Named for Judge George R. McKee
Government
 • Type Mayor-Council
Area
 • Total 2.41 sq mi (6.23 km2)
 • Land 2.41 sq mi (6.23 km2)
 • Water 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
1,030 ft (314 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 803 Increase
 • Density 333.75/sq mi (128.85/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
40447
Area code(s) 606
FIPS code 21-49116
GNIS feature ID 0513872

McKee is a small city in Kentucky, United States. It is the main town and second-largest community in Jackson County. In 2020, about 803 people lived there. The city was founded on April 1, 1882. It was named after Judge George R. McKee.

Geography and Location

McKee is located in the middle of Jackson County. It is nestled inside the Daniel Boone National Forest. Major roads like U.S. Route 421 pass through the city. This road connects McKee to Richmond and Manchester. Other state roads, Kentucky Route 89 and Kentucky Route 290, also serve the area.

Land and Water Features

The city covers about 2.33 square miles of land. Only a tiny part, about 0.02%, is water. McKee is in the valley of Pigeon Roost Creek. This creek joins Birch Lick Creek to form Indian Creek. Indian Creek then flows into the Middle Fork of the Rockcastle River. This river is part of the larger Cumberland River system.

Outdoor Fun and Nature

McKee offers many places for outdoor activities. You can explore parks, lakes, and trails. The area is also home to a large national forest.

Local Parks to Explore

  • Bond Memorial Park
  • Jackson County Veterans Park
  • McKee City Park
  • Jack Gabbard Park

Lakes and Water Spots

  • McKee Reservoir

Hiking and Walking Trails

Protected Natural Areas

Community Events

McKee hosts fun events each year. These events bring people together for crafts, music, and local traditions.

Jackson County Fair & Homecoming

This event happens every year before Labor Day weekend. It includes craft exhibits by 4-H members. You can also enjoy music, clogging, and food trucks. A parade is a big part of the celebration.

Sheltowee Trace Artisans Fair

This fair takes place during the first weekend of May. Artists from Kentucky come to share their skills. They teach, show how they make things, and sell their crafts.

Population and People

McKee, KY
Main Street in Downtown McKee

The population of McKee has changed over the years. In 1880, only 88 people lived there. By 2020, the population grew to 803 residents.

Historical population
Census Pop.
1880 88
1900 106
1910 146 37.7%
1920 173 18.5%
1930 190 9.8%
1960 234
1970 255 9.0%
1980 759 197.6%
1990 870 14.6%
2000 878 0.9%
2010 800 −8.9%
2020 803 0.4%
2021 (est.) 803 0.4%
U.S. Decennial Census

In 2020, most people in McKee were White (97.65%). A small number were Black (1.03%) or from two or more races (1.31%). About 0.85% of the population was Hispanic or Latino. The average age of residents was about 40.9 years old.

The average income for a family in McKee was around $21,289. About 40% of the people lived below the poverty line. The average rent for a home was about $338 per month. The average house value was $107,000.

Local Economy

The Jackson County - McKee Industrial Development Authority helps the local economy grow. They manage industrial parks in the county, including one in McKee. These parks help create jobs.

Major Employers in McKee

Several important organizations provide jobs in the city:

  • Jackson County Public Schools
  • Peoples Rural Telephone Cooperative (PRTC)
  • Jackson County Fiscal Court
  • Umine LLC.

Utilities and Services

McKee has several companies that provide essential services to its residents.

Power and Communication

Jackson Energy provides electricity to McKee and nearby counties. Their main office is in the city. Peoples Rural Telephone Cooperative (PRTC) offers cable TV, internet, and phone services. PRTC is also based in McKee. The city's water and sewer services are managed by McKee Water and Sewer.

Healthcare Services

McKee does not have its own hospital. However, there are several hospitals in nearby cities. These include Saint Joseph Hospital in Berea and Richmond. Other options are Advent Health in Manchester and Rockcastle Regional Hospital in Mt. Vernon.

Emergency and Primary Care

The Jackson County Ambulance Service provides emergency medical help. For everyday health needs, McKee has a few primary care clinics. These include the White House Clinic, McKee Medical Clinic, and Advent Health.

Education in McKee

The Jackson County Public School system serves the city. Students in McKee attend local schools from elementary to high school.

Public Schools in the City

  • McKee Elementary School
  • Jackson County Middle School
  • Jackson County High School
  • Jackson County Area Technology Center

Public Library

  • Jackson County Public Library

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: McKee (Kentucky) para niños

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