Kentucky, which is also called the Bluegrass State, is well-known for its horse racing, bourbon, fried chicken, and bluegrass music. However, some towns are more appealing to live in than others. Many of these places are facing issues like a decrease in population, economic difficulties, high crime rates, and other problems that make people want to leave as soon as they can. There are seven of them, according to the most recent census data and other sources.
1. Jenkins
Jenkins is a small town located in Letcher County, which is in the eastern part of the state. The community used to be very successful in coal mining, but as the industry declined, it has faced problems like high unemployment, poverty, and drug addiction. The number of people living in Jenkins has decreased by 28.5% since 2010. In 2020, the population was 1,575, down from 2,203. The average income for households is $21,250, and almost 42% of the population is living in poverty. The town also has problems with the environment, like polluted water and dirty air.
2. Clay City
Clay City is in Powell County, Kentucky, in the central region of the state. The area is well-known for being close to the Red River Gorge, which is a popular place for hiking, camping, and rock climbing. However, the town itself doesn’t have much to offer its residents, so many of them are leaving. The number of people living in Clay City has gone down by 25.4% since 2010. In 2020, the population was 803, compared to 1,077 in 2010. The average income for households is $25,833, and more than a third of the population lives in poverty, with a poverty rate of 35.6%. The town has a lot of crime, with 1,029 violent and property crimes for every 100,000 people.
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3. Fulton
Fulton is a town located in Fulton County, in the southwestern part of the state. It is located in the Kentucky Bend, which is a unique geographical area where the Mississippi River surrounds it on three sides. The town used to be an important place for trains and business, but it has become less economically strong over time. The number of people living in Fulton has decreased by 23.8% since 2010. In 2020, the population was 1,863, down from 2,445. The average income for households is $26,250, and the percentage of people living in poverty is 32.4%. In addition, the town has a low level of education, as only 69.9% of adults have completed high school or obtained a higher degree.
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4. Lynch
Lynch is a town in Letcher County, located in the eastern part of the state. It is known for its coal mining industry. The U.S. Coal and Coke Company established it in 1917. At one point, it had more than 10,000 residents and was the biggest coal camp globally. But, the town has been getting worse since the 1950s because the coal industry got smaller and the company left. The number of people living in Lynch has decreased by 22.9% since 2010. In 2020, the population was 576, down from 747. The average income for households is $19,375, and almost half of the population lives below the poverty line, with a poverty rate of 47.4%. The town also has health issues like obesity, diabetes, and cancer.
5. Barbourville
Barbourville is a city in the southeastern part of Kentucky. It is the county seat of Knox County. Union College is located here. It is a private liberal arts institution. However, the town is not getting any advantages from having the college because its population and economy are declining. The number of people living in Barbourville has decreased by 21.8% since 2010. In 2020, the population was 2,470, down from 3,159. The average income for households is $18,750, and almost half of the population is living in poverty. The town has a lot of crime, with 1,456 violent and property crimes for every 100,000 people.
6. West Liberty
West Liberty is the main city in Morgan County, located in the eastern part of the state. The place is located in the Daniel Boone National Forest and is famous for its beautiful scenery and opportunities for outdoor activities. But the town has not fully recovered from the powerful tornado that hit in 2012. The tornado caused six deaths and caused significant damage to the town’s infrastructure. The number of people living in West Liberty has gone down by 21.6% since 2010. In 2020, the population was 2,693, compared to 3,435 in 2010. The average income for households is $24,583, and about 34.8% of the population is living in poverty. In addition, the town has a low level of education, as only 70.8% of adults have completed high school or obtained a higher degree.
In summary
These are some towns in Kentucky that many people are leaving quickly because of reasons like a decrease in population, economic difficulties, high crime rates, and environmental problems. Although some of these towns may have historical or cultural importance, they are generally not attractive places to live for most people. As a result, it is probable that they will keep losing their residents and encounter more difficulties in the future.
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