Powell County, Kentucky

Powell County
Powell County courthouse in Stanton
Powell County courthouse in Stanton
Map of Kentucky highlighting Powell County
Location within the U.S. state of Kentucky
Map of the United States highlighting Kentucky
Kentucky's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 37°50′N 83°50′W / 37.83°N 83.83°W / 37.83; -83.83
Country United States
State Kentucky
Founded1852
Named forLazarus W. Powell
SeatStanton
Area
 • Total180 sq mi (500 km2)
 • Land179 sq mi (460 km2)
 • Water1.1 sq mi (3 km2)  0.6%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total13,129
 • Estimate 
(2023)
12,972 Decrease
 • Density73/sq mi (28/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district6th
Websitepowellcountyky.us

Powell County is a county located in the U.S. Commonwealth of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 13,129.[1] Its county seat is Stanton.[2] The county was formed January 7, 1852, by Kentucky Governor Lazarus W. Powell from parts of Clark, Estill, and Montgomery counties.[3] It is no longer a dry county as of 2018. Powell County is home to Natural Bridge State Resort Park and the Red River Gorge Geologic Area, two of Kentucky's most important natural areas and ecotourism destinations, as well as the Pilot Knob State Nature Preserve.

  1. ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ^ The Register of the Kentucky State Historical Society, Volume 1. Kentucky State Historical Society. 1903. pp. 36.