Harlan County, Kentucky

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,212 km² (468 mi²). 1,210 km² (467 mi²) of it is land and 2 km² (1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.17% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 33,202 people, 13,291 households, and 9,449 families residing in the county. The population density is 27/km² (71/mi²). There are 15,017 housing units at an average density of 12/km² (32/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 95.56% White, 2.62% African American, 0.48% Native American, 0.29% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.08% from other races, and 0.95% from two or more races. 0.65% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 13,291 households out of which 32.20% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.30% are married couples living together, 13.20% have a female householder with no husband present, and 28.90% are non-families. 27.00% of all households are made up of individuals and 12.60% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.47 and the average family size is 3.00.

In the county the population is spread out with 25.00% under the age of 18, 8.50% from 18 to 24, 27.50% from 25 to 44, 25.20% from 45 to 64, and 13.90% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 38 years. For every 100 females there are 91.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 87.80 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $18,665, and the median income for a family is $23,536. Males have a median income of $29,148 versus $19,288 for females. The per capita income for the county is $11,585. 32.50% of the population and 29.10% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 40.10% are under the age of 18 and 21.00% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Benham
• Cumberland
• Evarts
• Harlan
• Loyall
• Lynch
• South Wallins
• Wallins Creek