Kentucky is a state known for its natural beauty, rich history, and friendly people. But in recent years, some of its towns have been facing a series of challenges that have made living there difficult and even dangerous. Here are seven Kentucky towns that residents are urgently leaving, and the reasons why.
1. Hazard
Hazard is a town in Perry County that was once a thriving coal mining community. But as the coal industry declined, so did the town’s economy and population. Hazard has been plagued by poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and crime. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hazard’s population dropped by 12.4% from 2010 to 2019, and its median household income was only $25,833 in 2019, well below the national average of $62,843.
2. Martin
Martin is a town in Floyd County that was also dependent on coal mining. But in addition to the economic woes caused by the loss of coal jobs, Martin has also suffered from environmental disasters. In 2000, a coal slurry spill contaminated the town’s water supply, killing fish and wildlife, and exposing residents to toxic chemicals. In 2009, a flood destroyed many homes and businesses, and forced hundreds of people to evacuate. Martin’s population declined by 27.5% from 2010 to 2019, and its median household income was only $19,583 in 2019.
3. Jenkins
Jenkins is a town in Letcher County that was founded by the Consolidation Coal Company in 1911. It was once a prosperous and modern town, with a hospital, a theater, a golf course, and a library. But as the coal company reduced its operations, Jenkins lost its main source of income and identity. Jenkins has also faced problems with drug addiction, domestic violence, and poor health. Jenkins’ population decreased by 16.7% from 2010 to 2019, and its median household income was only $21,875 in 2019.
4. Lynch
Lynch is a town in Harlan County that was established by the U.S. Coal and Coke Company in 1917. It was one of the largest coal camps in the world, with a population of over 10,000 at its peak. Lynch had a diverse and vibrant community, with immigrants from 38 different countries. But as the coal industry declined, so did Lynch’s population and infrastructure. Lynch has also struggled with racial tensions, poverty, and lack of opportunities. Lynch’s population fell by 28.6% from 2010 to 2019, and its median household income was only $16,250 in 2019.
5. Clay
Clay is a town in Clay County that was named after the famous Kentucky politician Henry Clay. It was once a center of agriculture and commerce, with a railroad, a bank, a hotel, and a newspaper. But Clay has been hit hard by the opioid epidemic, which has claimed many lives and ruined many families. Clay has also been affected by corruption, nepotism, and mismanagement of public funds. Clay’s population dropped by 23.1% from 2010 to 2019, and its median household income was only $18,750 in 2019.
6. Wheelwright
Wheelwright is a town in Floyd County that was built by the Elk Horn Coal Company in 1916. It was a model company town, with a school, a church, a hospital, a recreation center, and a swimming pool. But Wheelwright’s fortunes changed when the coal company sold the town to a private investor in 1962, who neglected and exploited the town’s resources and residents. Wheelwright has also suffered from floods, fires, landslides, and power outages. Wheelwright’s population plummeted by 46.2% from 2010 to 2019, and its median household income was only $12,500 in 2019.
7. Vicco
Vicco is a town in Perry County that was founded by the Virginia Iron Coal and Coke Company in 1920. It was a prosperous and progressive town, with a movie theater, a bowling alley, a skating rink, and a park. Vicco made national headlines in 2013, when it became the smallest town in America to pass an ordinance banning discrimination based on sexual orientation. But Vicco has also faced challenges such as declining population, aging infrastructure, limited resources, and political conflicts. Vicco’s population decreased by 15.8% from 2010 to 2019, and its median household income was only $14,583 in 2019.
Conclusion
These seven Kentucky towns are examples of how the decline of the coal industry, the rise of the opioid crisis, and the impact of natural disasters have affected the lives and livelihoods of many Kentuckians. While some residents have chosen to stay and fight for their towns, many others have decided to leave and seek better opportunities elsewhere. These towns are not only losing their population, but also their history, culture, and identity.