Kentucky, also referred to as the “Bluegrass State,” is well-known for its bluegrass music, fried chicken, bourbon, and horse racing. Not every town in the region is a desirable place to live, though. Population loss, economic difficulty, crime, and other issues are causing individuals in some of them to desire to leave as soon as feasible. Using information from several sources including the most recent census, these are seven of them.

1. Jenkins

Located in the eastern region of the state in Letcher County, Jenkins is a small town. The town was originally home to a thriving coal mining community, but due to the industry’s demise, it now has high rates of drug addiction, poverty, and unemployment. Between 2010 and 2020, Jenkins’ population decreased by 28.5%, from 2,203 to 1,575. With approximately $21,250 as the median household income, 41.9% of people live in poverty. In addition, the community faces environmental problems such air and water pollution.

2. Clay City

In the heart of Kentucky, in Powell County, is the city of Clay City. It is well-known for being close to the Red River Gorge, a well-liked location for rock climbing, hiking, and camping. Nonetheless, the town itself offers little to its citizens, who are migrating in significant numbers. Between 2010 and 2020, Clay City’s population dropped by 25.4%, from 1,077 to 803 people. The poverty rate is 35.6%, and the median household income is $25,833. The municipality has 1,029 violent and property offenses for every 100,000 residents, which is a high crime rate.

3. Fulton

Situated in the southwest region of the state, Fulton is a town situated in Fulton County. It is a section of the geographic anomaly known as the Kentucky Bend, which is bounded on three sides by the Mississippi River. The town has lost its economic vibrancy over time, but it was once a significant railroad hub and a commercial hub. Between 2010 and 2020, Fulton’s population decreased by 23.8%, from 2,445 to 1,863. The poverty rate is 32.4%, while the median household income is $26,250. The town’s adult population has a low level of education as well; just 69.9% have a high school diploma or above.

4. Lynch

In the state’s east, in Letcher County, lies Lynch, another town known for its coal mining industry. With more than 10,000 occupants, it was formerly the biggest coal camp in the world and was established by the U.S. Coal and Coke Company in 1917. But since the firm left and the coal sector declined in the 1950s, the town has been in decline. Lynch’s population dropped from 747 in 2010 to 576 in 2020—a 22.9% decrease from 2010. With a median household income of $19,375, 47.4% of people live in poverty. In addition, the community deals with health issues like diabetes, cancer, and obesity.

5. Barbourville

Located in the southeast of the state, Barbourville serves as the county seat of Knox County. Union College, a private liberal arts college, is housed there. The town is losing both its people and its economy, so having the college there is not helping. Between 2010 and 2020, Barbourville’s population decreased by 21.8%, from 3,159 to 2,470. The poverty rate is 49.9%, while the median household income is $18,750. The municipality has 1,456 violent and property offenses for every 100,000 residents, which is a high crime rate.

6. West Liberty

Located in the eastern region of the state, West Liberty serves as the county seat for Morgan County. It is renowned for its scenic beauty and outdoor activity, and it is located within the Daniel Boone National Forest. The town was devastated by a tornado in 2012 that left six people dead and severely damaged much of its infrastructure, and it has yet to recover. Between 2010 and 2020, West Liberty’s population dropped by 21.6%, from 3,435 to 2,693. The poverty rate is 34.8%, and the median household income is $24,583. With only 70.8% of adults in the town having completed high school or more, the town likewise has a low level of educational attainment.

7. Marion

Located in the western region of the state, Marion serves as the county seat of Crittenden County. It is a gateway to the Shawnee National Forest and is situated close to the Ohio River. Nonetheless, the municipality is experiencing social issues, economic stagnation, and demographic decline. Marion’s population decreased from 3,039 in 2010 to 2,402 in 2020, a 20.9% decrease. The poverty rate is 28.7%, while the median household income is $29,375. The municipality has 1,237 violent and property offenses for every 100,000 residents, which is a high crime rate.

Conclusion

These are a few Kentucky communities that residents are attempting to leave as soon as possible for a variety of reasons, including declining population, tough economic conditions, increased crime, and environmental concerns. Even if some of these towns could be significant historically or culturally, most people don’t find them to be desirable places to live. As a result, they will probably keep losing residents and deal with further difficulties down the road.

People Are Leaving 7 Kentucky Towns As Quickly As Possible