Breathitt County, Kentucky
Breathitt County is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of eastern Kentucky. The area is known for its natural beauty, with the Daniel Boone National Forest nearby and plenty of rugged mountain scenery.
If you enjoy outdoor adventures, the Red River Gorge is not far away to the southwest. About 13,000 people call the county home, with Jackson serving as the county seat.
The county is named after John Breathitt, Kentucky’s 11th governor. Known for its rugged beauty, Breathitt County offers plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors, including great hiking at Elk View.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Breathitt County |
| County Seat | Jackson |
| Population | Approximately 13,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Jackson, Quicksand, Vancleve, Rousseau, Haddix |
| Interstates and Highways | KY-15, KY-30, KY-52 |
| FIPS Code | 21-025 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 495 sq mi (Land: 492 sq mi; Water: 3 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Wolfe County (Northwest), Magoffin County (Northeast), Knott County (East), Perry County (Southeast), Owsley County (Southwest), Lee County (West) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) |
| State | Kentucky |
| Coordinates | 37.5339° N, 83.3715° W |
| Etymology | Named after John Breathitt, the 11th Governor of Kentucky |
| Major Landmarks | Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Panbowl Lake, Breathitt County Museum |
