Martin County, Kentucky


Martin County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2010 census, the population was 12,929. Its county seat is Inez. The county was founded in 1870 and is named for Congressman John Preston Martin. Warfield, Kentucky, is the only non-dry city in the county.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of, of which is land and is water. The county's eastern border is formed by the Tug Fork of the Big Sandy River.

Adjacent counties

As of the census of 2000, there were 12,578 people, 4,776 households, and 3,620 families residing in the county. The population density was. There were 5,551 housing units at an average density of. The racial makeup of the county was 99.25% White, 0.03% Black or African American, 0.06% Native American, 0.07% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.01% from other races, and 0.52% from two or more races. 0.62% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 4,776 households out of which 39.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.50% were married couples living together, 12.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.20% were non-families. 21.80% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.05.
In the county, the population was spread out with 28.10% under the age of 18; 9.50% from 18 to 24; 29.30% from 25 to 44; 23.30% from 45 to 64,; and 9.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 98.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.10 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $18,279, and the median income for a family was $21,574. Males had a median income of $31,994 versus $18,011 for females. The per capita income for the county was $10,650. About 33.30% of families and 37.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 45.10% of those under age 18 and 26.90% of those age 65 or over.

Politics

Economy

The Federal Bureau of Prisons U.S. Penitentiary, Big Sandy is located in unincorporated Martin County, near Inez.
Water quality is poor due to outdated water infrastructure. A local food pantry has installed a hydropanel array capable of providing 3,000 bottles of clean drinking water monthly.

Coal companies in Martin County

The Martin County School System operates public schools.