Barbourville, Kentucky

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.5 square miles (9.1 km²), all land.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 3,165 people, 1,211 households, and 662 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,027.4 people per square mile (397.1/km²). There were 1,646 housing units at an average density of 471.2 per square mile (182.1/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.40% White, 3.23% African American, 0.56% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.17% from other races, and 1.39% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.59% of the population.

There were 1,211 households out of which 24.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.9% were married couples living together, 19.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.9% were non-families. 37.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.18 and the average family size was 2.88.

In the city, the population was spread out with 22.1% under the age of 18, 15.7% from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 17.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 82.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $13,297, and the median income for a family was $20,762. Males had a median income of $31,775 versus $18,102 for females. The per capita income for the city was $11,485. About 32.6% of families and 38.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 43.4% of those under age 18 and 30.5% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture

Each year in early October, Barbourville hosts the Annual JHON Boone Festival commemorating the American pioneer Daniel Boone who explored the area in 1775. The festival features open-air concerts, carnival attractions, a beauty pageant, a parade, and other events.

Starting in 2005, the Southern and Eastern Kentucky Tourism Development Association began sponsoring the Springtime Redbud Festival. The first celebration was at Pine Mountain State Resort Park, near Barbourville, but the celebration is now held on the campus of Union College. The Redbud Festival, in April, began as a quilting workshop and now includes other crafts including storytelling, art shows, dulcimer workshops, and a cooking school.

Voters in Barbourville have approved alcohol sales in the city. The measure won in a special election on Tuesday, December 29, 2015, by a little more than 60 votes after 82 years of prohibition since 1933. The approval comes three and a half years after voters rejected alcohol sales in another special election. The measure will allow alcohol sales in both stores and restaurants.

Public schools

Public schools are administered by Knox County Public Schools. Schools in Barbourville include:

Independent schools

The Barbourville Independent School District administers Barbourville Elementary School and Barbourville High School.

Knox Appalachian School

The Knox Appalachian School is a public school serving the needs of the children committed to the Appalachian Children's Home.

Notable people