About Perry County, Kentucky
Founded in 1821, Perry County sits in the heart of Eastern Kentucky, shaped by the rugged beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. The county was formed from portions of Floyd and Clay Counties, nearly three decades after Kentucky achieved statehood in 1792. The county’s name—and that of its seat, Hazard—honors Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, a naval hero of the War of 1812.
In 1824, the first post office was established in a small settlement along the North Fork of the Kentucky River, known then as Perry Court House. This early community was founded by Elijah Combs and his seven brothers, setting the foundation for the growth of Hazard and the region.
Today, Perry County spans approximately 343 square miles, with a population of nearly 29,000 residents as of the 2010 census. Known as the “Queen City of the Mountains,” Hazard exemplifies the spirit and resilience of Appalachian culture. The area’s scenic landscape—lush green mountains, winding streams, and abundant wildlife—offers both natural beauty and warm country hospitality.
Perry County’s rich history is deeply tied to the coal and timber industries, which fueled the region’s growth and helped shape its identity. These industries, along with the stories of the people who built the community, are preserved and celebrated at the Perry County museum.
Adventure in Perry County
If you’re seeking outdoor adventure, Perry County invites you to experience all that our corner of the Appalachians has to offer. Set amid a stunning mountain landscape, Perry County provides breathtaking scenery and abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visitors can explore miles of hiking and biking trails, enjoy hunting and fishing in pristine surroundings, and take in panoramic views that highlight the natural beauty of Eastern Kentucky.
One of our crown jewels is Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, a serene destination offering a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure for travelers and families alike. Whether you are exploring the great outdoors or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere, Perry County is a gateway to authentic Appalachian adventure.
Education, Healthcare, and Community
Perry County is proud to be home to Hazard Community and Technical College (HCTC), a vital educational institution committed to student achievement and regional development. As a comprehensive community and technical college, HCTC serves as a collaborative catalyst in Eastern Kentucky—blending rich Appalachian traditions with forward-looking, global perspectives to support workforce development, innovation, and lifelong learning.
Perry County is also home to the Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center, part of Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH), a leading not-for-profit health system. ARH serves more than 350,000 residents across Eastern Kentucky and Southern West Virginia, operating 10 hospitals, multi-specialty physician practices, home health agencies, retail pharmacies, and HomeCare Stores. ARH is not only the region’s largest healthcare provider, but also its largest employer, playing a critical role in advancing the health and well-being of southeastern Kentucky’s communities.
Perry County and the Promise Zone
On January 7, 2014, Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation, in partnership with eight counties in southeastern Kentucky, received the nation’s first rural Promise Zone designation from President Barack Obama. This federal recognition launched a collaborative effort to promote economic development, strengthen communities, and improve the overall quality of life throughout the region.
As one of the counties within this designated Promise Zone, Perry County plays an active role in this initiative—working closely with regional partners to create opportunities, foster innovation, and address local challenges. Through this commitment, Perry County continues to focus on building a vibrant future for its residents while preserving the unique culture and heritage of Eastern Kentucky.
Perry County: A Work Ready Community
Perry County is proud to participate in Kentucky’s Work Ready initiative, a statewide effort that sets the highest standards in the nation for workforce readiness certification. This program provides an opportunity for communities to showcase the strength and quality of their workforce, helping Kentucky—and Perry County in particular—compete for jobs and attract investment now and into the future.
Work Ready certification is based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including high school graduation rates, the number of residents earning a National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC), educational attainment, community commitment, soft skills development, and broadband Internet availability.
Through this commitment, Perry County demonstrates that it is prepared to meet the needs of employers today and tomorrow, offering a skilled, educated, and reliable workforce ready to drive growth and innovation.
Perry County: A Designated Kentucky Trail Town
Hazard-Perry County proudly holds the designation of a Kentucky Trail Town, recognized by the Kentucky Department of Tourism for its outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities and visitor-friendly atmosphere.
Nestled along the North Fork of the Kentucky River, Hazard offers convenient river access and scenic beauty. Nearby communities like Rowdy, situated on Troublesome Creek, and Buckhorn Lake, located on the Middle Fork of the Kentucky River, further highlight the county’s connection to these historic waterways. Perry County provides multiple public access points along these rivers, making it easy for residents and visitors to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
Within Perry County, Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park serves as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park currently features two designated trails for hiking and exploration, with additional trails in development that will further enhance the county’s reputation as a hub for outdoor adventure.
We warmly invite you to visit—and even stay—in Hazard and Perry County. Come discover firsthand why we are “Perry Proud.”
Communities of Perry County
Perry County is made up of a rich tapestry of communities, each contributing to the county’s distinct character and heritage. From small hollows and creekside settlements to historic coal camps and vibrant neighborhoods, these communities reflect the deep roots and close-knit spirit of Eastern Kentucky.
Among Perry County’s many communities are: Acup, Airport Gardens, Ajax, Allais, Allock, Ary, Avawam, Ball Creek, Barridge, Barwick, Big Branch, Big Creek, Big Williard, Blue Diamond, Blue Grass, Bonnyman, Boone Ledge, Bowlingtown, Briar Fork, Browns Fork, Buckhorn, Bulan, Bull Creek, Busy, Butterfly, Campbell’s Bend, Campbell’s Branch, Campbell’s Creek, Chavies, Christopher, Church, Combs, Combs Branch, Cornett Hill, Cornettsville, Couch Town, Crawford, Daisy, Darfork, Davidson Branch, Defiance, Delphia, Diablock, Dice, Doorway, Dow, Dunraven, Duane, Dwarf, Engle, Farler, Field’s Fork, Fifteen Mile Creek, First Creek, Forked Mouth, Fort Branch, Fourseam, Frog Town, Fusonia, Gays Creek, George’s Branch, Glomawr, Gorman Hollow, Grapevine, Greenridge, Happy, Hardburly, Harvey, Hazard (the county seat), Hominy Mill, Hiner, Jacklot Hollow, Jeff, Jewel Ridge, Kenmont, Kodak, Krypton, Lamont, Leatherwood, Lick Branch, Little Williard, Lost Creek, Lothair, Lotts Creek, Lower 2nd Creek, Masons Creek (Maces Creek), Meadow Branch, Mill Branch, Miller, Mudlick Fork, Napfor, Otter Creek, Pigeon Roost, Pratt Mountain, Rowdy, Saul, Scuddy, Second Creek, Shucky Bean Hollow, Sixteen Mile, Sixteen Mountain, Sizemore, Solar, Slabtown, Slemp, Squabble Creek, Stacy, Storm King, Stratton Fork, Taulbee, Ten Mile, Tilford, Toms Branch, Town Mountain, Tribbey, Troublesome Creek, Typo, Upper 2nd Creek, Vicco, Viper, Wabaco, Walker’s Branch, Walkertown, Wentz, Whitaker Branch, Wiley Branch Road, Williams Branch, Yards (L&N Yards), and Yerkes.
These communities, large and small, dot Perry County’s landscape and serve as the backbone of its history, culture, and future. Together, they form a vibrant and diverse network of places that are proud to call Perry County home.