Our Community

Pike County, Kentucky

Pike County is unique among places in America. While the traditions and values of the past are highly valued and respected, its people are unafraid to embrace the new technologies and opportunities of the present. In the pages ahead, we hope to give you a brief introduction to the institutions, businesses, government, and, most importantly, some of the extraordinary people who call Pike County “home.” After being introduced, we believe that you, like many before you, will want to know more about this immense treasure in the mountains.

Located at the easternmost tip of Kentucky in the coalfields of the Cumberland Mountains, Pike County covers 786 square miles, giving it the distinction of being Kentucky's largest county by land area. Its nearly 68,000 residents make it the 11th most populous county.

According to the 2000 national census, the county's largest industries are services and mining. At nearly 35 million tons per year, Pike County's coal accounts for almost 25% of Kentucky's total coal production and it is one of the world's top producers of bituminous coal.

Surprising to many is the fact that Pike County is Kentucky's third largest banking center, with financial institutions and holding companies with more than $1 billion in assets. In the five years spanning 1995-2000, personal income increased by 28%, and the county's per capita income exceeded the national and state average growth rates of the past decade.

Pike County operates under a magisterial form of government with six magisterial districts. Presiding overall is Judge/Executive Wayne T. Rutherford, the county's chief executive officer. The judge/executive and six magistrates are elected every four years. Each magistrate has an office inside his own district, and the entire court meets together twice per month at the Pike County Courthouse in Pikeville to manage the county's business.

PIKEVILLE

The county seat, Pikeville, has twice been recognized as one of the best small towns in America by Norm Crampton in his book The 100 Best Small Towns in America. Pikeville is the site of one of the largest earth-moving projects in history, the Pikeville Cut-Through. Fast-growing and recognized as an epicenter of change and innovation, Pikeville is led by a city commission/city manager form of government. The commission is composed of Mayor Frankie Justice and four commissioners, all elected every two years. The day-to-day operations are under the direction of a city manager.

In addition to being the center of county and city government, Pikeville is the regional legal and judicial headquarters, holding federal, district, and circuit courts. With well over 100 attorneys, 30 CPA's, and more than 1400 businesses, Pikeville is the undisputed financial, industrial, and retail marketplace of the mountains.

ELKHORN CITY

Located near the entrance of Breaks Interstate Park, Elkhorn City is the easternmost incorporated town in the county. Governed by Mayor Hank Salyers and 6 council members, the town boasts a 9-hole miniature golf course, a city park, the Elkhorn City Railroad Museum, 3 city pools, and a beach area with a riverwalk. A Main Street/Renaissance program is changing the appearance of downtown. The Russell Fork of the Big Sandy is the scene of whitewater rafting adventures, and Jefferson National Forest provides miles of scenic trails. A unique destination for tourists, many people find Elkhorn City a great place to rear a family or to retire.

UNINCORPORATED AREAS

Pike County also encompasses several unincorporated population centers that provide convenient services for those living nearby. Often newcomers and long-time residents choose to settle in these areas because of lower housing costs and fewer zoning restrictions. Most of these neighborhoods, such as Phelps and Shelby Valley, center around local schools, small businesses, recreational areas, and churches. Residents relate to one another and encourage involvement and participation in the educational and economic development process.

The Belfry/South Williamson area is the site of a branch of the Pike County Courthouse. The Goody Mall is an enclosed 270,000 square foot shopping area with 26 retailers and restaurants. South Williamson Appalachian Regional Hospital, recognized regionwide for its innovative medical care, is located in the area. Also close by is Stone, KY, a former coal camp, undergoing renovation under the direction of Stone Heritage, Inc., a citizens' group committed to promoting the town's early history and its connection to automobile-czar Henry Ford.

Approximately a half million people live within a one-hour drive of Pikeville and Pike County. Drive another half hour and the number increases to near 600 million. Pike County is within one day's drive of two/thirds of the population of the United States! If you want to be in a place where things are happening economically, educationally, and technologically, and where all-American values are still held in high regard, Pike County is the place for you.