Powell County is a county in Kentucky, United States, in the Red River Gorge region of the eastern part of the state. It had a population of 13,129 at the 2020 census and covers 179 square miles (460 km2) of land, centred near 37°50′N 83°50′W.
Stanton is the county seat, and its postal code is 40380. The county has two incorporated cities and several unincorporated communities, and sits in the Eastern time zone.
Towns & Villages in Powell County
Powell County has two incorporated cities and a handful of unincorporated communities and localities. The table below marks incorporated places as City and everywhere else as Unincorp.
| Place | Type | Pop. | ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanton | City · seat | 2,509 | 40380 |
| Clay City | City | 1,155 | 40312 |
| Slade | Unincorp. | — | 40376 |
| Nada | Unincorp. | — | 40376 |
| Rosslyn | Unincorp. | — | 40380 |
| Cat Creek | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Piggville | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Bowen | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Knowlton | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Powell Valley | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Vaughns Mill | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Virden | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Waltersville | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Westbend | Unincorp. | — | — |
ZIP Codes
- 40380 — Stanton (also serves Rosslyn)
- 40312 — Clay City
- 40376 — Slade (also serves Nada)
The smaller communities such as Cat Creek, Piggville, Bowen, Knowlton, Powell Valley, Vaughns Mill, Virden, and Waltersville have no ZIP code of their own and are served by one of the three post offices above.
Geography
Powell County lies in the Cumberland Plateau, straddling the transition from the Bluegrass region into the rugged sandstone cliffs and gorges of the Red River Gorge Geologic Area. The Red River runs through the county and cuts the dramatic canyon country that draws climbers and hikers to the Daniel Boone National Forest. The county also contains the Natural Bridge State Resort Park and the Pilot Knob State Nature Preserve.
Powell County borders Clark County to the northwest, Montgomery County to the north, Menifee County to the northeast, Wolfe County to the southeast, Lee County to the south, and Estill County to the southwest.
Demographics
Powell County had a population of 13,129 at the 2020 census. Stanton and Clay City are the county’s two largest communities. Median household income in the county runs well below the Kentucky median of $61,118, reflecting the rural, forestry- and tourism-dependent economy of the Red River Gorge area. Population density works out to roughly 73 people per square mile.
Economy & Local Life
Tourism built around the Red River Gorge, Natural Bridge State Resort Park, and rock climbing is a major economic driver, supporting outfitters, cabins, campgrounds, and seasonal retail in and around Slade and Nada. Agriculture and forestry remain part of the local economy, and Stanton and Clay City serve as the county’s retail and government centers. Powell County stopped being a dry county in 2018, after which local sales of alcohol became legal.
History
Powell County was formed on January 7, 1852, from parts of Clark, Estill, and Montgomery counties, and named for Kentucky Governor Lazarus W. Powell. The county’s fortunes have long been tied to its natural landmarks: the Natural Bridge sandstone arch became a tourist draw as early as the late 1800s, and the later designation of the Red River Gorge Geologic Area and the damming controversy over a proposed Red River Dam (defeated in the 1960s–70s after conservationist opposition) helped preserve the gorge as one of Kentucky’s best-known outdoor destinations.
Getting There
Mountain Parkway (KY 15) runs through the county connecting it to Lexington and the Bluegrass region, with KY 11 and KY 213 providing access to Natural Bridge State Resort Park and the Red River Gorge.
- Lexington — 45 miles northwest
- Winchester — 20 miles north
- Berea — 30 miles southwest
- Jackson — 25 miles southeast
The nearest commercial airport is Blue Grass Airport in Lexington.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Powell County, Kentucky?
It is in the eastern part of the state, in the Red River Gorge region of the Cumberland Plateau, about 45 miles east of Lexington.
What is the population of Powell County?
13,129 as of the 2020 census.
How big is Powell County?
179 square miles (460 km2) of land, plus 1.1 square miles (2.8 km2) of water.
What is the county seat of Powell County?
Stanton is the county seat.
How many towns are in Powell County?
Two incorporated cities, Stanton and Clay City, plus several unincorporated communities including Slade, Nada, and Rosslyn.
What ZIP codes are in Powell County?
40380 (Stanton), 40312 (Clay City), and 40376 (Slade).
Is Powell County a dry county?
No. Powell County ended its dry-county status in 2018 and now permits local alcohol sales.
More counties in this state: Towns and villages in Kentucky.