Powell County is a county located in the U.S. Commonwealth of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 13,129. Its county seat is Stanton. The county was formed January 7, 1852, by Kentucky Governor Lazarus W. Powell from parts of Clark, Estill, and Montgomery counties. It is no longer a dry county as of 2018. Powell County is home to Natural Bridge State Resort Park and the Red River Gorge Geologic Area, two of Kentucky's most important natural areas and ecotourism destinations, as well as the Pilot Knob State Nature Preserve.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of , of which is land and (0.6%) is water.

Adjacent counties

  • Montgomery County (north)
  • Menifee County (northeast)
  • Wolfe County (southeast)
  • Lee County (south)
  • Estill County (southwest)
  • Clark County (northwest)

National protected area

  • Daniel Boone National Forest (part)

Demographics

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In recent federal elections, Powell County has been reliably Republican.

Elected officials

{| class=wikitable

|-

| colspan="3" |Elected officials as of January 3, 2025

|-

! scope=row|U.S. House

| |Andy Barr (R)

| |

|-

! scope=row|Ky. Senate

| |Brandon Smith (R)

| |30

|-

! scope=row|Ky. House

| |Bill Wesley (R)

| |91

|}

Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Powell County is home to Natural Bridge State Resort Park. The park is abundant with Native American relics, shelters, and burial grounds. The main attraction is the bridge itself, a natural arch with more than of rock in suspension. It is wide at the top and at the base; one of the more than 70 natural arches located in the area.

Communities

Cities

  • Clay City
  • Stanton (county seat)

Unincorporated community

  • Slade

See also

  • National Register of Historic Places listings in Powell County, Kentucky

References

  • Powell County School District
  • Powell County Tourism