McKee, Kentucky

Template:Use American English Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox settlement McKee is a home rule-class city in Jackson County, Kentucky, United States. It is the county seat and only city in the county.<ref name="GR6">Template:Cite web</ref> As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 803.<ref name="Census 2010">Template:Cite web</ref>

History

The city was founded on April 1, 1882, and was named for Judge George R. McKee.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In 2019, the city held a vote regarding the sale of alcohol, which passed, making the city wet.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Geography

McKee is located in the central part of Jackson County, within the Daniel Boone National Forest. U.S. Route 421 passes through the center of town, leading northwest 34 miles to Richmond and southeast 29 miles to Manchester. Kentucky Route 89 runs north from McKee 28 miles to Irvine and southwest 24 miles to Livingston, while Kentucky Route 290 leads south from McKee 9 miles to Annville.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.33 square miles, of which 0.3 acres or 0.02%, are water.<ref name="Census 2010"/> The city sits in the valley of Pigeon Roost Creek, which joins Birch Lick Creek at the western end of the city to form Indian Creek, a southwest-flowing tributary of the Middle Fork of the Rockcastle River, part of the Cumberland River watershed.

Demographics

Main Street in downtown McKee

As of the 2020 census,<ref name="GR2">Template:Cite web</ref> there were 803 people residing in the town. The racial makeup of the city was 97.65% White, 1.03% Black or African American, and 1.31% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.85% of the population. The median age of residents was 40.9 years.

The median income for a household in the town was $20,061, and the median income for a family was $21,289. About 40% of the population were below the poverty line.

The median rental price in the city was $338 a month and the median house value was $107,000.

Economy

The Jackson County - McKee Industrial Development Authority assists with economic development efforts in the county. The authority manages several industrial parks within Jackson County, one of which is located in McKee.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Arts and culture

A branch of the Jackson County Public Library is located in McKee.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Annual events include:

• Jackson County Fair and Homecoming, featuring 4-H craft exhibits, music entertainment, clogging, vendors, food trucks, and a parade.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref>
• Sheltowee Trace Artisans Fair, a craft sale.<ref name=":1" />

Parks and recreation

Public parks include Bond Memorial Park, Jackson County Veterans Park, McKee City Park, and Jack Gabbard Park.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref>

Other recreation areas include McKee Reservoir,<ref name=":0" /> Big Turtle Trail,<ref name=":0" /> Daniel Boone National Forest,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Mill Creek Wildlife Management Area.<ref name=":0" />

Education

History

In 1900, the Woman's Board of Domestic Missions of the Reformed Church in America (RCA) established a day school called the McKee Academy. They soon established a girls' dormitory nearby to accommodate students living too far away. A teachers' cottage accommodated the growing staff that by 1908 offered high school courses. The RCA also offered a "trading house" where locals could purchase used clothing and household furnishings.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> This was Kentucky's first settlement school, a notable event usually associated with the Hindman Settlement School in Knott County, Kentucky. The RCA opened a new school in nearby Annville, establishing the Annville Institute.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Lincoln Hall school building on that campus opened in 1910.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Public education

The city is served by the Jackson County Public School system. The following schools operate within the city:<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

• McKee Elementary School
• Jackson County Middle School
• Jackson County High School
• Jackson County Area Technology Center

Infrastructure

Utilities

Power in McKee is served by Jackson Energy, which is headquartered in the city and serves Jackson County and surrounding counties such as Lee County, Owsley County, Clay County, Laurel County, Rockcastle County, and Madison County.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Cable TV, internet, and phone in McKee is served by Peoples Rural Telephone Cooperative, which is also headquartered in the city and serves Jackson County, Owsley County, and Clay County.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Every home and business in McKee is wired with fiber-optic cable.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> McKee Water and Sewer also serves residents in the city.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Healthcare

Emergency medical services for McKee are provided by the Jackson County Ambulance Service.Template:Citation needed