McKee, Kentucky

Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox settlement McKee is a home rule-class city located in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, United States. It is the seat and second-largest community of Jackson 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> 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.

Outdoor recreation

Public parks

Source:<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref>

• Bond Memorial Park
• Jackson County Veterans Park
• McKee City Park
• Jack Gabbard Park

Lakes and reservoirs

• McKee Reservoir<ref name=":0" />

Trails

Source:<ref name=":0" />

• Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• Big Turtle Trail

National protected areas

Source:<ref name=":0" />

• Daniel Boone National Forest<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• Mill Creek Wildlife Management Area

Events

Jackson County Fair & Homecoming

This event is held annually on the Friday and Saturday before Labor Day. Festivities include 4-H craft exhibits, music entertainment, clogging, vendors, food trucks, and a parade.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref>

Sheltowee Trace Artisans Fair

Local and guest artisans from across the state come to teach, demonstrate, and sell their crafts at this event, which is held during the first weekend in May.<ref name=":1" />

Demographics

File:McKee, KY.jpg

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. Template:Clear

Economy

The Jackson County - McKee Industrial Development Authority (JCMIDA) 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>

Major employers located in the city include:

• Jackson County Public Schools
• Peoples Rural Telephone Cooperative (PRTC)
• Jackson County Fiscal Court
• Umine LLC.

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> McKee Water and Sewer also serves residents in the city.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Healthcare

McKee does not have a hospital. Nearby facilities include Saint Joseph Hospital (Berea), Baptist Health Hospital (Richmond), Advent Health (Manchester), Saint Joseph Hospital (London) and, Rockcastle Regional Hospital. (Mt. Vernon)

Emergency medical services for McKee are provided by the Jackson County Ambulance Service. McKee does have a few primary care facilities which include the White House Clinic, McKee Medical Clinic, and Advent Health.

Education

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

Public Library

• Jackson County Public Library.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>