About Knott County
Knott County, Kentucky is located in the eastern portion of the Commonwealth, nestled within the rugged Appalachian Mountains. Established in 1884 from portions of Perry, Letcher, Floyd, and Breathitt counties, Knott County was named in honor of James Proctor Knott, who served as Kentucky Governor from 1883 to 1887. Knott County Seat is Hindman, which also is the largest county and the commercial hub of Knott County. Knott County includes approximately 352 square miles of mountainous terrain characterized by steep ridges, narrow valleys, and numerous creeks and streams. As of the 2020 U.S.
Census, Knott County's population was approximately 14,251, reflecting the rural character typical of eastern Kentucky coal country. Major landmarks include Troublesome Creek, Carr Creek Lake, and the historically significant Hindman Settlement School, founded in 1902 as one of the earliest rural settlement schools in America. Knott County Clerk's office, handles vital records, marriage licenses, and various county filings.
Knott County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA), also based in Hindman, maintains property assessment records and tax rolls. Knott County Clerk also is the primary custodian of land records including deeds and mortgages. Knott County's economy has historically been rooted in coal mining, though recent decades have seen diversification toward education, healthcare, and small business development.
Knott County is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional Appalachian music, crafts, and storytelling traditions that continue to define the community's identity.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Knott County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Knott County. The office handles patrol duties, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. It does not operate a county jail, as detainees are typically held in regional facilities. The office is key to serving warrants and providing security for Knott County Courthouse.
Police Departments
In addition to Knott County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Knott County is provided by municipal police departments such as the Hindman Police Department and the Vicco Police Department. These city departments handle law enforcement within their respective city limits, focusing on local ordinances and minor offenses.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Knott County Sheriff's Office, led by the elected Sheriff, is the primary law enforcement agency for Knott County, providing patrol services, criminal investigations, civil process service, and operation of Knott County detention facility. Knott County Detention Center, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders.
- While some Kentucky counties provide online inmate rosters, Knott County primarily handles inmate lookup requests via phone or in-person inquiry.
- Citizens may submit written open records requests to the Sheriff's Office for arrest logs, incident reports, and booking records.
- Kentucky law requires that requesters provide reasonable description of requested records and may be charged copying fees not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction.
- For serious felony investigations, the Kentucky State Police Post 13 in Hazard provides investigative support and coverage for Knott County.
Inmate information and booking records can typically be obtained by contacting the detention center directly or visiting the facility during regular business hours. Municipal law enforcement in Knott County is limited given the small population of incorporated cities, with the Sheriff's Office providing the majority of police services throughout Knott County. The City of Hindman may maintain limited municipal law enforcement presence.
Arrest records and booking information are considered public records under the Kentucky Open Records Act, KRS 61.870 to 61.884, which provides that public agencies must respond to records requests within five business days. Mugshots and booking photos are generally available as part of arrest records, though policies on public dissemination vary by agency. No special jurisdiction or tribal law enforcement agencies operate within Knott County.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Knott County cover felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as a sex offender registry. Residents can request background checks through the Kentucky Court of Justice's online portal or by contacting the Kentucky State Police. The Kentucky State Police provides additional resources for background checks, offering full criminal history reports for residents of Knott County.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Knott County are maintained by Knott County Sheriff's Office. Residents and attorneys can request these records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Arrest records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking information. Under the Kentucky Open Records Act, individuals have the right to access public records, including arrest records, unless exempted by law. Requests can be made in person or via written application to the Sheriff's Office.
Jail & Inmate Records
Knott County does not have its own detention center; instead, individuals arrested in Knott County are typically held at the Kentucky River Regional Jail. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and entering personal information into the system. Inmate lookup is available through the Kentucky River Regional Jail's online portal, where residents can search for people by name. Visitation rules are specific to Knott Countyal facility, and visitors must adhere to the schedule and guidelines provided.
- Bail and bond processes follow Kentucky state law, allowing for cash bonds or surety bonds through a bail bondsman.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Knott County are taken and retained by the Kentucky River Regional Jail. These booking photos are part of the arrest record and can be accessed through the jail's online inmate search tool. While Kentucky does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals seeking to have their mugshots removed from third-party websites may need to pursue legal action.
Courts & Case Records
Knott County is served by the Kentucky Court of Justice system, which includes multiple levels of courts. Knott County Circuit Court, part of the 39th Judicial Circuit (which also includes Breathitt, Magoffin, and Wolfe counties), handles felony criminal cases, civil cases involving amounts over $5,000, divorces, adoptions, and appeals from District Court. The Circuit Court clerk's office is
- Certified copies of court documents can be requested from the Circuit Court Clerk's office; fees typically include a base search fee plus per-page copying charges as established by Kentucky statute.
Knott County District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, preliminary hearings in felony cases, civil cases under $5,000, small claims, juvenile matters, and probate proceedings including estates and guardianships. Knott County Court is also part of the 39th Judicial District and shares facilities with the Circuit Court at Knott County Judicial Center in Hindman. Court records in Kentucky are generally public under KRS 61.870 et seq, with certain exceptions for sealed records, juvenile matters, and specific domestic relations documents.
Case lookups can be conducted through the Kentucky Court of Justice online portal at https://kcoj.kycourts.net/PublicAccess, which provides free access to case information including dockets, parties, judgments, and case status for both Circuit and District courts. In-person record searches are available during regular business hours at the courthouse, and the clerk's staff can assist with locating specific case files and provide guidance on obtaining documents.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Knott County are maintained by Knott County Clerk, who is the official recorder of deeds and custodian of land records. Knott County Clerk's office is, Hindman, KY 41822 Available records include warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgage documents, deed releases, liens (including judgment liens, mechanics liens, and tax liens), easements, right-of-way agreements, plat maps, and subdivision records. These land records are indexed by grantor and grantee names and can be searched at the Clerk's office during regular business hours.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained for statutory fees, typically $5 for the first page and $2 for each additional page, though fees should be verified with the Clerk's office.
- Kentucky's Department of Revenue provides some property tax information through the state website, though detailed parcel information is typically obtained through Knott County PVA office.
While some Kentucky counties have implemented online land record search systems, Knott County primarily provides access through in-person visits to the Clerk's office, though interested parties should contact the office to inquire about any recently implemented digital access options. Property tax records and assessment information are maintained by Knott County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA), located at 83 Ball Fork Road, Hindman, KY 41822 The PVA's office maintains property assessment cards, ownership information, property characteristics, and tax assessment values.
Knott County may offer GIS mapping services through Knott County or regional planning commission; interested parties should contact county offices for current availability of digital parcel mapping tools.
Vital Records
Vital records for Knott County, including birth and death certificates, are maintained both locally and at the state level. Birth and death certificates from June 1911 forward are available through the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics, 275 East Main Street, Frankfort, KY 40621. Knott County Clerk's office at 37 Main Street, Hindman, KY 41822, phone, also maintains local vital records and can assist with obtaining certified copies. Birth certificates typically cost $10 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates follow similar fee structures.
- Processing times vary but typically range from 2-4 weeks when ordered by mail from the state office, though in-person requests at Knott County level may be processed more quickly depending on record availability.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Knott County Clerk's office; couples must apply in person, provide valid identification, and pay the required fee (typically $35).
- Online ordering of vital records is available through VitalChek, Kentucky's authorized vendor (www.vitalchek.com), though additional processing fees apply.
- Mail requests can be sent to the state Office of Vital Statistics with completed application forms, appropriate fees, and copies of identification.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Knott County are available through multiple agencies depending on the type of record sought. Knott County Clerk's office at 37 Main Street, Hindman, KY 41822, phone, handles registration of Doing Business As (DBA) names, also known as assumed names or fictitious business names, for businesses operating in Knott County. These local filings create public notice of business operation and are searchable at the Clerk's office.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other statutory entities, the Kentucky Secretary of State Business Filings Division maintains the official registry. The Secretary of State's online business entity search is available at https://web.sos.ky.gov/bussearchnf/, providing free access to entity names, registration dates, registered agents, status (active/inactive), and formation documents. This database is the authoritative source for Kentucky business entity information.
Professional and occupational licenses are regulated by various state boards and agencies depending on the profession; these are not maintained at Knott County level. Sales tax permits and employer identification are handled through the Kentucky Department of Revenue. Building permits, zoning applications, and land use records are maintained by Knott County Planning and Zoning office or Knott County Judge/Executive's office; interested parties should contact Knott County Courthouse for specific permitting information.
Knott County area may be served by regional economic development organizations that provide business assistance; the Big Sandy Area Development District serves Knott County and can provide information on business development resources and programs.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Knott County are administered by Knott County Clerk, who serves as Knott County's chief election official. Knott County Clerk's office is, Hindman, KY 41822, and can be contacted through the office’s website. election related questions including voter registration, polling place locations, and absentee ballot requests. Voter registration in Kentucky can be completed online through the Kentucky State Board of Elections at https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/ovrweb/, by mail using a voter registration form, or in person at the County Clerk's office. The registration deadline is 29 days before any election.
- Registered voters can verify their registration status and find their polling place through the State Board of Elections website or by contacting the County Clerk.
- Under KRS 117.015 and related statutes, these records are available for public inspection and copying, subject to reasonable fees.
- Absentee ballot applications must be requested from the County Clerk and returned by specific deadlines established by state law, typically the first Saturday before the election for mail ballots.
- Kentucky has implemented various election security measures and transparency provisions, and citizens may request to observe election processes and review election records under the Open Records Act.
Kentucky law requires voters to provide their name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number or other identifying information. Election records that are public in Kentucky include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted for privacy), candidate filings, campaign finance reports filed with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance, precinct-level election results, and absentee ballot statistics. Knott County, like much of eastern Kentucky, has historically shown strong voter participation in presidential elections despite economic challenges; turnout in the 2024 general election was estimated at approximately 55-65% of registered voters, consistent with rural Kentucky patterns.
The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, potential U.S. Senate races, and various Kentucky state offices including potentially statewide constitutional offices depending on the election cycle.
Absentee voting in Kentucky is available for voters who meet specific criteria including age 65 or older, illness or disability, military service, students attending school outside Knott County, or election workers. Early in-person voting may also be available at the County Clerk's office during designated periods before elections.
Economy & Demographics
Knott County's economy has historically been dominated by coal mining, which drove employment and population growth throughout the 20th century. However, the decline of the coal industry in recent decades has significantly impacted the local economy, leading to population decline and economic challenges. As of recent American Community Survey estimates, Knott County's median household income is approximately $28,000 to $32,000, well below both state and national averages, reflecting the economic difficulties facing Knott County.
The poverty rate in Knott County exceeds 30%, among the highest in Kentucky. Major employment sectors now include education (Knott County Public Schools is a significant employer), healthcare (Knott County Community Health Clinic and regional medical facilities), retail trade, and public administration. Knott County government itself represents a substantial employer.
Small-scale agriculture persists, though farming is challenged by the mountainous terrain. Tourism and outdoor recreation offer potential growth areas, with Carr Creek State Park providing recreational opportunities including fishing, boating, camping, and hiking. The park attracts visitors to Knott County and supports local hospitality businesses.
Unemployment rates in Knott County have historically exceeded state averages, often ranging between 8-12% depending on economic conditions, though figures fluctuate with seasonal employment and regional economic trends. Economic development efforts focus on workforce training, small business support, and infrastructure improvements. The Hindman Settlement School continues to be a cultural and educational institution, offering workshops in Appalachian arts, crafts, and cultural heritage.
Entrepreneurship in areas such as artisan crafts, local food production, and heritage tourism represent emerging opportunities for economic diversification in this traditionally coal-dependent region.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (via state portal) | Property: Limited: - In-Person Preferred | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Request | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online (state level) | Elections: Yes: Online (state portal) | Overall Score: 6/10 - Knott County provides access to public records primarily through traditional in-person and phone methods, with state-level online systems available for courts and business entities.