In a recent list by “Our Health Depot,” a website aggregating quirky “state of the nation” lists, Hazard, Kentucky was named the ugliest city in the state. The designation stirred both curiosity and defensiveness among locals—and whether one agrees or not often depends on what one values in a hometown.
How Did Hazard End Up on the List?
Criteria: More Than Just Aesthetic Appeal
The “ugliest” label goes beyond subjective beauty. Our Health Depot cited elements like dilapidated infrastructure, lack of upkeep, and poor urban planning in naming Hazard as Kentucky’s bottom. They noted:
“…there’s not much beauty to begin with, so that actually makes sense,”
“it was President Clinton’s first stop on his national tour of poverty‑stricken communities in 1999.”
These critiques point to long-standing structural and economic challenges rather than simply unappealing scenery.
A Brief Overview of Hazard
A Town With a Name That Says It All
Founded in 1824 and named for War of 1812 Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, the town’s moniker doesn’t conjure the idyllic—far from it. The name itself invites skeptical jokes (wkdq.com).
Geography and Economy: Rugged but Declining
Nestled in the Appalachian foothills, Hazard was once a bustling hub for coal mining and rail transport. The arrival of the railroad helped connect the town to broader region, but the Great Depression—and the subsequent decline of coal—slowed growth sharply . Many of the buildings and neighborhoods haven’t seen significant updates since.
Voices from the Ground: Reddit Echoes the Sentiment
A Reddit discussion in r/Kentucky offered candid perspectives. One user remarked:
“Hazard. They warn you in the name at least.” — PMMEBITCOINPLZ.
Another commenter described the town as “a town stuck in time… soot covered brick buildings, peeling paint and the mountain looks like it wants to swallow the area and forget about it ever existing”. These stark descriptions mirror the list’s criticisms.
Beyond Hazard: Kentucky’s Other “Ugly” Labels
Louisville’s Infamous Building
Interestingly, it’s not just entire towns that come under fire. A 2022 piece from Travel A Lot labeled “an ugly building in Louisville” the worst in the U.S. While not about the whole city, the critique adds to a perception that even Kentucky’s major urban centers aren’t immune from architectural blasts.
The Bigger Picture: What Does “Ugly” Really Mean?
Economic Fallout and Urban Decay
Many towns earn labels like this when economic decline leaves long-term scars—boarded-up storefronts, aging rail lines, and empty housing. Hazard, founded on coal-industry roots, has not rebounded as smoother regions have.
Infrastructure Under Investment
Hazard’s rail, roads, and buildings appear largely untouched by modernization since mid-century, reinforcing perceptions of a “frozen” town. The “tour of poverty‑stricken communities” factoid from President Clinton’s 1999 visit underscores how deep these challenges run .
Community Perspective: A Double‑Edged Sword
Defensiveness and Pride
Many residents bristle at the “ugly” label, citing the warmth of hospitality, rural charm, and cultural richness—especially Appalachian traditions. Yet such subjective values rarely sway cold, external “ugly list” metrics.
Spotlight or Stigma?
Some argue lists like these bring unwelcome attention. The worry is they reinforce stereotypes and discourage investment. Others hope the reactions might spark infrastructure improvements and renewed interest from outsiders.
A Path Forward: Can Hazard Reinvent Its Image?
Economic Diversification
Success often hinges on bringing new industries in. Small-scale tech, crafts, tourism, or outdoor recreation could help Hazard evolve. Investments in local entrepreneurship might stimulate change.
Infrastructure & Beautification
Targeted updates—street repairs, restoration grants, façade improvements—can reverse visual decline. Initiatives like community-led dumpster days, mural projects, or façade overlays can help shift public perception.
Celebrating Local Culture
Appalachian arts, music, and history–if highlighted properly—can create a sense of pride and attract tourism dollars. Hazard’s mountainous backdrop is an asset once infrastructure catches up.
Summary
While Hazard, Kentucky has been named the state’s “ugliest” city (q985online.com), that label is less a visual verdict and more a reflection of economic and infrastructural stagnation. Reddit commenters echo the sentiment , but locals often counter with pride, community spirit, and hope.
An “ugly” tag can sting, but if it triggers investment, renovation, and revitalization, it could end up a blessing in disguise. Hazard has weathered hard times before—its future might depend on how it responds now.