Johnson County is Developing Build-Ready Sites and Focusing on its Future

Johnson County, Kentucky, is investing heavily in its land and people, creating an environment to attract businesses in the near future. The Hager Hill Industrial Site is one of the leading build-ready properties in the state with rail, and partnerships with the local community and technical colleges are preparing the workforce to step into manufacturing roles.

“Johnson County is one of the crown jewels of eastern Kentucky and central Appalachia,” says Mark McKenzie, Johnson County Judge-Executive. “Our rich history of coal mining and country music, top-performing school districts, superior broadband, and natural environment make Johnson County a great place to raise a family and grow a business.”

Johnson is a rural county with a population of 23,500. Paintsville, its largest city, has a population of just over 5,000. However, this region is growing as more people discover the beauty of Eastern Kentucky and the economic opportunities here. 

The Hager Hill Industrial Site Offers 30 Acres With Rail Access

Eastern Kentucky is taking a proactive approach to site development. Johnson County used funds from the Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI) and the Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program to increase the acres of land and conduct environmental studies and remediation to complete the state certification process. The finished product is a Kentucky Certified Build-Ready site that enables faster time-to-market for companies expanding into the area.

After working on the first 15 acres of the Hager Hill Industrial Site, Johnson County purchased and certified an additional 15 acres, turning the parcel into a 30-acre property featuring a 50,000-square-foot building pad with Class 1 rail availability. In 2026, the County plans to add a spec building and connect a county road to the parcel, making it even easier for companies to move in.

“Having a spec building completed at Hager Hill will add immense value to our efforts of attracting new industry to Johnson County,” says Judy Daniel, Director of Economic Development for Johnson County. “Spec buildings like this increase speed-to-market for companies looking to expand or relocate, and having access to rail is an added bonus.”

The Hager Hill Industrial Site is located next to Ben Tire Distributors, which chose Johnson County because of its central location. It ships products to five surrounding states, making good use of this competitive advantage. 

Multiple Workforce Development Partners Are Stepping Up

Johnson County is supported by two key education partners that contribute to economic development efforts. Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) boasts four physical campuses, two of which are strategically located in Johnson County. The Mayo Campus is located in Paintsville, and the Hager Hill Campus is located less than a mile from the available Industrial Site mentioned above.  

BSCTC is known for its financial aid and flexible programs that accommodate students who also work or care for loved ones. It offers diverse programs that support a variety of industries. The Mayo Campus was established in 1938 to support skilled trades education for the growing coal industry in the region; that legacy lives on today, with skilled trades being offered at the Johnson County campuses in addition to new programs in the medical field.

The second workforce development provider in Johnson County is the East Kentucky Advanced Manufacturing Institute (eKAMI). This organization is committed to re-skilling the workforce for the 21st Century and is a leader in Advanced Manufacturing and CNC Machining training in the region. These two schools are prepared to help any company that moves to Johnson County make hiring and training easier.    

Johnson County Continues to Attract New Residents

Johnson County has a strong tourism economy because of its country music history. It is the birthplace of Loretta Lynn, and many music fans travel to Butcher Holler in Van Lear every year. Johnson County is also where Chris Stapleton grew up, further solidifying this region as a land where country music legends rise. Visitors can learn more about this history at the Country Music Highway Museum in Paintsville.

Beyond country music, visitors travel to Johnson County to enjoy the breathtaking mountain views and unparalleled access to nature. They also stop in the Antiques District in Paintsville, where five shops offer unique decor and apparel.  

This tourism drive is part of the greater My New Kentucky Home campaign. Visitors come for the stunning mountain retreats and then move here for the high-speed broadband and the welcoming community feel. Remote work has never been easier and more enjoyable.

“Johnson County values faith, family, and hard work above all,” says Judge McKenzie. “As we make investments in preparation for our community’s future, we look forward to welcoming new employers and people to call Johnson County home.” 

Learn More About the Communities of Eastern Kentucky

Johnson County offers build-ready opportunities to expand your business and a dedicated workforce with the skills you need. It is a wonderful neighbor to other communities like Martin County and Perry County. Get to know Eastern Kentucky, including all of the location advantages of moving here. You might be surprised at how your business can flourish in this part of Appalachia.

Contact us to tour the Hager Hill site and explore other build-ready properties.