Harlan county was formed in 1819. It is located in the Eastern Coal Field region of the state. The elevation in the county ranges from 1070 to 4145 feet above sea level, the highest in the state. In 2000 the county population was 33,202 in a land area of 467.20 square miles, an average of 71.1 people per square mile. The county seat is Harlan. The highest point is on Black Mountain.