Kentucky is home to 120 counties, making it one of the states with the most counties in the U.S. Here’s a full alphabetical list of Kentucky counties to help you easily navigate the Bluegrass State. Whether you’re planning a road trip, conducting research, or simply curious about Kentucky’s geography, this guide provides all the details you need.
Kentucky’s counties play a vital role in its identity, offering a mix of urban, rural, and historical areas. Understanding the state’s layout through its counties can provide insights into its history, economy, and culture. Let’s dive into a comprehensive list and explore the state’s counties alphabetically.
Alphabetical List of Kentucky Counties
Here is a detailed alphabetical list of all 120 counties in Kentucky presented in a table format:
| Letter | Counties |
|---|---|
| A | Adair, Allen, Anderson |
| B | Ballard, Barren, Bath, Bell, Boone, Bourbon, Boyd, Boyle, Bracken, Breathitt, Breckinridge, Bullitt, Butler |
| C | Caldwell, Calloway, Campbell, Carlisle, Carroll, Carter, Casey, Christian, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Crittenden, Cumberland |
| D | Daviess |
| E | Edmonson, Elliott, Estill |
| F | Fayette, Fleming, Floyd, Franklin, Fulton |
| G | Gallatin, Garrard, Grant, Graves, Grayson, Green, Greenup |
| H | Hancock, Hardin, Harlan, Harrison, Hart, Henderson, Henry, Hickman, Hopkins |
| I | |
| J | Jackson, Jefferson, Jessamine, Johnson |
| K | Kenton, Knott, Knox |
| L | LaRue, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lewis, Lincoln, Livingston, Logan, Lyon |
| M | Madison, Magoffin, Marion, Marshall, Martin, Mason, McCracken, McCreary, McLean, Meade, Menifee, Mercer, Metcalfe, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Muhlenberg |
| N | Nelson, Nicholas |
| O | Ohio, Oldham, Owen, Owsley |
| P | Pendleton, Perry, Pike, Powell, Pulaski |
| Q | |
| R | Robertson, Rockcastle, Rowan, Russell |
| S | Scott, Shelby, Simpson, Spencer |
| T | Taylor, Todd, Trigg, Trimble |
| U | Union |
| V | |
| W | Warren, Washington, Wayne, Webster, Whitley, Wolfe, Woodford |
A – E: The First Segment of Kentucky Counties
Kentucky boasts a total of 120 counties, each contributing uniquely to the state’s rich heritage and diverse geography. Below is a reimagined alphabetical list for easier navigation.
A
- Adair: Known for its rolling hills and vibrant agricultural community.
- Allen: A hub for small-town charm and history.
- Anderson: Home to picturesque bourbon trails and historic landmarks.
B
- Ballard
- Barren
- Bath
- Bell
- Boone
- Bourbon: The birthplace of bourbon, filled with distilleries and rich history.
- (And more counties starting with “B” follow…)
C
- Caldwell
- Calloway
- Campbell
- Carlisle
- Carroll
- Carter
- Casey
D
- Daviess: Known for Owensboro, Kentucky’s BBQ capital.
E
- Edmonson
- Elliott
- Estill
F – J: Midway Through Kentucky Counties
F
- Fayette: Encompasses Lexington, a city steeped in horse-racing traditions.
- Fleming
- Floyd
- Franklin
- Fulton
G
- Gallatin
- Garrard
- Grant
- Graves
- Grayson
- Green
- Greenup
H
- Hancock
- Hardin: Home to Fort Knox, a site of historical and military significance.
- (And so on for “H” counties…)
J
- Jackson
- Jefferson: The county of Louisville, Kentucky’s largest urban center.
- Jessamine
- Johnson
K – Z: The Rest of Kentucky Counties
K
- Kenton: A part of the Cincinnati metropolitan area.
- Knott
- Knox
L
- Larue: Known for Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace.
- Laurel
- Lawrence
- Lee
- Leslie
- Letcher
M
- Madison: Home to Berea College and thriving arts communities.
- Magoffin
- Marion
- Marshall
- Martin
N
- Nelson: Famous for its bourbon production, particularly in Bardstown.
- Nicholas
P
- Pendleton
- Perry
- Pike: The largest county by area in Kentucky.
W
- Warren: A growing economic hub, home to Bowling Green and the Corvette Museum.
- Washington
- Wayne
- Webster
- Whitley
- Wolfe
- Woodford
Kentucky’s Largest Counties by Population
While Kentucky has a mix of large and small counties, some stand out due to their population and urban centers. For example, Jefferson County is home to Louisville, the largest city in Kentucky. Fayette County, encompassing Lexington, is another densely populated area with significant cultural and economic impact.
Other populous counties include Boone, Kenton, and Warren, which have growing suburban and commercial areas. These counties reflect Kentucky’s balance between urban growth and rural charm.
Smallest Counties in Kentucky
In contrast, Kentucky is also home to some of the smallest counties by population and land area. Robertson County is often noted as the smallest by population, with a close-knit community and vast rural landscapes. Counties like Hickman and Carlisle also maintain a quieter, slower-paced lifestyle compared to their urban counterparts.
These smaller counties highlight Kentucky’s rich diversity, where residents enjoy a strong sense of community and connection to nature.
Unique Features of Kentucky Counties
Each of Kentucky’s counties has something unique to offer. From the historical landmarks in Boyle County, like Constitution Square, to the breathtaking landscapes of Harlan County in the Appalachian Mountains, the state is a treasure trove of experiences.
Counties like Bourbon and Nelson are synonymous with Kentucky’s famed bourbon industry, housing some of the most iconic distilleries in the world. Meanwhile, counties along the Ohio River, such as Daviess and Henderson, offer scenic views and bustling riverfront activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The largest county by area is Pike County, located in the eastern part of the state. It spans approximately 789 square miles and is known for its rich coal mining history.
Kentucky has 120 counties, making it the third-highest state in terms of the number of counties, following Texas and Georgia.
Kentucky’s abundance of counties dates back to historical decisions to ensure citizens could travel to the county seat within a day’s journey, particularly in the 19th century when infrastructure was limited.
Conclusion
Understanding Kentucky’s counties is essential for anyone looking to explore the state or learn about its local governance and history. With 120 counties offering diverse landscapes, cultures, and histories, the Bluegrass State truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in urban adventures, historical sites, or natural beauty, Kentucky’s counties have you covered.
