List of Counties in Kentucky
Kentucky has 120 counties. The most populous counties are Jefferson County (Louisville), Fayette County (Lexington), Kenton County, Boone County, Warren County (Bowling Green), Hardin County, Daviess County (Owensboro), Campbell County, Madison County, and Christian County. Jefferson County, which includes Louisville, is the largest by far and serves as the state’s economic and cultural hub. Fayette County, home to Lexington, is also highly populous and important for its role in education and the horse industry.
List of All Counties in Kentucky
- Adair County, Kentucky
- Allen County, Kentucky
- Anderson County, Kentucky
- Ballard County, Kentucky
- Barren County, Kentucky
- Bath County, Kentucky
- Bell County, Kentucky
- Boone County, Kentucky
- Bourbon County, Kentucky
- Boyd County, Kentucky
- Boyle County, Kentucky
- Bracken County, Kentucky
- Breathitt County, Kentucky
- Breckinridge County, Kentucky
- Bullitt County, Kentucky
- Butler County, Kentucky
- Caldwell County, Kentucky
- Calloway County, Kentucky
- Campbell County, Kentucky
- Carlisle County, Kentucky
- Carroll County, Kentucky
- Carter County, Kentucky
- Casey County, Kentucky
- Christian County, Kentucky
- Clark County, Kentucky
- Clay County, Kentucky
- Clinton County, Kentucky
- Crittenden County, Kentucky
- Cumberland County, Kentucky
- Daviess County, Kentucky
- Edmonson County, Kentucky
- Elliott County, Kentucky
- Estill County, Kentucky
- Fayette County, Kentucky
- Fleming County, Kentucky
- Floyd County, Kentucky
- Franklin County, Kentucky
- Fulton County, Kentucky
- Gallatin County, Kentucky
- Garrard County, Kentucky
- Grant County, Kentucky
- Graves County, Kentucky
- Grayson County, Kentucky
- Green County, Kentucky
- Greenup County, Kentucky
- Hancock County, Kentucky
- Hardin County, Kentucky
- Harlan County, Kentucky
- Harrison County, Kentucky
- Hart County, Kentucky
- Henderson County, Kentucky
- Henry County, Kentucky
- Hickman County, Kentucky
- Hopkins County, Kentucky
- Jackson County, Kentucky
- Jefferson County, Kentucky
- Jessamine County, Kentucky
- Johnson County, Kentucky
- Kenton County, Kentucky
- Knott County, Kentucky
- Knox County, Kentucky
- LaRue County, Kentucky
- Laurel County, Kentucky
- Lawrence County, Kentucky
- Lee County, Kentucky
- Leslie County, Kentucky
- Letcher County, Kentucky
- Lewis County, Kentucky
- Lincoln County, Kentucky
- Livingston County, Kentucky
- Logan County, Kentucky
- Lyon County, Kentucky
- Madison County, Kentucky
- Magoffin County, Kentucky
- Marion County, Kentucky
- Marshall County, Kentucky
- Martin County, Kentucky
- Mason County, Kentucky
- McCracken County, Kentucky
- McCreary County, Kentucky
- McLean County, Kentucky
- Meade County, Kentucky
- Menifee County, Kentucky
- Mercer County, Kentucky
- Metcalfe County, Kentucky
- Monroe County, Kentucky
- Montgomery County, Kentucky
- Morgan County, Kentucky
- Muhlenberg County, Kentucky
- Nelson County, Kentucky
- Nicholas County, Kentucky
- Ohio County, Kentucky
- Oldham County, Kentucky
- Owen County, Kentucky
- Owsley County, Kentucky
- Pendleton County, Kentucky
- Perry County, Kentucky
- Pike County, Kentucky
- Powell County, Kentucky
- Pulaski County, Kentucky
- Robertson County, Kentucky
- Rockcastle County, Kentucky
- Rowan County, Kentucky
- Russell County, Kentucky
- Scott County, Kentucky
- Shelby County, Kentucky
- Simpson County, Kentucky
- Spencer County, Kentucky
- Taylor County, Kentucky
- Todd County, Kentucky
- Trigg County, Kentucky
- Trimble County, Kentucky
- Union County, Kentucky
- Warren County, Kentucky
- Washington County, Kentucky
- Wayne County, Kentucky
- Webster County, Kentucky
- Whitley County, Kentucky
- Wolfe County, Kentucky
- Woodford County, Kentucky
1. Pike County
Overview
Pike County is the largest county in Kentucky by land area, located in the eastern part of the state in the Appalachian Mountains. It is bordered by West Virginia to the northeast and Virginia to the southeast. The county seat is Pikeville, a town historically tied to the coal mining industry, which played a central role in the county’s economic development. Pike County’s rugged terrain and dense forests make it a scenic area, with outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking and fishing. Established in 1821, Pike County is named after explorer Zebulon Pike and has a deep history connected to the Hatfield-McCoy feud, one of the most infamous family feuds in American history.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 57,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Pikeville
- Major Airports: Pike County Regional Airport
- Major Highways: US-23, US-119, KY-80
2. Jefferson County
Overview
Jefferson County is located in north-central Kentucky and is the most populous county in the state. It is bordered by the Ohio River to the north, which separates Kentucky from Indiana. Louisville, the largest city in Kentucky, serves as both the county seat and the state’s economic and cultural hub. Jefferson County’s economy is diverse, with key sectors including healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and bourbon production. Louisville is home to the famous Kentucky Derby and has a rich history as a transportation hub due to its location along the river. Established in 1780, the county is named after Thomas Jefferson, and its long history includes ties to the early development of the state.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 780,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Louisville
- Major Airports: Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport
- Major Highways: I-65, I-64, I-71, I-265
3. Fayette County
Overview
Fayette County is located in central Kentucky and is home to Lexington, the second-largest city in the state. The county is bordered by Scott County to the north and Jessamine County to the south. Lexington is known as the “Horse Capital of the World” due to its prominence in horse breeding, particularly Thoroughbreds, and the county’s economy is heavily influenced by equine industries, healthcare, and education. The University of Kentucky, located in Lexington, is a major economic driver and cultural institution. Fayette County was established in 1780 and named after the Marquis de Lafayette, a French hero of the American Revolutionary War.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 330,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Lexington
- Major Airports: Blue Grass Airport
- Major Highways: I-75, I-64, US-60, US-68
4. Christian County
Overview
Christian County is located in southwestern Kentucky, bordered by Tennessee to the south and Hopkins County to the north. The county seat is Hopkinsville, a city known for its agricultural and military significance, with nearby Fort Campbell, a major U.S. Army installation, influencing the local economy. Christian County’s economy is based on agriculture, with crops such as tobacco, corn, and soybeans being important to the region. The county was established in 1797 and named after Colonel William Christian, a Revolutionary War soldier. Over the years, the county has developed a mix of agricultural and industrial sectors, while also playing a key role in the region’s military presence.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 71,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Hopkinsville
- Major Airports: Hopkinsville-Christian County Airport
- Major Highways: I-24, US-41, US-68
5. Warren County
Overview
Warren County is located in south-central Kentucky, bordered by Simpson County to the south and Edmonson County to the north. The county seat is Bowling Green, the third-largest city in Kentucky, known for its automotive and manufacturing industries. Bowling Green is home to the National Corvette Museum and the General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, making it a key center for automotive production. In addition to manufacturing, education and healthcare are major components of the local economy, with Western Kentucky University being a significant institution in the county. Established in 1796, Warren County has a rich history tied to agriculture and industrial development.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 140,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Bowling Green
- Major Airports: Bowling Green-Warren County Regional Airport
- Major Highways: I-65, US-31W, US-68
6. Hardin County
Overview
Hardin County is located in north-central Kentucky, bordered by Meade County to the north and LaRue County to the south. The county seat is Elizabethtown, which serves as a regional center for healthcare, retail, and logistics. Fort Knox, a major U.S. Army post, is located partially in Hardin County and has a significant impact on the local economy. Hardin County’s economy is diverse, with sectors such as military, healthcare, and manufacturing playing key roles. Established in 1792, the county was named after Colonel John Hardin, an early settler and military officer. The county’s history is intertwined with Kentucky’s military and industrial development.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 111,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Elizabethtown
- Major Airports: Addington Field (Elizabethtown Regional Airport)
- Major Highways: I-65, Western Kentucky Parkway, US-31W, US-62
7. Daviess County
Overview
Daviess County is located in northwestern Kentucky, bordered by the Ohio River to the north and Hancock County to the west. The county seat is Owensboro, a city known for its strong ties to the bourbon and tobacco industries, as well as its role in bluegrass music heritage. Daviess County’s economy is diverse, with agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare being major sectors. Owensboro is also known for its cultural events, including the International Bar-B-Q Festival. Established in 1815, the county was named after Colonel Joseph Hamilton Daveiss, who died at the Battle of Tippecanoe.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 102,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Owensboro
- Major Airports: Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport
- Major Highways: US-60, US-431, Audubon Parkway
8. Madison County
Overview
Madison County is located in central Kentucky, bordered by Fayette County to the north and Rockcastle County to the south. The county seat is Richmond, a city known for its historical significance and educational institutions. Eastern Kentucky University, located in Richmond, is a major contributor to the local economy, along with agriculture and healthcare. Madison County has a rich historical background, including its involvement in the American Civil War, with the Battle of Richmond being a key event. Established in 1786, the county was named after James Madison, the fourth President of the United States.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 96,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Richmond
- Major Airports: Blue Grass Airport (nearby in Lexington)
- Major Highways: I-75, US-25, US-421
9. Franklin County
Overview
Franklin County is located in north-central Kentucky and is home to Frankfort, the state capital. The county is bordered by Woodford County to the east and Shelby County to the west. Frankfort serves as the political and administrative center of Kentucky, with government services playing a central role in the county’s economy. The county is also known for its bourbon distilleries, with several major brands produced in the region. Established in 1795, Franklin County was named in honor of Benjamin Franklin and has a long history tied to Kentucky’s government and the bourbon industry.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 52,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Frankfort
- Major Airports: Blue Grass Airport (nearby in Lexington)
- Major Highways: I-64, US-60, US-127
10. Pulaski County
Overview
Pulaski County is located in southern Kentucky, bordered by Laurel County to the east and Wayne County to the southwest. The county seat is Somerset, a city known for its role as a gateway to Lake Cumberland, one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States. Pulaski County’s economy is driven by tourism, healthcare, and agriculture, with Lake Cumberland attracting visitors for boating, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Established in 1798, the county was named after Kazimierz Pulaski, a Polish nobleman and American Revolutionary War hero. Over the years, Pulaski County has grown into a regional hub for tourism and commerce.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 65,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Somerset
- Major Airports: Lake Cumberland Regional Airport
- Major Highways: US-27, Cumberland Parkway, KY-80