Cities and Towns in Leslie County, Kentucky

Founded in 1878, Leslie County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Leslie County was formed from Clay County, Harlan County and Perry County. The city of Hyden is the county seat. With FIPS code of 131, Leslie County has a population of 10,278 and area of 404 square miles (1,046 km²).

List of all cities in Leslie County, KY alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Asher, KY	40803	606
Bear Branch, KY	41714	606
Big Fork, KY	41777	606
Big Rock, KY	41777	606
Chappell, KY	40816	606
Cinda, KY	41776	606
Confluence, KY	41749	606
Cutshin, KY	41776	606
Dryhill, KY	41749	606
Essie, KY	40827	606
Frew, KY	41776	606
Harlan, KY	40840	606
Helton, KY	40840	606
Hoskinston, KY	40844	606
Hyden, KY	41749	606
Hyden, KY	41762	606
Kaliopi, KY	41749	606
Mozelle, KY	40858	606
Roark, KY	40979	606
Sizerock, KY	41762	606
Smilax, KY	41764	606
Stinnett, KY	40868	606
Thousandsticks, KY	41766	606
Warbranch, KY	40874	606
Wendover, KY	41775	606
Wooton, KY	41776	606
Yeaddiss, KY	41777	606

Major Cities and Towns in Leslie County, Kentucky

Hyden

Area, Population, and Zip Codes:

• Area: 0.8 square miles
• Population: Approximately 350 residents
• Zip Code: 41749
• Latitude: 37.1606° N
• Longitude: 83.3749° W

City Location and History:

Hyden, the county seat of Leslie County, is located in southeastern Kentucky, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains along the Middle Fork of the Kentucky River. Founded in 1878, Hyden was named after state senator John Hyden. The town’s early growth was fueled by its role as a regional hub for coal mining, timber, and farming. The rich natural resources of the surrounding mountains made Hyden an important center for trade and transportation in the region. While the coal industry has declined in recent decades, Hyden has retained its role as a civic and commercial center for Leslie County. The town is also notable as the birthplace of Tim Couch, a prominent NFL quarterback who played for the Cleveland Browns.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Hyden is served by the Leslie County School District, with Leslie County High School providing education to local students. Notable landmarks in the town include the Leslie County Courthouse, which anchors the town square, and the nearby Daniel Boone National Forest, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, and enjoying the scenic Appalachian landscape. The Mary Breckinridge Hospital, established by the Frontier Nursing Service, is a key institution in the town’s history and continues to provide healthcare to the region. Hyden also hosts the annual Mary Breckinridge Festival, celebrating the town’s heritage with parades, music, and local crafts.

Stinnett

Area, Population, and Zip Codes:

• Area: Unincorporated community
• Population: Approximately 500 residents
• Zip Code: 40868
• Latitude: 37.0320° N
• Longitude: 83.4313° W

City Location and History:

Stinnett is a small, unincorporated community located in the southern part of Leslie County. The town grew as part of the coal mining industry that dominated the region throughout the 20th century. Named after a local family, Stinnett was primarily a coal town, with many of its residents working in the mines or in related industries. As coal mining has decreased, Stinnett has remained a rural community with deep roots in Appalachian culture. Its proximity to the mountains and rivers has also made it a quiet, scenic location, ideal for those seeking a rural lifestyle in southeastern Kentucky.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Stinnett is home to Stinnett Elementary School, with older students attending Leslie County High School in Hyden. The community is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking. The nearby Red Bird River and Middle Fork of the Kentucky River offer scenic water views and recreational options. While Stinnett is small, its residents enjoy a close-knit community with local events and gatherings that bring people together. The town’s Appalachian heritage is celebrated in local traditions, with festivals and fairs reflecting its history and culture.

Thousandsticks

Area, Population, and Zip Codes:

• Area: Unincorporated community
• Population: Approximately 400 residents
• Zip Code: 41766
• Latitude: 37.1384° N
• Longitude: 83.3498° W

City Location and History:

Thousandsticks is a rural, unincorporated community located in the eastern part of Leslie County. The town’s unusual name comes from the large number of trees in the area, which early settlers used to build homes and other structures. Like many communities in the region, Thousandsticks developed as a coal mining town, with its economy heavily dependent on the coal industry. While the decline of coal mining has slowed the town’s growth, Thousandsticks remains a small, tight-knit community with deep connections to the land and the Appalachian way of life.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Students in Thousandsticks attend schools in nearby Hyden, including Leslie County High School. The community is surrounded by the rugged Appalachian landscape, with nearby forested hills offering hiking and hunting opportunities. Thousandsticks is close to the Daniel Boone National Forest, providing additional outdoor recreational activities. Local landmarks include historic churches and family-owned farms that reflect the area’s deep rural and agricultural roots. The town’s name and unique history make it a point of interest in the region, with local residents maintaining a strong sense of identity and pride in their community.

Wooton

Area, Population, and Zip Codes:

• Area: Unincorporated community
• Population: Approximately 400 residents
• Zip Code: 41776
• Latitude: 37.0312° N
• Longitude: 83.3832° W

City Location and History:

Wooton is a small, unincorporated community located in the southeastern part of Leslie County, near the Appalachian Mountains. The town was named after a prominent local family and developed as a rural community centered around farming and coal mining. Like other towns in the region, Wooton’s history is closely tied to the coal industry, which provided employment and economic growth during the 20th century. As the coal industry has declined, Wooton has remained a quiet, rural town with a strong sense of community. Its scenic location in the mountains makes it an attractive place for those seeking a peaceful, rural lifestyle.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Wooton is part of the Leslie County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Hyden. The surrounding natural landscape, including forests and rivers, offers opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, fishing, and hunting. Local landmarks include several historic churches and family homesteads, which have been passed down through generations. Wooton’s close proximity to Hyden and other nearby communities allows residents access to essential services while enjoying the quiet of a rural setting. Annual community events and gatherings help maintain the town’s sense of tradition and bring together families who have lived in the area for many years.

Mozelle

Area, Population, and Zip Codes:

• Area: Unincorporated community
• Population: Approximately 300 residents
• Zip Code: 40858
• Latitude: 37.0195° N
• Longitude: 83.4422° W

City Location and History:

Mozelle is a small, unincorporated community located in the southern part of Leslie County, along the Middle Fork of the Kentucky River. The town was established in the early 20th century as part of the region’s coal mining boom. Named after a local family, Mozelle grew as a coal town, with many of its residents working in the nearby mines. As with other communities in the region, the decline of the coal industry has led to a decrease in population, but Mozelle remains a rural, close-knit community. Its location along the river and in the mountains provides residents with scenic views and a connection to the natural beauty of southeastern Kentucky.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Mozelle’s students attend schools in nearby Stinnett and Hyden, including Leslie County High School. The town is surrounded by natural landmarks, including the Middle Fork of the Kentucky River, which offers fishing and kayaking opportunities. The nearby Daniel Boone National Forest provides hiking trails and camping spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Local landmarks include historic family homes and farms that reflect Mozelle’s long history as a coal and farming community. The town’s quiet atmosphere and rural setting make it a peaceful place for those who appreciate the Appalachian way of life.