Cities and Towns in Letcher County, Kentucky
Founded in 1842, Letcher County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Letcher County was formed from Perry County and Harlan County. The city of Whitesburg is the county seat. With FIPS code of 133, Letcher County has a population of 21,253 and area of 339 square miles (878 km²).
List of all cities in Letcher County, KY alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Blackey, KY | 41804 | 606 |
| Burdine, KY | 41517 | 606 |
| Carbon Glow, KY | 41832 | 606 |
| Carcassonne, KY | 41804 | 606 |
| Cromona, KY | 41810 | 606 |
| Crown, KY | 41858 | 606 |
| Day Rural, KY | 41858 | 606 |
| Deane, KY | 41812 | 606 |
| Democrat, KY | 41858 | 606 |
| Dongola, KY | 41858 | 606 |
| Dunham, KY | 41537 | 606 |
| East Jenkins, KY | 41537 | 606 |
| Eolia, KY | 40826 | 606 |
| Ermine, KY | 41815 | 606 |
| Fleming, KY | 41840 | 606 |
| Fleming Neon, KY | 41840 | 606 |
| Gaskill, KY | 41537 | 606 |
| Gilly, KY | 41819 | 606 |
| Gordon, KY | 41819 | 606 |
| Hall, KY | 41840 | 606 |
| Hallie, KY | 41821 | 606 |
| Isom, KY | 41824 | 606 |
| Jackhorn, KY | 41825 | 606 |
| Jenkins, KY | 41537 | 606 |
| Jeremiah, KY | 41826 | 606 |
| Kings Creek, KY | 41858 | 606 |
| Kona, KY | 41858 | 606 |
| Letcher, KY | 41832 | 606 |
| Linefork, KY | 41833 | 606 |
| Lionilli, KY | 41537 | 606 |
| Mayking, KY | 41837 | 606 |
| Mc Roberts, KY | 41835 | 606 |
| Millstone, KY | 41838 | 606 |
| Neon, KY | 41840 | 606 |
| Oscaloosa, KY | 41858 | 606 |
| Partridge, KY | 40862 | 606 |
| Payne Gap, KY | 41537 | 606 |
| Potters Fork, KY | 41537 | 606 |
| Premium, KY | 41845 | 606 |
| Roxana, KY | 41848 | 606 |
| Seco, KY | 41849 | 606 |
| Skyline, KY | 41821 | 606 |
| Thornton, KY | 41855 | 606 |
| Tolliver Town, KY | 41810 | 606 |
| Van, KY | 41858 | 606 |
| Whitesburg, KY | 41855 | 606 |
| 41858 | 606 |
Major Cities and Towns in Letcher County, Kentucky
Whitesburg
Area, Population, and Zip Codes:
- Area: 2.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,900 residents
- Zip Code: 41858
- Latitude: 37.1187° N
- Longitude: 82.8260° W
City Location and History:
Whitesburg, the county seat of Letcher County, is located in southeastern Kentucky, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains along the North Fork of the Kentucky River. Founded in 1842, Whitesburg was named in honor of John D. White, a Kentucky congressman. The town grew primarily due to its location in the coal-rich region of eastern Kentucky. During the 20th century, the coal industry became the backbone of the local economy, with many of Whitesburg’s residents working in the mines. Although the coal industry has declined in recent years, Whitesburg remains a vibrant community with a strong Appalachian cultural identity. The town is also known for its arts scene, including music and crafts, and serves as a hub for surrounding rural communities.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Whitesburg is served by Letcher County Public Schools, including Letcher County Central High School, which is a major educational institution in the area. Notable landmarks include the historic Letcher County Courthouse, which is central to the town’s civic life. Appalshop, a cultural institution dedicated to promoting Appalachian culture through film, theater, and radio, is located in Whitesburg and plays a key role in the region’s arts community. The town is also near Bad Branch Falls Nature Preserve, offering opportunities for hiking and exploring the scenic beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. The annual Mountain Heritage Festival celebrates the rich history and traditions of the area with music, crafts, and storytelling.
Jenkins
Area, Population, and Zip Codes:
- Area: 8.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,000 residents
- Zip Code: 41537
- Latitude: 37.1808° N
- Longitude: 82.6310° W
City Location and History:
Jenkins is located in the northern part of Letcher County, close to the Kentucky-Virginia border. The town was established in 1912 by Consolidation Coal Company, which built Jenkins as a company town to support its mining operations in the region. During its early years, Jenkins flourished as a bustling coal town, with miners and their families making up the bulk of the population. The coal company provided housing, schools, and services for workers, and Jenkins quickly grew into one of the most important coal towns in southeastern Kentucky. As the coal industry declined, the town’s population diminished, but Jenkins has maintained its close connection to its coal heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Jenkins is served by Jenkins Independent Schools, with Jenkins High School providing education to local students. One of the town’s most significant landmarks is the Jenkins Coal and Railroad Museum, which chronicles the town’s rich history as a coal mining community. The nearby Fishpond Lake, surrounded by rugged Appalachian terrain, offers fishing, camping, and hiking opportunities, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The annual Jenkins Homecoming Days Festival celebrates the town’s history and brings together the community for parades, live music, and local food. Jenkins’ Appalachian roots and coal history continue to define its character and community spirit.
Fleming-Neon
Area, Population, and Zip Codes:
- Area: 0.8 square miles
- Population: Approximately 600 residents
- Zip Code: 41840
- Latitude: 37.1961° N
- Longitude: 82.7135° W
City Location and History:
Fleming-Neon is a small town located in the northeastern part of Letcher County, originally formed from two adjacent towns—Fleming and Neon. Fleming was established in 1913 by Elkhorn Coal Corporation, while Neon grew alongside it as a commercial hub. Both towns thrived in the early 20th century due to the coal industry, with many of the residents working in the nearby mines. In 1977, the two towns merged to form Fleming-Neon, reflecting the close relationship between the communities. Although the coal industry has declined, Fleming-Neon remains a tight-knit community with strong ties to its mining heritage and Appalachian culture.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Fleming-Neon is part of the Letcher County School District, with Fleming-Neon Elementary School serving younger students. A key landmark in the town is the Fleming-Neon City Hall, which serves as the center of local government and community events. The town is also home to several historic buildings and churches that date back to its early 20th-century boom years. The nearby Pine Mountain offers scenic views and opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking and wildlife observation. Fleming-Neon hosts various local events throughout the year, including festivals and community fairs, celebrating its history and culture.
Blackey
Area, Population, and Zip Codes:
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 150 residents
- Zip Code: 41804
- Latitude: 37.1331° N
- Longitude: 82.9782° W
City Location and History:
Blackey is a small town located in the southeastern part of Letcher County, along the North Fork of the Kentucky River. The town was established in 1915 and grew rapidly due to its proximity to the coalfields of southeastern Kentucky. Blackey served as a railroad town, providing transportation and logistical support for the region’s coal industry. Like many towns in the Appalachian region, Blackey’s growth was closely tied to the rise and fall of coal production. Despite the decline of the coal industry, Blackey has preserved its small-town charm and connection to the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Blackey’s students attend schools in nearby Whitesburg, including Letcher County Central High School. Notable landmarks in Blackey include the Blackey Public Library, a hub for community activities and local history resources, and the nearby Little Shepherd Trail, which offers scenic drives and hiking through the Appalachian mountains. The town is also close to Pine Mountain Settlement School, which preserves Appalachian culture and history through educational programs and community events. Blackey’s annual festivals, including the Blackey Day celebration, bring together residents to honor the town’s heritage with music, crafts, and food. The town’s location near natural attractions like Bad Branch Falls makes it a quiet retreat for those who appreciate the beauty of the Appalachian region.
McRoberts
Area, Population, and Zip Codes:
- Area: 0.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 800 residents
- Zip Code: 41835
- Latitude: 37.2219° N
- Longitude: 82.6986° W
City Location and History:
McRoberts is a small community in Letcher County, founded in the early 20th century as a coal mining town by Consolidation Coal Company. Like other towns in the region, McRoberts was a company town, with the coal company building homes, schools, and other infrastructure for its workers. The town grew rapidly during the height of the coal industry, with miners and their families forming the core of the population. As the coal industry declined, McRoberts faced challenges with job losses and population decline, but the town has maintained its identity as a close-knit, resilient community.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
McRoberts is part of the Letcher County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Jenkins or Whitesburg. Landmarks in the town include several historic buildings, including old company houses and churches that were built during the coal mining boom. The McRoberts War Memorial honors the town’s veterans and serves as a focal point for community gatherings. The nearby mountains and forests offer ample opportunities for hiking, hunting, and fishing, making McRoberts an attractive spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Community events, such as local festivals and holiday parades, help preserve the town’s sense of unity and celebrate its Appalachian heritage.
