Cities and Towns in Adair County, Kentucky

Founded in 1802, Adair County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Adair County was formed from Green County. The city of Columbia is the county seat. With FIPS code of 1, Adair County has a population of 18,932 and area of 407 square miles (1,054 km²).

List of all cities in Adair County, KY alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Breeding, KY	42715	270
Cane Valley, KY	42720	270
Casey Creek, KY	42728	270
Columbia, KY	42728	270
Cundiff, KY	42728	270
Fairplay, KY	42728	270
Glens Fork, KY	42741	270
Gradyville, KY	42742	270
Knifley, KY	42753	270
Milltown, KY	42728	270
Montpelier, KY	42728	270

Major Cities and Towns in Adair County, Kentucky

Columbia

Overview

Columbia is the county seat and largest city in Adair County, located in south-central Kentucky at the intersection of the Cumberland Parkway and U.S. Route 68. Founded in 1802, Columbia was named in honor of Christopher Columbus, reflecting the era’s patriotic spirit. The town quickly developed as a regional center for trade and government, with agriculture, particularly tobacco farming, playing a central role in the local economy. The city’s proximity to the Green River added to its growth, and it became a hub for transportation and commerce in the region. Today, Columbia retains its small-town charm while serving as the cultural and economic heart of Adair County, with a growing focus on education and tourism.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: 3.92 square miles
• Population: Approximately 4,700 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 42728
• Latitude: 37.1000° N
• Longitude: 85.3061° W

Schools and Landmarks

Columbia is home to Lindsey Wilson College, a private liberal arts institution that has a significant impact on the community’s economy and culture. The town is served by Adair County Schools, with Adair County High School being the primary public high school. Major landmarks include the Adair County Courthouse, which was originally built in 1885 and is a centerpiece of the downtown area. The Trabue-Russell House, built in 1825, is another historical site that offers a glimpse into Columbia’s early days. Columbia is also known for the annual Downtown Days festival, which celebrates the community’s history and brings together local vendors, music, and crafts.

Knifley

Overview

Knifley is a small, unincorporated community located in the northeastern part of Adair County. Established in the mid-19th century, Knifley grew as a small farming community, with agriculture being the primary industry. The community is named after one of the early settler families in the area, the Knifleys, who played a key role in its founding. Knifley has maintained its rural character over the years, with its population remaining small and its economy deeply tied to farming, particularly cattle and tobacco farming.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: N/A (unincorporated)
• Population: Approximately 500 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 42753
• Latitude: 37.2925° N
• Longitude: 85.1786° W

Schools and Landmarks

Knifley is served by Adair County Schools, with students attending Adair County High School in nearby Columbia. The Knifley community is centered around its small businesses, farms, and the Knifley Chapel, a historic church that has been a cornerstone of the community since the late 19th century. The area’s natural beauty, including its rolling hills and open farmland, provides a scenic backdrop for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. The nearby Green River Lake offers additional recreational opportunities, attracting visitors from across the region for boating, camping, and wildlife observation. Knifley’s quiet, rural charm and close-knit community make it an attractive place for those seeking a slower pace of life.

Cane Valley

Overview

Cane Valley is a small, unincorporated community located in the western part of Adair County, near Kentucky Highway 55. Established in the early 1800s, the community was named after the abundant cane that once grew in the valley. Cane Valley developed as a rural farming community, with tobacco and livestock farming being the dominant industries. The area’s fertile soil and proximity to major transportation routes allowed it to flourish as a local agricultural hub. Although the population has remained small, Cane Valley continues to thrive as a farming community, with its residents deeply connected to the land and their agricultural heritage.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: N/A (unincorporated)
• Population: Approximately 300 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 42728 (shared with Columbia)
• Latitude: 37.2194° N
• Longitude: 85.4022° W

Schools and Landmarks

Cane Valley is part of the Adair County School District, with students attending schools in Columbia. The community’s most notable landmark is the Cane Valley Baptist Church, which has served the area since the 19th century and continues to be a gathering place for local residents. The nearby Green River Lake State Park offers outdoor recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and camping, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Cane Valley’s agricultural surroundings and historic buildings, such as old farmhouses and barns, contribute to its rural charm, attracting those who appreciate the simplicity and beauty of country life.

Gradyville

Overview

Gradyville is a small, unincorporated community located in the southwestern part of Adair County. It was founded in the late 19th century and named after the Grady family, early settlers in the area. Like much of Adair County, Gradyville’s economy has historically been based on agriculture, with tobacco, corn, and cattle being the main products. The town once thrived as a small trading post for local farmers, but its population and commercial activity have dwindled over the years. Despite its small size, Gradyville remains an important part of the county’s rural landscape.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: N/A (unincorporated)
• Population: Approximately 150 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 42742
• Latitude: 37.0603° N
• Longitude: 85.4617° W

Schools and Landmarks

Gradyville is served by Adair County Schools, with students attending nearby Columbia schools. The town’s main landmarks include the Gradyville Baptist Church, which has been a fixture of the community for over a century. The church serves as both a place of worship and a community center, hosting local events and gatherings. Gradyville is also known for its scenic countryside, with rolling hills, farms, and woodlands that provide a picturesque setting for rural life. The town’s agricultural heritage is still evident in the many farms that surround the area, where residents continue to cultivate crops and raise livestock.

Milltown

Overview

Milltown is a small, unincorporated community in southeastern Adair County, located near the banks of Russell Creek. Founded in the mid-19th century, Milltown was named after the gristmill that once operated along the creek, which was a central part of the community’s early economy. The mill was essential for grinding wheat and corn, and it served as a gathering place for local farmers. While the mill no longer exists, Milltown has maintained its rural, agricultural identity, with farming remaining the primary economic activity in the area.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: N/A (unincorporated)
• Population: Approximately 100 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 42728 (shared with Columbia)
• Latitude: 37.0803° N
• Longitude: 85.2097° W

Schools and Landmarks

Milltown is part of the Adair County School District, and students attend schools in Columbia. The town’s main landmark is Russell Creek, which offers opportunities for fishing and scenic walks along its banks. Although small, Milltown has a rich agricultural heritage, with many farms that have been in the same families for generations. The area is known for its rolling hills and fertile farmland, making it a peaceful and picturesque part of Adair County. Milltown’s quiet atmosphere and connection to nature attract residents who enjoy rural living and a slower pace of life.