Cities and Towns in Ballard County, Kentucky
Founded in 1842, Ballard County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Ballard County was formed from Hickman County and McCracken County. The city of Wickliffe is the county seat. With FIPS code of 7, Ballard County has a population of 7,695 and area of 251 square miles (650 km²).
List of all cities in Ballard County, KY alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bandana, KY | 42022 | 270 |
| Barlow, KY | 42024 | 270 |
| Blandville, KY | 42087 | 270 |
| Gage, KY | 42056 | 270 |
| La Center, KY | 42056 | 270 |
| Lovelaceville, KY | 42060 | 270 |
| Wickliffe, KY | 42087 | 270 |
Major Cities and Towns in Ballard County, Kentucky
Wickliffe
Overview
Wickliffe is the county seat of Ballard County, located in the far western part of Kentucky along the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. Founded in 1880, Wickliffe developed as a key river town, benefiting from its strategic location at the meeting point of two major waterways. The town’s history is deeply tied to river commerce and agriculture, with the rich soil of the region supporting tobacco, corn, and soybean farming. Today, Wickliffe serves as a small but important center for local government, trade, and tourism, with nearby natural and historical attractions drawing visitors to the area.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.38 square miles
- Population: Approximately 700 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 42087
- Latitude: 36.9664° N
- Longitude: 89.0889° W
Schools and Landmarks
Wickliffe is part of the Ballard County School District, with Ballard Memorial High School serving the local student population. Key landmarks in Wickliffe include the Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site, an archaeological site preserving the remains of a Native American Mississippian culture settlement. Another important site is Fort Jefferson Memorial Cross, a 90-foot cross overlooking the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, symbolizing the town’s historical significance as a crossroads of early American exploration. Wickliffe’s location near the rivers makes it an ideal spot for outdoor activities, such as fishing and boating, and the town’s historical and natural attractions offer a glimpse into Kentucky’s past.
LaCenter
Overview
LaCenter is a small city located in central Ballard County, approximately 10 miles east of Wickliffe. Incorporated in 1903, LaCenter developed as a farming and trade center, with its economy traditionally based on agriculture, particularly corn, soybean, and tobacco farming. The town’s central location in the county allowed it to become a hub for local businesses and services. Although small, LaCenter has maintained its rural charm and community-focused lifestyle, providing essential services to the surrounding agricultural areas.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.19 square miles
- Population: Approximately 950 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 42056
- Latitude: 37.0739° N
- Longitude: 88.9744° W
Schools and Landmarks
LaCenter is part of the Ballard County School District, with students attending Ballard Memorial High School in nearby Barlow. Landmarks in LaCenter include the Ballard County Country Club, which offers a golf course and recreational facilities for residents and visitors. The town’s rural landscape is characterized by vast fields of corn and soybeans, providing scenic views of Kentucky’s farmland. LaCenter’s annual community events, including local festivals and holiday parades, bring residents together and celebrate the town’s agricultural heritage. The nearby Ballard Wildlife Management Area offers outdoor activities such as birdwatching, hunting, and hiking.
Barlow
Overview
Barlow is a small city located in central Ballard County, near the junction of U.S. Route 60 and Kentucky Route 1105. Founded in the late 19th century, Barlow was named after Thomas Jefferson Barlow, a prominent landowner in the area. The town developed as an agricultural and railroad hub, with its proximity to the Illinois Central Railroad boosting its economy. Over time, Barlow has remained a close-knit farming community, with its economy still deeply tied to agriculture, particularly corn and soybean farming.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.83 square miles
- Population: Approximately 670 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 42024
- Latitude: 37.0531° N
- Longitude: 89.0442° W
Schools and Landmarks
Barlow is home to Ballard Memorial High School, which serves students from across the county. The town’s key landmarks include the Barlow House Museum, a historic home that offers a glimpse into the town’s past and the lives of early settlers. Another notable feature is the Barlow Bottoms, a natural wetland area located nearby that provides opportunities for wildlife observation, fishing, and hiking. Barlow’s quiet, rural atmosphere, combined with its historical significance and agricultural roots, makes it a peaceful place to live while still being connected to the county’s wider community.
Kevil
Overview
Kevil is a small city located in the southeastern part of Ballard County, about 15 miles west of Paducah. Founded in 1910 and named after R.U. Kevil, a local businessman and postmaster, the town grew as a stop on the Illinois Central Railroad. Agriculture has always been central to Kevil’s economy, with local farms producing tobacco, corn, and soybeans. Though small in population, Kevil has maintained its role as a farming community, with many of its residents still engaged in agricultural work.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.60 square miles
- Population: Approximately 375 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 42053
- Latitude: 37.0867° N
- Longitude: 88.8831° W
Schools and Landmarks
Kevil is part of the Ballard County School District, with students attending Ballard Memorial High School in Barlow. The town’s landmarks include the Kevil United Methodist Church, a historic building that has been a focal point of the community for over a century. The town’s agricultural surroundings offer picturesque views of Kentucky farmland, with fields stretching for miles around. Kevil’s rural charm, combined with its proximity to larger cities like Paducah, provides residents with a quiet lifestyle while allowing easy access to more urban amenities. The nearby Ballard Wildlife Management Area is a popular destination for hunting, birdwatching, and fishing.
Lovelaceville
Overview
Lovelaceville is an unincorporated community located in the southeastern part of Ballard County, near the border with McCracken County. Founded in the mid-19th century, Lovelaceville developed as a rural farming community. Its economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, particularly tobacco and soybean farming. Though small in population, Lovelaceville has retained its rural identity and remains a close-knit community with deep ties to its agricultural roots.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: N/A (unincorporated)
- Population: Approximately 150 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 42060
- Latitude: 36.9750° N
- Longitude: 88.7806° W
Schools and Landmarks
Lovelaceville is part of the Ballard County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Barlow and LaCenter. The town’s main landmarks include the Lovelaceville Baptist Church, which has been a cornerstone of the community for generations. The surrounding farmland, characterized by vast fields of tobacco, corn, and soybeans, highlights the town’s agricultural heritage. Lovelaceville is also known for its proximity to the Ballard Wildlife Management Area, providing residents with access to outdoor activities such as hunting, hiking, and wildlife observation. The town’s rural charm and strong sense of community make it a peaceful place to live.
Blandville
Overview
Blandville is a small, unincorporated community located in western Ballard County, near the Mississippi River. Established in the early 19th century, Blandville was once the county seat of Ballard County before it was moved to Wickliffe in the 1880s. The town has a rich history tied to the early settlement of the region and played a significant role in the county’s development. Today, Blandville is a quiet rural community, with its economy centered around agriculture, including farming and livestock production.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: N/A (unincorporated)
- Population: Fewer than 100 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 42087 (shared with Wickliffe)
- Latitude: 36.8878° N
- Longitude: 89.0389° W
Schools and Landmarks
Students in Blandville attend schools in the Ballard County School District. The town’s key landmarks include the Blandville Cemetery, which dates back to the early 1800s and serves as the resting place for many of the county’s earliest settlers. The town’s proximity to the Mississippi River provides opportunities for fishing and other outdoor activities, while the surrounding farmland reflects its agricultural roots. Blandville’s historical significance as an early center of government and commerce in Ballard County adds to its charm, even as it remains a quiet, rural community today.
