Cities and Towns in Bell County, Kentucky
Founded in 1867, Bell County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Bell County was formed from Harlan County and Knox County. The city of Pineville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 13, Bell County has a population of 23,858 and area of 361 square miles (935 km²).
List of all cities in Bell County, KY alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Arjay, KY | 40902 | 606 |
| Balkan, KY | 40977 | 606 |
| Beverly, KY | 40913 | 606 |
| Callaway, KY | 40977 | 606 |
| Calvin, KY | 40813 | 606 |
| Cary, KY | 40977 | 606 |
| Chenoa, KY | 40977 | 606 |
| Clear Creek, KY | 40977 | 606 |
| Clear Creek Springs, KY | 40977 | 606 |
| Davisburg, KY | 40977 | 606 |
| Dorton Branch, KY | 40977 | 606 |
| East Pineville, KY | 40977 | 606 |
| Elys, KY | 40939 | 606 |
| Field, KY | 40977 | 606 |
| Fonde, KY | 40940 | 606 |
| Fourmile, KY | 40939 | 606 |
| Frakes, KY | 40940 | 606 |
| Hulen, KY | 40845 | 606 |
| Ingram, KY | 40955 | 606 |
| Ivy Grove, KY | 40939 | 606 |
| Jenson, KY | 40977 | 606 |
| Kettle Island, KY | 40958 | 606 |
| Laurel Fork, KY | 40940 | 606 |
| Log Mountain, KY | 40977 | 606 |
| Middlesboro, KY | 40965 | 606 |
| Miracle, KY | 40856 | 606 |
| Pineville, KY | 40977 | 606 |
| Red Bird, KY | 40913 | 606 |
| Stoney Fork, KY | 40988 | 606 |
| Straight Creek, KY | 40977 | 606 |
| Tinsley, KY | 40977 | 606 |
| Wallsend, KY | 40977 | 606 |
Major Cities and Towns in Bell County, Kentucky
Middlesboro
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 7.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 9,800 (as of the 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 40965
- Latitude: 36.6074° N
- Longitude: 83.7199° W
Location and History
Middlesboro is located in southeastern Bell County, nestled in the Cumberland Gap, near the tri-state borders of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. Founded in 1890 by Scottish businessman Alexander Arthur, the town was originally envisioned as an industrial hub, thanks to the area’s coal and iron ore deposits. Middlesboro’s location inside a geologically unique meteor crater, the Middlesboro Basin, makes it a distinctive part of Appalachian history. The town experienced rapid growth in the early 20th century due to the coal mining industry. Its connection to Cumberland Gap made Middlesboro an essential crossroads during early American westward expansion, and today it remains an access point to the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Middlesboro is served by Middlesboro High School, Middlesboro Middle School, and several elementary schools. Significant landmarks include Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, which offers trails, scenic overlooks, and the historic Wilderness Road. Another landmark is the Pinnacle Overlook, which provides breathtaking views of the tri-state area. The town also boasts the historic Lincoln School, one of the earliest African American schools in the region, and the Bell County Historical Society Museum, preserving local history. The Middlesboro Country Club, established in 1889, is one of the oldest continuously operating golf courses in the U.S.
Pineville
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 4.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,700 (as of the 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 40977
- Latitude: 36.7625° N
- Longitude: 83.6941° W
Location and History
Pineville, the county seat of Bell County, lies on the banks of the Cumberland River and is surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains. Originally known as Cumberland Ford, the city was a critical passage for settlers moving west through the Cumberland Gap. The town was officially established in 1870 and renamed Pineville due to the abundance of pine trees in the area. Pineville’s early economy was centered around coal mining, lumber, and river trade. Despite being prone to flooding, the construction of the Pine Mountain State Resort Park and several flood control measures have helped the town remain a vibrant Appalachian community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Pineville is home to Pineville High School and Pineville Independent School District. The city’s major landmarks include the Chained Rock, a large boulder suspended by a chain on Pine Mountain, a popular tourist attraction with breathtaking views. Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Kentucky’s first state park, offers lodging, hiking, and natural beauty. Another important site is the Bell County Courthouse, a symbol of the town’s historic significance. Pineville also hosts the annual Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival, one of the state’s oldest and most beloved traditions, celebrating the region’s rich culture.
Jellico
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 2.0 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,350 (including areas in both Tennessee and Kentucky)
- Zip Codes: 37762 (Tennessee), 40915 (Kentucky region)
- Latitude: 36.5862° N
- Longitude: 84.1257° W
Location and History
Jellico is a small town straddling the Kentucky-Tennessee border, located at the foot of the Cumberland Mountains. The town was founded in the late 19th century as a coal and lumber town, and it quickly became a center for the booming coal industry. Named after the abundance of Jellico Mountain, a variety of coal found in the area, Jellico’s location made it a critical transportation hub during the height of the railroad era. Although much of the coal industry has since declined, Jellico has maintained its identity as a close-knit Appalachian community with rich historical roots.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Jellico is served by the Jellico City School District in Tennessee, though many students from the Kentucky side attend schools in nearby Middlesboro. Landmarks include Indian Mountain State Park, a recreational area that spans both Kentucky and Tennessee, offering opportunities for camping, fishing, and hiking. The town also has historical markers and remnants of old coal mines that are a testament to its past. Additionally, the Jellico Hospital is a key institution in the area, serving both states. The Appalachian culture and mountain scenery continue to define the spirit of Jellico.