Cities and Towns in Breathitt County, Kentucky

Founded in 1839, Breathitt County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Breathitt County was formed from Clay County, Perry County and Estill County. The city of Jackson is the county seat. With FIPS code of 25, Breathitt County has a population of 13,553 and area of 495 square miles (1,282 km²).

List of all cities in Breathitt County, KY alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Altro, KY	41339	606
Athol, KY	41307	606
Bays, KY	41310	606
Canoe, KY	41339	606
Clayhole, KY	41317	606
Decoy, KY	41339	606
Elkatawa, KY	41339	606
Frozen Creek, KY	41339	606
Guage, KY	41339	606
Guerrant, KY	41339	606
Haddix, KY	41339	606
Hardshell, KY	41348	606
Jackson, KY	41307	606
	41339	606
Lambric, KY	41339	606
Little, KY	41339	606
Lost Creek, KY	41348	606
Ned, KY	41348	606
Noctor, KY	41339	606
Quicksand, KY	41339	606
Rousseau, KY	41366	606
Saldee, KY	41339	606
Sewell, KY	41385	606
Talbert, KY	41339	606
Taulbee, KY	41385	606
Vancleve, KY	41385	606
Whick, KY	41390	606
Wolf Coal, KY	41339	606
Wolverine, KY	41339	606

Major Cities and Towns in Breathitt County, Kentucky

Jackson

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: 2.7 square miles
• Population: Approximately 2,200 (as of the 2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 41339
• Latitude: 37.5545° N
• Longitude: 83.3832° W

Location and History

Jackson, the county seat of Breathitt County, is situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, along the North Fork of the Kentucky River. Established in 1839, Jackson was named in honor of President Andrew Jackson. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Jackson was notorious for violent family feuds, earning the county the nickname “Bloody Breathitt.” Despite its turbulent past, Jackson developed as a key location for the timber and coal industries due to its proximity to rich natural resources. The arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s further boosted its economic prospects, making it a hub for transportation and trade in the region.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Jackson is served by the Breathitt County School District, with Breathitt High School and Jackson City School being the main educational institutions. One of the city’s key landmarks is the historic Breathitt County Courthouse, built in 1965, which stands as a symbol of the county’s governance and judicial history. The Panbowl Lake, created by damming the North Fork of the Kentucky River, provides opportunities for boating and fishing. Another notable attraction is the Breathitt County Museum, which offers exhibits on local history and culture, including artifacts from the timber and coal industries that shaped the region. Jackson’s Appalachian charm and scenic location continue to attract visitors to the area.

Buckhorn

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: 0.2 square miles
• Population: Approximately 160 (as of the 2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 41721
• Latitude: 37.3448° N
• Longitude: 83.4725° W

Location and History

Buckhorn is a small town located in the southwestern part of Breathitt County, near the border with Perry County. The town is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, close to the Buckhorn Lake and Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park. Buckhorn was founded in the late 1800s by Methodist missionary Rev. Harvey Murdoch, who sought to bring education and religious teachings to the remote Appalachian communities. His efforts led to the establishment of the Buckhorn Children’s Center, which has served as an orphanage and school for decades. The town’s history is closely linked to this mission, and it remains a quiet, close-knit community surrounded by natural beauty.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Buckhorn is home to Buckhorn School, a K-12 institution that serves students from the surrounding rural areas. The town’s major landmarks include Buckhorn Lake and Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, which are popular destinations for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. The Buckhorn Log Cathedral, built by Rev. Murdoch in the early 1900s, is another important site, reflecting the town’s religious and educational roots. Visitors to Buckhorn can enjoy the serene mountain scenery, as well as the recreational opportunities offered by the lake and the surrounding state park, making it a peaceful retreat in the Appalachian region.

Lost Creek

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: Unincorporated community
• Population: Approximately 400 (as of 2020 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 41348
• Latitude: 37.4831° N
• Longitude: 83.4162° W

Location and History

Lost Creek is an unincorporated community in central Breathitt County, located along Kentucky Route 15, about 15 miles from Jackson. The community was established in the early 1800s by settlers attracted to the fertile land along the creek that runs through the area. Like much of Breathitt County, Lost Creek’s early economy was based on agriculture, particularly subsistence farming. The name “Lost Creek” is believed to have originated from early settlers who had difficulty navigating the dense forests and hills of the region. While the community has remained small, it continues to be a quiet residential area with strong ties to the surrounding rural landscape.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Lost Creek is part of the Breathitt County School District, with many students attending schools in nearby Jackson. The community is known for its proximity to several natural landmarks, including the surrounding Appalachian foothills and creeks that offer opportunities for fishing and hiking. The nearby Frozen Creek Nature Preserve is a popular spot for birdwatching and exploring Kentucky’s diverse plant and wildlife. Lost Creek’s rural character and scenic beauty make it a peaceful place to live, reflecting the traditional Appalachian lifestyle that defines much of Breathitt County.

Rousseau

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: Unincorporated community
• Population: Approximately 300 (as of 2020 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 41366
• Latitude: 37.5423° N
• Longitude: 83.2413° W

Location and History

Rousseau is a small, unincorporated community located in eastern Breathitt County, near the headwaters of Troublesome Creek. The area was settled in the early 1800s by families of European descent, who were drawn to the region’s timber resources and the availability of land for farming. Like many Appalachian communities, Rousseau’s economy was historically tied to logging and small-scale farming. The town’s name likely comes from an early settler or landowner in the region. Rousseau has remained a small, close-knit community, with its residents maintaining a traditional rural lifestyle amidst the rugged terrain of the Appalachian Mountains.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Rousseau is part of the Breathitt County School District, and local students typically attend school in Jackson or other nearby towns. The community is surrounded by natural beauty, including the headwaters of Troublesome Creek, which offers fishing and hiking opportunities. The area’s rural landscape, with its rolling hills and dense forests, provides a scenic backdrop for the community. Although Rousseau is small, it is located near several key Appalachian landmarks, including the nearby Robinson Forest, a research forest managed by the University of Kentucky that serves as a natural laboratory for forestry and environmental studies.

Vancleve

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: Unincorporated community
• Population: Approximately 300 (as of 2020 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 41385
• Latitude: 37.5745° N
• Longitude: 83.5226° W

Location and History

Vancleve is an unincorporated community located in western Breathitt County, along the Middle Fork of the Kentucky River. It was named after the Vancleve family, early settlers in the region who established the town in the late 19th century. Vancleve was historically a farming community, with agriculture forming the backbone of the local economy. The area is rich in Appalachian culture, with many residents tracing their roots back to the original settlers of the region. Over the years, Vancleve has remained a small, quiet town with a strong sense of community and a deep connection to the surrounding natural environment.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Vancleve is served by the Breathitt County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Jackson or Buckhorn. The Middle Fork of the Kentucky River is a defining feature of the town, providing opportunities for fishing and other outdoor activities. One of the nearby landmarks is the historic Frozen Creek, which offers hiking trails and natural beauty for outdoor enthusiasts. Vancleve’s rural charm and Appalachian heritage are reflected in the surrounding farms, forests, and small family-owned businesses that dot the landscape. The town is also a short drive from Jackson, where residents can access additional services and amenities.