Cities and Towns in Carter County, Kentucky

Founded in 1838, Carter County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Carter County was formed from Greenup County and Lawrence County. The city of Grayson is the county seat. With FIPS code of 43, Carter County has a population of 26,412 and area of 411 square miles (1,064 km²).

List of all cities in Carter County, KY alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Ault, KY	41164	606
Brinegar, KY	41164	606
Carter, KY	41128	606
Clark Hill, KY	41164	606
Counts Cross Roads, KY	41164	606
Denton, KY	41132	606
Enterprise, KY	41164	606
Fairview Hill, KY	41146	606
Fitch, KY	41164	606
Fultz, KY	41143	606
Garvin Ridge, KY	41164	606
Gimlet, KY	41164	606
Globe, KY	41164	606
Grahn, KY	41142	606
Grayson, KY	41143	606
Hitchins, KY	41146	606
Ibex, KY	41164	606
Jeriel, KY	41143	606
Johns Run, KY	41143	606
Lawton, KY	41164	606
Limestone, KY	41164	606
Olive Hill, KY	41164	606
Prater, KY	41164	606
Smiths Creek, KY	41128	606
Smoky Valley, KY	41164	606
Soldier, KY	41173	606
Stark, KY	41164	606
Upper Tygart, KY	41164	606
Willard, KY	41181	606
Wolf, KY	41164	606

Major Cities and Towns in Carter County, Kentucky

Grayson

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: 2.9 square miles
• Population: Approximately 4,100 (as of the 2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 41143
• Latitude: 38.3329° N
• Longitude: 82.9487° W

Location and History

Grayson, the county seat of Carter County, is located in northeastern Kentucky, near the junction of Interstate 64 and U.S. Route 60. Founded in 1844 and named after Colonel Robert Grayson, a prominent early settler, the town quickly developed as a center for trade and transportation. Its strategic location along key transportation routes made it a hub for the movement of goods, particularly timber and agricultural products, which fueled its growth in the 19th century. Grayson is also known for its proximity to the beautiful Appalachian foothills and Carter Caves State Resort Park, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Over the years, Grayson has maintained its role as a regional economic and cultural center while embracing its Appalachian roots.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Grayson is served by Carter County Schools, with schools such as East Carter High School and Prichard Elementary School located within the city. Notable landmarks include Carter Caves State Resort Park, which offers hiking trails, cave tours, and camping. The historic Grayson Depot, once a key transportation hub for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, reflects the town’s importance in regional trade. Grayson’s annual Memory Days Festival, held every Memorial Day weekend, celebrates the town’s history and brings the community together for parades, live music, and local crafts. The town’s vibrant downtown area features shops, restaurants, and historic buildings, contributing to its charm.

Olive Hill

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: 1.6 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,500 (as of the 2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 41164
• Latitude: 38.3006° N
• Longitude: 83.1741° W

Location and History

Olive Hill is located in the western part of Carter County, along U.S. Route 60 and the Little Sandy River. Established in the early 1800s, the town was named for the nearby olive trees that settlers found growing in the area. Olive Hill flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a center for the timber and brick industries, with local clay deposits supporting a robust brick manufacturing economy. The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway provided a means of transporting goods to larger markets, further contributing to the town’s growth. Although the brick industry has since declined, Olive Hill remains a close-knit community known for its Appalachian culture and natural beauty.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Olive Hill is served by West Carter High School and Olive Hill Elementary, both part of the Carter County School District. The town’s major landmarks include the Olive Hill Historical Society and the Depot Museum, which preserve the town’s history and showcase artifacts from its industrial past. Tygart Creek, which flows through the town, provides opportunities for fishing and kayaking, while nearby Carter Caves State Resort Park offers outdoor recreation. Olive Hill also hosts the annual Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima Festival, a popular religious and cultural event. The town’s small businesses, historic buildings, and Appalachian charm make it a unique part of Carter County.

Hitchins

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: Unincorporated community
• Population: Approximately 200 (as of 2020 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 41146
• Latitude: 38.2598° N
• Longitude: 82.9404° W

Location and History

Hitchins is a small unincorporated community in southeastern Carter County, located along Kentucky Route 773 and the Little Sandy River. The community grew in the early 20th century around a large iron furnace that provided jobs and economic growth for the area. Hitchins served as a company town, with much of its infrastructure built to support the workers in the iron industry. The town’s history is closely tied to the industrial boom in eastern Kentucky, which was driven by coal, timber, and iron production. Although the iron industry has since faded, Hitchins retains its small-town character and remains a quiet residential area.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Hitchins is part of the Carter County School District, with students attending nearby schools in Grayson. The community’s most notable feature is its proximity to the Little Sandy River, which offers opportunities for fishing and nature exploration. Although there are few major landmarks in Hitchins today, the remnants of its industrial past, including old iron furnaces and historical buildings, reflect its early 20th-century significance. The surrounding rural landscape is ideal for outdoor activities, and Hitchins’ peaceful environment makes it a desirable spot for those seeking a rural lifestyle. Its proximity to Grayson provides access to additional amenities and services.

Denton

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: Unincorporated community
• Population: Approximately 300 (as of 2020 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 41132
• Latitude: 38.2895° N
• Longitude: 82.8987° W

Location and History

Denton is a small unincorporated community located in southern Carter County, near the Boyd County border. The community was founded in the late 19th century as a railroad stop along the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, which was crucial to the transportation of goods such as timber and coal from the Appalachian region. Denton developed as a rural settlement, with its economy centered around agriculture and timber. The town’s growth was modest, and it has remained a small community with deep ties to its rural Appalachian heritage. Denton’s history is representative of many small towns in the region that grew alongside the railroad industry.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Denton is part of the Carter County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Grayson or Olive Hill. The community’s key landmarks include the old Denton Depot, a relic of the town’s railroad past, and several historic churches that have served as the heart of the community for generations. The surrounding area is known for its scenic rolling hills and farmland, offering residents a peaceful, rural environment. Denton’s proximity to the Little Sandy River and nearby forests provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and hunting. The town’s quiet atmosphere and connection to Kentucky’s Appalachian heritage make it a charming and tranquil place to live.

Willard

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: Unincorporated community
• Population: Approximately 250 (as of 2020 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 41181
• Latitude: 38.2521° N
• Longitude: 83.0975° W

Location and History

Willard is a small unincorporated community in northeastern Carter County, nestled along Kentucky Route 1496. The town was established in the late 1800s and was named after Willard R. Green, an influential local figure who helped develop the area. Willard grew as a farming community, with its economy based on agriculture, timber, and small-scale mining operations. The community remained small throughout the 20th century but has retained its rural charm and connection to the surrounding natural landscape. Willard is known for its scenic views and proximity to several natural attractions in the region.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Willard is served by the Carter County School District, with students attending schools in Olive Hill and Grayson. Notable landmarks in the community include several historic churches and the nearby Little Sandy River, which provides recreational opportunities such as fishing and kayaking. Willard’s rural surroundings are ideal for outdoor activities, and the nearby Carter Caves State Resort Park offers additional opportunities for hiking and exploring the region’s natural beauty. The town’s small population and quiet atmosphere make it an appealing place for those looking to enjoy a peaceful, rural lifestyle while being close to the amenities of larger towns like Grayson and Olive Hill.