Cities and Towns in Fayette County, Kentucky

Founded in 1780, Fayette County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Fayette County was formed from Kentucky County. The city of Lexington is the county seat. With FIPS code of 67, Fayette County has a population of 321,793 and area of 284 square miles (736 km²).

List of all cities in Fayette County, KY alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Amazon.com, KY 40598 859
Lexington, KY 40502 859
40503 859
40504 859
40505 859
40506 859
40507 859
40508 859
40509 859
40510 859
40511 859
40512 859
40513 859
40514 859
40515 859
40516 859
40517 859
40522 859
40523 859
40524 859
40526 859
40533 859
40536 859
40544 859
40546 859
40550 859
40555 859
40574 859
40575 859
40576 859
40577 859
40578 859
40579 859
40580 859
40581 859
40582 859
40583 859
40588 859
40591 859
40598 859
Lexmark, KY 40550 859
University of Ky, KY 40506 859
University of Ky Agri Dept, KY 40546 859
University of Ky Med Center, KY 40536 859
University of Ky Res Halls, KY 40526 859

Major Cities and Towns in Fayette County, Kentucky

Lexington

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 286 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 322,000 (as of 2023)
  • Zip Codes: 40502, 40503, 40504, 40505, 40507, 40508, 40509, 40511, and more
  • Latitude: 38.0406° N
  • Longitude: 84.5037° W

Location and History

Lexington, known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” is the second-largest city in Kentucky and the county seat of Fayette County. Located in the heart of the Bluegrass Region, Lexington is roughly 80 miles southeast of Louisville and about 90 miles from Cincinnati, Ohio. The city was founded in 1775, even before Kentucky became a state, and was named after Lexington, Massachusetts, in honor of the first battle of the American Revolutionary War. Lexington grew rapidly in the early 19th century due to its fertile land, which was ideal for raising horses and crops like tobacco. The city became a cultural and economic hub for Kentucky, attracting intellectuals and horse breeders. The University of Kentucky, established in 1865, further cemented Lexington’s place as an educational center. Today, Lexington balances its rich history with modern growth, hosting many events centered around equestrian activities and the bourbon industry.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Lexington is home to numerous educational institutions, including the University of Kentucky, one of the state’s flagship universities, as well as Fayette County Public Schools, such as Henry Clay High School and Lafayette High School. The city’s most notable landmarks include the Kentucky Horse Park, a working horse farm and educational theme park that celebrates the horse industry, and Keeneland Race Course, a historic venue for thoroughbred racing. Other key landmarks include Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate, and the Mary Todd Lincoln House, reflecting Lexington’s deep historical ties. The vibrant downtown area features the Lexington Opera House and the Lexington Convention Center, making it a cultural hub in central Kentucky.


Athens

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: Approximately 0.5 square miles
  • Population: Around 40 (as of 2023)
  • Zip Code: 40515
  • Latitude: 37.9093° N
  • Longitude: 84.3527° W

Location and History

Athens is a small, unincorporated community located in southeastern Fayette County, roughly 12 miles from downtown Lexington. Athens was originally settled in the late 18th century and was named after Athens, Greece, as part of the 19th-century trend of naming American towns after classical cities. Originally known as Cross Plains, it was an important trading post and stagecoach stop in the early 1800s, serving travelers and farmers in the region. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century diminished the town’s prominence, as trade routes shifted away from Athens. Today, it is a quiet, rural community that retains much of its historical charm, with several preserved buildings from its early years.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Athens is served by Fayette County Public Schools, with students attending schools in nearby Lexington, including Henry Clay High School. One of the major landmarks in Athens is the Athens Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This district includes several well-preserved homes and buildings from the 19th century, offering a glimpse into the town’s early history. Another key landmark is the Athens-Boonesborough Road, a historic route that was once a major thoroughfare in the region. The surrounding countryside, with its rolling hills and farmland, is a notable feature of Athens, making it a scenic and peaceful community within Fayette County.


Little Texas

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: Approximately 0.2 square miles
  • Population: Around 50 (as of 2023)
  • Zip Code: 40511
  • Latitude: 38.1009° N
  • Longitude: 84.4962° W

Location and History

Little Texas is a small, unincorporated community located in northern Fayette County, a few miles from the Lexington Blue Grass Airport and roughly 10 miles from downtown Lexington. The origin of the name “Little Texas” is uncertain, but it may have been named by settlers who came from Texas or had connections to the state. Little Texas developed as a rural farming community in the 19th century, with tobacco and livestock farming being the main economic activities. While the community has remained small, it has preserved its rural character, with many families living in the area for generations.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Little Texas is part of the Fayette County Public School system, with students typically attending schools in nearby Lexington, such as Bryan Station High School. The community is surrounded by farmland and scenic landscapes, which are some of its most defining features. Although Little Texas does not have many formal landmarks, its proximity to Masterson Station Park, one of Lexington’s largest parks, provides residents with access to outdoor recreation, including hiking, horseback riding, and sports facilities. The rural charm and close proximity to Lexington make Little Texas an appealing place for those seeking a quieter lifestyle while still having access to urban amenities.


Jonestown

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: Approximately 0.3 square miles
  • Population: Around 100 (as of 2023)
  • Zip Code: 40516
  • Latitude: 38.0486° N
  • Longitude: 84.4098° W

Location and History

Jonestown is a small, unincorporated community located in eastern Fayette County, just outside the urban boundaries of Lexington. The town was likely founded in the mid-19th century as a rural farming community, with tobacco and hemp farming serving as the primary industries. Jonestown has remained largely residential and agricultural, with most of the town’s growth and development centered around Lexington’s expanding suburban areas. While small, Jonestown is part of the greater Lexington metropolitan area, offering its residents both a rural environment and easy access to the city’s amenities.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Jonestown is served by Fayette County Public Schools, with students attending schools in Lexington, including Frederick Douglass High School. The community’s main attractions are its rural landscapes and the historic farms that dot the surrounding countryside. Though Jonestown itself does not have many formal landmarks, its proximity to the Boone Station State Historic Site is significant. This site marks the location of an early frontier settlement established by Daniel Boone in the late 18th century, offering visitors a glimpse into Kentucky’s early pioneer history. Jonestown’s quiet, pastoral setting and connection to Lexington make it an appealing location for those seeking a blend of rural and suburban life.