Cities and Towns in Greenup County, Kentucky
Founded in 1803, Greenup County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Greenup County was formed from Mason County. The city of Greenup is the county seat. With FIPS code of 89, Greenup County has a population of 35,649 and area of 346 square miles (896 km²).
List of all cities in Greenup County, KY alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Argillite, KY | 41121 | 606 |
| Firebrick, KY | 41174 | 606 |
| Flatwoods, KY | 41139 | 606 |
| Greenup, KY | 41144 | 606 |
| Lloyd, KY | 41144 | 606 |
| Load, KY | 41144 | 606 |
| Oldtown, KY | 41144 | 606 |
| Raceland, KY | 41169 | 606 |
| Russell, KY | 41169 | 606 |
| South Portsmouth, KY | 41174 | 606 |
| South Shore, KY | 41175 | 606 |
| Worthington, KY | 41183 | 606 |
| Wurtland, KY | 41144 | 606 |
Major Cities and Towns in Greenup County, Kentucky
Greenup
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,100 (as of 2023)
- Zip Codes: 41144
- Latitude: 38.5735° N
- Longitude: 82.8304° W
Location and History
Greenup is the county seat of Greenup County, located along the Ohio River in northeastern Kentucky. Established in 1803 and named after Christopher Greenup, an early Kentucky governor, Greenup developed as an important river town. The town’s location on the Ohio River made it a key center for trade and transportation in the 19th century, as steamboats regularly traveled the river, carrying goods such as tobacco, corn, and timber. Greenup grew steadily throughout the 1800s and maintained its role as a local hub for agriculture and river commerce. The city still celebrates its historical roots with events such as the Greenup Old Fashion Days Festival, which highlights the area’s heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Greenup is served by the Greenup County School District, with students attending Greenup County High School and Wurtland Middle School. Notable landmarks in the city include the Greenup County Courthouse, a historic building located downtown, and the McConnell House, an antebellum mansion that offers tours and is used for community events. The Jesse Stuart Nature Preserve, named after the famous Kentucky author Jesse Stuart who lived nearby, provides hiking trails and scenic views along the Ohio River. The Ohio River itself remains a defining feature of Greenup, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and enjoying the river’s natural beauty.
Flatwoods
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 3.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 7,000 (as of 2023)
- Zip Codes: 41139
- Latitude: 38.5193° N
- Longitude: 82.7177° W
Location and History
Flatwoods is one of the largest cities in Greenup County, located in the northeastern part of the county, near the Kentucky-West Virginia border. The town was originally part of a larger settlement called Advance but became Flatwoods in the early 20th century due to the flat, wooded landscape that surrounds it. Flatwoods grew as a suburban community in the post-World War II era, attracting families who worked in nearby Ashland’s industrial plants. While Flatwoods does not have the historical significance of river towns like Greenup, its growth has been tied to the region’s industrial development and its proximity to the Tri-State area of Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Flatwoods is served by the Russell Independent School District, with students attending Russell High School and Russell Middle School. Key landmarks in Flatwoods include the Flatwoods City Park, which offers walking trails, sports fields, and playgrounds for local residents. The town is also home to the Flatwoods Public Library, which serves as a community hub for educational programs and events. The nearby Ohio River offers recreational opportunities, while Flatwoods’ location near Ashland provides easy access to cultural and historical sites in the larger city. Flatwoods continues to thrive as a residential community with a suburban feel.
Russell
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 4.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,200 (as of 2023)
- Zip Codes: 41169
- Latitude: 38.5179° N
- Longitude: 82.6989° W
Location and History
Russell is a city in Greenup County located along the Ohio River, just a few miles southwest of Ashland. Founded in the mid-19th century, Russell was named after landowner George Poage Russell, who played a key role in the town’s early development. The city’s growth was closely tied to the railroad industry, as it became a major hub for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway in the late 1800s. Russell’s riverfront location further enhanced its importance as a transportation center, facilitating trade along the Ohio River. Over time, Russell has developed into a quiet residential community while maintaining its historical connection to the railroad and river industries.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Russell is served by the Russell Independent School District, which includes Russell High School and Russell-McDowell Intermediate School. The city’s notable landmarks include the Russell Railroad Museum, which showcases the city’s history as a key railroad hub, and the Russell Civic Center, which hosts community events and recreational activities. The Ohio River is a defining feature of the town, providing scenic views and opportunities for boating and fishing. Russell is also known for its charming residential neighborhoods and its proximity to the larger city of Ashland, where residents can access additional cultural, educational, and entertainment amenities.
Raceland
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,400 (as of 2023)
- Zip Codes: 41169
- Latitude: 38.5373° N
- Longitude: 82.7263° W
Location and History
Raceland is a small city in northeastern Greenup County, located along U.S. Route 23, a major highway that runs through the region. The town was founded in the early 20th century and originally named Chinnville, after the Chinn family who owned much of the land. In 1924, the town was renamed Raceland after a local horse racing track that operated for a brief period and attracted visitors from across the region. While the racetrack closed in the late 1920s, the town kept the name Raceland and developed as a residential community for those working in nearby Ashland’s industrial plants.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Raceland is part of the Raceland-Worthington Independent School District, with students attending Raceland-Worthington High School and Raceland Middle School. One of the town’s key landmarks is the Raceland Community Center, which hosts various local events, including sports and cultural activities. The Raceland Race Track may no longer exist, but the town still holds pride in its brief association with Kentucky’s famous horse racing tradition. The nearby Ohio River and Greenbo Lake State Park provide residents with opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating, and hiking. Raceland’s quiet neighborhoods and proximity to Ashland make it a popular place for families looking for a peaceful suburban lifestyle.
Worthington
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,500 (as of 2023)
- Zip Codes: 41183
- Latitude: 38.5506° N
- Longitude: 82.7387° W
Location and History
Worthington is a small city in northeastern Greenup County, located along the Ohio River, about 10 miles from Ashland. The town was founded in the late 19th century by W.J. Worthington, who established a blast furnace and iron works in the area, capitalizing on the region’s rich iron ore deposits. The iron industry played a crucial role in the town’s early growth, attracting workers and their families. While the industry has since declined, Worthington transitioned into a quiet residential town. Its location along the Ohio River has continued to make it a scenic and peaceful place to live.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Worthington is part of the Raceland-Worthington Independent School District, with students attending Raceland-Worthington High School. One of the city’s most prominent landmarks is the Worthington City Park, located along the Ohio River, which offers walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The city’s riverfront location provides opportunities for fishing and boating, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities. The nearby Greenbo Lake State Park is also a key attraction for residents and visitors, offering additional recreational opportunities. Worthington’s small-town atmosphere, combined with its natural beauty and historical roots, makes it a charming place to live in Greenup County.