Cities and Towns in Hancock County, Kentucky
Founded in 1829, Hancock County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Hancock County was formed from Ohio County, Breckinridge County, and Daviess County. The city of Hawesville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 91, Hancock County has a population of 9,064 and area of 189 square miles (490 km²).
List of all cities in Hancock County, KY alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Arrington Corner, KY | 42348 | 270 |
| Hawesville, KY | 42348 | 270 |
| Lewisport, KY | 42351 | 270 |
| Pellville, KY | 42364 | 270 |
Major Cities and Towns in Hancock County, Kentucky
Hawesville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,000 (as of 2023)
- Zip Codes: 42348
- Latitude: 37.8984° N
- Longitude: 86.7539° W
Location and History
Hawesville, the county seat of Hancock County, is located on the southern bank of the Ohio River. Founded in 1829 and named after Richard Hawes, who donated the land for the town, Hawesville grew as a vital river town. Its location on the Ohio River made it an essential hub for transporting goods like tobacco, lumber, and coal during the 19th century. The town’s rich history is closely tied to river trade and agriculture, with its economy initially based on these industries. Today, Hawesville retains its small-town charm while serving as a gateway for industrial activities, particularly due to the presence of local aluminum production plants.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hawesville is part of the Hancock County Public School system, which includes Hancock County High School and Hancock County Middle School. Notable landmarks in Hawesville include the historic Hancock County Courthouse, built in 1865, which remains a central feature of the downtown area. The town’s proximity to the Ohio River offers scenic views and opportunities for boating and fishing. Hawesville also celebrates its history with the annual River Days Festival, which brings the community together to honor its river heritage. Nearby, Vastwood Park provides recreational amenities like a lake, hiking trails, and picnic areas, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities.
Lewisport
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,700 (as of 2023)
- Zip Codes: 42351
- Latitude: 37.9356° N
- Longitude: 86.9036° W
Location and History
Lewisport is a city located in the northern part of Hancock County, also situated along the Ohio River. The town was founded in 1839 and named after Dr. John Lewis, a prominent figure in the area. Like Hawesville, Lewisport’s early growth was fueled by its riverfront location, which made it a key port for shipping agricultural products. The town became well-known during the Civil War for being the birthplace of the ironclad warship CSS Arkansas, which was constructed in a nearby shipyard. Lewisport has evolved from its agricultural roots into a small industrial hub, with several manufacturing plants contributing to its economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lewisport is served by the Hancock County Public Schools, with students attending South Hancock Elementary School and Hancock County High School. Key landmarks in Lewisport include the historic home of Dr. John Lewis, which still stands as a testament to the town’s 19th-century origins. The Ohio River remains a central feature of the town, offering residents and visitors alike opportunities for fishing, boating, and riverside picnics. Lewisport also hosts the annual Heritage Festival, which celebrates the town’s history with food, music, and crafts. Nearby Vastwood Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including a swimming lake, playgrounds, and trails.
Pellville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: Approximately 0.3 square miles
- Population: Around 300 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 42364
- Latitude: 37.7210° N
- Longitude: 86.7783° W
Location and History
Pellville is a small, unincorporated community located in southern Hancock County. Founded in the mid-19th century, Pellville was named after early settler Dr. William Pell. The town developed as a rural farming community, with tobacco and corn being the primary crops. Despite its small size, Pellville played an essential role in the county’s agricultural economy. While it never grew into a major commercial center, it has retained its rural character and remains a quiet residential community surrounded by farmland. The town’s rich soil has continued to support local agriculture, making farming a central part of Pellville’s identity.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Pellville is part of the Hancock County Public School District, with students attending South Hancock Elementary School and Hancock County High School in nearby Lewisport and Hawesville. The town’s main landmarks include the historic Pellville Baptist Church, which has been a gathering place for the community since the late 1800s. The surrounding farmland and scenic countryside offer a peaceful environment, perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and horseback riding. While Pellville does not have many commercial landmarks, its rural charm and close-knit community are central to its appeal, making it a quiet and peaceful place to live.
Patesville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: Approximately 0.4 square miles
- Population: Around 200 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 42368
- Latitude: 37.7073° N
- Longitude: 86.7303° W
Location and History
Patesville is a small, unincorporated community located in southeastern Hancock County. Established in the early 19th century, Patesville was named after the Pate family, early settlers who helped develop the area. Like many towns in Hancock County, Patesville’s economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, with a focus on tobacco, corn, and livestock farming. The community has remained small and rural, with little commercial development over the years. Patesville has a long-standing history of farming, and its residents continue to maintain the traditions of rural life in Kentucky.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Patesville is served by Hancock County Public Schools, with students attending schools in nearby Lewisport and Hawesville. The town’s landmarks include several historic churches and farms that reflect its agricultural heritage. Patesville Baptist Church, founded in the 19th century, continues to serve as a spiritual and social hub for the community. The scenic landscapes surrounding Patesville offer opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, hunting, and exploring the rolling hills and farmlands. Although Patesville is small, its strong sense of community and connection to the land make it a quintessential example of rural life in Hancock County.
Reynolds Station
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: Approximately 0.2 square miles
- Population: Around 150 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 42368
- Latitude: 37.6995° N
- Longitude: 86.7208° W
Location and History
Reynolds Station is a small, unincorporated community located in southeastern Hancock County, near the Daviess County line. Founded in the 19th century, the town was named after the Reynolds family, who were early settlers in the area. Reynolds Station was originally a stop along the railroad, which played a crucial role in transporting agricultural products from the surrounding farms to larger markets. Like other communities in Hancock County, Reynolds Station’s economy has historically been based on agriculture, with tobacco and corn farming being the dominant industries. The town has remained small and quiet, maintaining its rural character.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Reynolds Station is part of the Hancock County School District, with students attending South Hancock Elementary School and Hancock County High School. One of the town’s key landmarks is the historic Reynolds Station Church, which has been a focal point for the community since the 1800s. The surrounding farmlands provide a scenic backdrop, and the rural environment offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, and birdwatching. While Reynolds Station may not have many commercial attractions, its historical roots and agricultural heritage make it an essential part of Hancock County’s rural landscape.
