Cities and Towns in Harlan County, Kentucky

Founded in 1819, Harlan County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Harlan County was formed from Knox County. The city of Harlan is the county seat. With FIPS code of 95, Harlan County has a population of 26,164 and area of 467 square miles (1,210 km²).

List of all cities in Harlan County, KY alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Ages, KY 40801 606
Ages Brookside, KY 40801 606
Alva, KY 40863 606
Bailey Creek, KY 40828 606
Baxter, KY 40806 606
Benham, KY 40807 606
Big Laurel, KY 40808 606
Bledsoe, KY 40810 606
Brookside, KY 40801 606
Cawood, KY 40815 606
Chad, KY 40823 606
Chevrolet, KY 40831 606
Closplint, KY 40927 606
Coalgood, KY 40818 606
Coldiron, KY 40819 606
Cranks, KY 40820 606
Crummies, KY 40815 606
Cumberland, KY 40823 606
Dayhoit, KY 40824 606
Dizney, KY 40828 606
Evarts, KY 40828 606
Grays Knob, KY 40829 606
Gulston, KY 40830 606
Harlan, KY 40831 606
Hiram, KY 40823 606
Holmes Mill, KY 40843 606
Keith, KY 40806 606
Kenvir, KY 40847 606
Lejunior, KY 40849 606
Louellen, KY 40828 606
Loyall, KY 40854 606
Lynch, KY 40855 606
Mary Alice, KY 40964 606
Molus, KY 40819 606
Oven Fork, KY 40823 606
Pathfork, KY 40863 606
Pine Mountain, KY 40810 606
Putney, KY 40865 606
Redbud, KY 40828 606
Smith, KY 40831 606
Three Point, KY 40815 606
Totz, KY 40870 606
Wallins, KY 40873 606
Wallins Creek, KY 40873 606
Woods, KY 40828 606
Yocum Creek, KY 40828 606

Major Cities and Towns in Harlan County, Kentucky

Harlan

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 1.8 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 1,700 (as of 2023)
  • Zip Codes: 40831
  • Latitude: 36.8430° N
  • Longitude: 83.3202° W

Location and History

Harlan, the county seat of Harlan County, is located in southeastern Kentucky, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. Established in 1819 and named after Major Silas Harlan, a pioneer and soldier, the city grew with the rise of coal mining in the early 20th century. Harlan became a significant coal town, attracting workers from across the region, and played a key role in the development of the coal industry in Kentucky. The city and the surrounding county were also the site of labor disputes in the 1930s, known as the “Harlan County War,” a series of violent clashes between miners and coal operators. Despite the decline in coal mining in recent decades, Harlan remains a symbol of Appalachian culture and resilience.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Harlan is served by the Harlan Independent School District, with Harlan High School being the main educational institution. One of the city’s key landmarks is the historic Harlan County Courthouse, which stands as a symbol of the region’s political and social history. The Kentucky Coal Museum, located in nearby Benham, provides insight into the area’s rich coal mining heritage. Harlan is also near the Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail, offering outdoor enthusiasts opportunities for hiking and exploring the Appalachian Mountains. The city’s small-town charm, combined with its deep historical significance, makes it a vital part of Kentucky’s coal mining legacy.


Cumberland

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 3.5 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 2,100 (as of 2023)
  • Zip Codes: 40823
  • Latitude: 36.9784° N
  • Longitude: 82.9868° W

Location and History

Cumberland is a city located in the northeastern part of Harlan County, near the borders of Virginia and Tennessee. Founded in 1826, the city was initially known as Poor Fork, named after the nearby Cumberland River. With the arrival of the coal industry in the late 1800s, Cumberland expanded rapidly as coal mining became the central economic activity. The city was renamed after the Cumberland River, which played an essential role in the transportation of coal and goods. Like much of Harlan County, Cumberland’s economy was dominated by coal mining throughout the 20th century. Today, while the coal industry has declined, Cumberland remains a proud community with strong ties to its Appalachian heritage.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Cumberland is served by Harlan County Public Schools, with students attending Cumberland Elementary School and Harlan County High School. Key landmarks in Cumberland include the Kingdom Come State Park, which offers hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and rock formations such as Log Rock. The park is named after John Fox Jr.’s novel The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come and reflects the area’s natural beauty. The nearby Portal 31 Exhibition Mine allows visitors to tour an actual coal mine and learn about the region’s mining history. Cumberland is also home to several historic churches that date back to the city’s early days, further emphasizing its deep cultural roots.


Evarts

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.6 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 950 (as of 2023)
  • Zip Codes: 40828
  • Latitude: 36.8667° N
  • Longitude: 83.1920° W

Location and History

Evarts is a small city located in central Harlan County, along the Clover Fork of the Cumberland River. The town was founded in 1911 and named after a local family. Evarts grew rapidly as coal mining expanded in the region, and like many towns in Harlan County, it became dependent on the coal industry for jobs and economic growth. The town was the site of significant labor unrest during the 1930s, particularly during the Battle of Evarts in 1931, when striking miners clashed with coal company guards. This period of labor conflict left a lasting legacy on the town and its residents, who are proud of their role in the labor movement.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Evarts is served by the Harlan County Public Schools, with students attending Black Mountain Elementary School and Harlan County High School. One of the town’s most notable landmarks is the Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area, located near the highest point in Kentucky, Black Mountain. This area attracts outdoor enthusiasts for ATV riding, hiking, and camping. Another key site is the Clover Fork River, which offers opportunities for fishing and kayaking. The Evarts Memorial Park serves as a gathering place for community events, while the town’s history is remembered through its connection to coal mining and labor struggles.


Benham

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.5 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 500 (as of 2023)
  • Zip Codes: 40807
  • Latitude: 36.9651° N
  • Longitude: 82.9532° W

Location and History

Benham is a small town located in northern Harlan County, near the Virginia border. Established in 1911 by the Wisconsin Steel Corporation, a subsidiary of U.S. Steel, Benham was a classic company town built around the coal mining industry. The company constructed homes, schools, and stores for miners and their families, creating a close-knit community centered around coal production. At its peak, Benham was one of the most modern mining towns in the region. However, as coal production declined, the town’s population decreased. Today, Benham is a quiet community that preserves its rich history through museums and historical sites.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Benham is served by Harlan County Public Schools, with students attending schools in nearby Cumberland and Harlan County High School. The town’s most famous landmark is the Kentucky Coal Museum, which offers a comprehensive look at the coal mining industry and its impact on the region. The museum is located in the former company commissary building, preserving the town’s industrial heritage. The nearby Benham Schoolhouse Inn, once a school for local children, is now a hotel that offers a unique glimpse into the town’s past. Benham’s historical significance, combined with its scenic location in the Appalachian Mountains, makes it a notable destination for history enthusiasts.


Loyall

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.4 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 600 (as of 2023)
  • Zip Codes: 40854
  • Latitude: 36.8450° N
  • Longitude: 83.3530° W

Location and History

Loyall is a small city located in the central part of Harlan County, along the Cumberland River. Originally named “Shonn” after a local coal company, the town was renamed Loyall in 1922 in honor of John Loyall, an executive with the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. The town developed as a key transportation hub for the coal industry, with the railroad playing a vital role in transporting coal to other parts of the country. Loyall’s economy, like much of the region, was tied to the rise and fall of the coal industry. Though small, Loyall remains a close-knit community with deep ties to the region’s mining history.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Loyall is part of the Harlan County Public Schools, with students attending schools in nearby Harlan. A notable landmark in the town is the Loyall City Park, which offers recreational facilities and hosts local events throughout the year. The Cumberland River provides opportunities for fishing and kayaking, and the surrounding Appalachian Mountains offer scenic views and hiking trails. While the town’s coal mines are no longer active, Loyall’s history as a railroad and coal town is remembered through its preserved buildings and community events. Its small size and proximity to Harlan make it a quiet, residential community ideal for families.