Cities and Towns in Hopkins County, Kentucky
Founded in 1806, Hopkins County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Hopkins County was formed from Henderson County. The city of Madisonville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 107, Hopkins County has a population of 45,138 and area of 551 square miles (1,427 km²).
List of all cities in Hopkins County, KY alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Beulah, KY | 42408 | 270 |
| Carbondale, KY | 42408 | 270 |
| Charleston, KY | 42408 | 270 |
| Dawson Springs, KY | 42408 | 270 |
| Earlington, KY | 42410 | 270 |
| Hanson, KY | 42413 | 270 |
| Madisonville, KY | 42431 | 270 |
| Manitou, KY | 42436 | 270 |
| Mortons Gap, KY | 42440 | 270 |
| Nebo, KY | 42441 | 270 |
| Nortonville, KY | 42442 | 270 |
| Saint Charles, KY | 42453 | 270 |
| White Plns, KY | 42464 | 270 |
Major Cities and Towns in Hopkins County, Kentucky
Madisonville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 18.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 19,500 (as of 2023)
- Zip Codes: 42431
- Latitude: 37.3281° N
- Longitude: 87.4989° W
Location and History
Madisonville is the county seat and largest city in Hopkins County, located in western Kentucky. Founded in 1807 and named after President James Madison, Madisonville originally developed as a farming and trading center. By the late 19th century, the town experienced rapid growth due to the discovery of coal in the region, making coal mining the dominant industry. The city’s expansion was further fueled by the arrival of the railroad, which connected Madisonville to larger markets and cities. Today, Madisonville continues to be an important economic and cultural hub in western Kentucky, with a mix of industry, healthcare, and educational services contributing to its economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Madisonville is served by the Hopkins County School District, which includes Madisonville North Hopkins High School and James Madison Middle School. One of the city’s most notable landmarks is Mahr Park, a vast recreational area offering trails, fishing, and community events. The Glema Mahr Center for the Arts, located on the campus of Madisonville Community College, hosts cultural performances and exhibitions. Another important historical site is the Ruby Laffoon House, the birthplace of Kentucky Governor Ruby Laffoon. Madisonville also celebrates its heritage with events like the annual 4th Fest and Veterans Day Parade, drawing visitors from across the region.
Dawson Springs
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 3.8 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,500 (as of 2023)
- Zip Codes: 42408
- Latitude: 37.1678° N
- Longitude: 87.6899° W
Location and History
Dawson Springs is a small city located in the southwestern part of Hopkins County. Founded in the late 1800s, Dawson Springs became known as a health resort destination due to its natural mineral springs, which were believed to have healing properties. The town quickly gained a reputation as a “spa city” and attracted visitors from across the country who sought treatment at its springs and health resorts. By the early 20th century, Dawson Springs was a booming tourist town with numerous hotels, bathhouses, and resorts. While the spa industry eventually declined, the town remains proud of its history as a resort destination and is now a gateway to Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Dawson Springs is served by the Dawson Springs Independent School District, which includes Dawson Springs High School and Dawson Springs Elementary. The city’s most significant landmark is the Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, which offers hiking, boating, fishing, and a lodge that welcomes visitors year-round. The historic Riverside Inn, one of the original resort hotels, still stands as a reminder of the town’s spa-era past. The city also hosts the annual Dawson Springs BBQ Festival, drawing people from across the region. Despite its small size, Dawson Springs continues to attract nature lovers and those seeking a quiet retreat in western Kentucky.
Earlington
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,400 (as of 2023)
- Zip Codes: 42410
- Latitude: 37.2734° N
- Longitude: 87.5127° W
Location and History
Earlington is a small city located in the northern part of Hopkins County, originally founded in 1870 as a coal mining town. The town was named after John Baylis Earlington, a railroad executive who was instrumental in its development. Coal mining quickly became the lifeblood of Earlington’s economy, and the town grew around the coal industry. For much of the 20th century, Earlington thrived as a coal town with a bustling economy supported by miners and their families. As coal production declined in the latter part of the century, Earlington shifted towards a quieter residential community, retaining much of its historical charm and connection to its coal heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Earlington is part of the Hopkins County School District, with students attending schools such as South Hopkins Middle School and Madisonville North Hopkins High School. Notable landmarks include the historic Earlington Civic Center, which was once a central gathering place for miners and their families and now serves as a community event space. The surrounding countryside offers scenic views, and remnants of the town’s coal mining past can still be seen in some of the older buildings and mines. Earlington celebrates its history with community events, including local festivals that honor its coal mining heritage and close-knit community atmosphere.
Mortons Gap
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.0 square miles
- Population: Approximately 900 (as of 2023)
- Zip Codes: 42440
- Latitude: 37.2395° N
- Longitude: 87.4717° W
Location and History
Mortons Gap is a small town in southern Hopkins County, located just off Interstate 69. Established in the late 1800s, the town was named after local landowner and businessman John Morton, who helped lay out the town. Mortons Gap developed as a coal mining town, similar to many other communities in the region, with coal mining serving as the primary source of employment and economic growth. Over the years, the town’s economy has diversified, though it remains rooted in its agricultural and coal mining past. Today, Mortons Gap is a quiet residential community that reflects the slower pace of life typical in rural Kentucky.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mortons Gap is served by the Hopkins County School District, with students attending South Hopkins Middle School and Madisonville North Hopkins High School. The town is home to several small parks, providing recreational spaces for local families. One of the town’s notable landmarks is the Mortons Gap City Hall, a symbol of its tight-knit community. The town’s location near Lake Beshear and Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park offers residents easy access to outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and camping. Mortons Gap’s small-town charm, combined with its proximity to larger cities like Madisonville, makes it a desirable place for those seeking a quiet lifestyle.
Hanson
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,200 (as of 2023)
- Zip Codes: 42413
- Latitude: 37.4184° N
- Longitude: 87.4711° W
Location and History
Hanson is a small town in northern Hopkins County, known for its historic downtown and connection to the railroad industry. Founded in 1869 and named after Henry B. Hanson, a railway promoter, the town quickly grew around the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, which ran through the area. Hanson became a significant stop along the railroad, and much of its early growth can be attributed to the shipping and transportation of coal and agricultural products. The town has managed to preserve much of its 19th-century architecture, and its downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hanson is part of the Hopkins County School District, with local students attending Hanson Elementary School and Madisonville North Hopkins High School. The town’s most significant landmark is its historic downtown district, which features well-preserved Victorian-style buildings and homes that date back to the late 1800s. The Hanson Depot, once a busy railroad station, is now a key part of the town’s historical narrative. The nearby Kentucky Wildlife Management Area offers outdoor recreational opportunities, including hunting and hiking. Hanson’s small size, combined with its rich history and scenic surroundings, makes it a charming and peaceful place to live.
Nebo
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 250 (as of 2023)
- Zip Codes: 42441
- Latitude: 37.3872° N
- Longitude: 87.6405° W
Location and History
Nebo is a small rural community in western Hopkins County, established in the late 19th century. The town was named after Mount Nebo in the Bible, reflecting the strong religious roots of its early settlers. Like many towns in Hopkins County, Nebo developed as a coal mining community, with local residents working in nearby mines. Although coal production declined over the years, Nebo remained a quiet agricultural town, with farming playing an essential role in the local economy. Today, Nebo maintains its rural charm, with a focus on farming and family-owned businesses.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Nebo is served by the Hopkins County School District, with students attending schools in nearby towns such as West Hopkins Elementary School and Madisonville North Hopkins High School. Key landmarks in Nebo include several historic churches that have been central to the town’s community life for generations. The surrounding countryside offers scenic beauty, with rolling hills and farmland defining the area’s landscape. Nebo’s proximity to Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, including camping, fishing, and hiking. Despite its small size, Nebo’s strong sense of community and peaceful rural setting make it an appealing place for those seeking a quiet, agricultural lifestyle.
