Cities and Towns in Johnson County, Kentucky

Founded in 1843, Johnson County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Johnson County was formed from Floyd County, Lawrence County, and Morgan County. The city of Paintsville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 115, Johnson County has a population of 22,556 and area of 262 square miles (679 km²).

List of all cities in Johnson County, KY alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Barnetts Creek, KY	41256	606
Boons Camp, KY	41204	606
Collista, KY	41222	606
Denver, KY	41222	606
East Point, KY	41216	606
Elna, KY	41219	606
Flatgap, KY	41219	606
Fuget, KY	41219	606
Gillem Branch, KY	41219	606
Hagerhill, KY	41222	606
Johns Creek, KY	41265	606
Keaton, KY	41226	606
Leander, KY	41222	606
Manila, KY	41238	606
Meally, KY	41234	606
Mendola Village, KY	41222	606
Nippa, KY	41240	606
Offutt, KY	41240	606
Oil Springs, KY	41238	606
Paintsville, KY	41240	606
Redbush, KY	41219	606
Riceville, KY	41240	606
River, KY	41254	606
Sitka, KY	41255	606
Staffordsville, KY	41256	606
Stambaugh, KY	41257	606
Swamp Branch, KY	41240	606
Thealka, KY	41240	606
Thelma, KY	41260	606
Tutor Key, KY	41263	606
Van Lear, KY	41265	606
Volga, KY	41219	606
West Van Lear, KY	41268	606
Whitehouse, KY	41240	606
Williamsport, KY	41271	606
Winifred, KY	41219	606
Wittensville, KY	41274	606

Major Cities and Towns in Johnson County, Kentucky

Paintsville

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 6.8 square miles
• Population: Approximately 4,200 (as of 2023)
• Zip Codes: 41240
• Latitude: 37.8142° N
• Longitude: 82.8007° W

Location and History

Paintsville, the county seat of Johnson County, is located in eastern Kentucky along the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River. The city was founded in 1834 and named after nearby Paint Creek, which had been an important site for Native American tribes who left pictographs on the surrounding cliffs. Paintsville grew as a small commercial and trading center for the local farming and timber industries in the 19th century. The arrival of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad in the early 20th century brought significant growth to the area, turning Paintsville into a regional hub for coal transportation. Today, the city is known for its blend of small-town charm, historical significance, and its role as a gateway to the Appalachian Mountains.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Paintsville is served by Paintsville Independent Schools, which includes Paintsville High School and Paintsville Elementary. Johnson Central High School, part of the Johnson County School District, is also nearby. Major landmarks in Paintsville include the historic Mayo Mansion and Mayo Memorial United Methodist Church, both built by coal baron John C.C. Mayo in the early 1900s. The U.S. 23 Country Music Highway Museum pays homage to the region’s rich musical heritage, with tributes to local legends like Loretta Lynn and Chris Stapleton. Paintsville Lake State Park offers recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

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Van Lear

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 4.0 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,200 (as of 2023)
• Zip Codes: 41265
• Latitude: 37.7684° N
• Longitude: 82.7346° W

Location and History

Van Lear, located in southern Johnson County, is a former coal town established in the early 20th century by the Consolidation Coal Company. Named after Van Lear Black, an executive with the company, the town was built to house miners and their families. At its peak, Van Lear was a thriving community with schools, churches, and a hospital, all supported by the coal industry. However, as coal mining declined in the mid-20th century, so did the town’s population. Despite this, Van Lear remains a proud community, known for its connection to country music star Loretta Lynn, who was born in the nearby community of Butcher Hollow.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Van Lear is part of the Johnson County School District, with local students attending schools in Paintsville and other nearby towns. The town’s most famous landmark is Loretta Lynn’s childhood home in Butcher Hollow, which attracts fans from around the world. Another key site is the Van Lear Historical Society Museum, located in the old coal company store, which preserves the town’s coal mining heritage. The Van Lear Days Festival, held annually, celebrates the town’s history with parades, live music, and local crafts. The surrounding hills and trails offer opportunities for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the region.

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Hagerhill

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 3.5 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,000 (as of 2023)
• Zip Codes: 41222
• Latitude: 37.7956° N
• Longitude: 82.7934° W

Location and History

Hagerhill is a small, unincorporated community located just south of Paintsville in Johnson County. The town was named after Daniel Hager, an early settler and prominent figure in the area. Hagerhill grew primarily as an agricultural community, with residents engaged in farming and small-scale commerce. In the 20th century, the town saw some growth due to its proximity to coal mining operations in nearby communities, but it has largely remained a quiet, rural town. Today, Hagerhill offers a peaceful, close-knit environment while benefiting from its proximity to Paintsville.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Hagerhill is part of the Johnson County School District, with students attending nearby schools such as Johnson Central High School and Paintsville High School. One of the town’s key landmarks is the Hager Hill Freewill Baptist Church, which has served the community for generations. The nearby Paintsville Lake State Park offers recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and camping, making it a popular spot for residents and visitors. Additionally, the nearby Mountain Homeplace, a living history museum, showcases life in the region during the 19th century, providing an educational and cultural attraction for locals and tourists alike.

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Flatgap

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 5.6 square miles
• Population: Approximately 800 (as of 2023)
• Zip Codes: 41219
• Latitude: 37.9326° N
• Longitude: 82.9460° W

Location and History

Flatgap is a small, unincorporated community in the northern part of Johnson County, known for its rural beauty and agricultural heritage. The town was established in the early 19th century, and its name reflects the flat terrain that provides a natural gap between the surrounding hills. Flatgap has always been a farming community, with local residents growing crops such as corn and tobacco. Over the years, the town has maintained its rural character, and it remains one of the quieter communities in Johnson County, offering a peaceful lifestyle in the Appalachian foothills.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Flatgap is served by the Johnson County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Paintsville and other towns. A notable landmark in the area is the Flat Gap Community Church, which has been a central part of local life for over a century. The nearby Fishtrap Lake and Wildlife Management Area provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and birdwatching. Flatgap is also home to the annual Flat Gap Day, a local event that brings the community together for food, music, and games. The town’s scenic landscape and quiet atmosphere make it an appealing place for those looking to enjoy the rural beauty of eastern Kentucky.

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Thealka

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: Approximately 1.8 square miles
• Population: Around 600 (as of 2023)
• Zip Codes: 41240
• Latitude: 37.8381° N
• Longitude: 82.7658° W

Location and History

Thealka is a small, unincorporated community located just north of Paintsville in Johnson County. The town was originally a coal camp, developed in the early 20th century by the North East Coal Company. The name “Thealka” is believed to have been derived from the wife of a company official. Thealka thrived during the height of the coal mining industry, but like many coal towns, it saw a decline as coal production decreased in the mid-20th century. Today, Thealka remains a quiet residential community with a strong connection to its coal mining past.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Thealka is part of the Johnson County School District, with students attending Paintsville schools such as Johnson Central High School. The most prominent landmark in the area is Thealka Park, a recreational area offering baseball fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The park also provides access to the Big Sandy River, where residents can enjoy fishing and boating. The community celebrates its history with small local events and gatherings that highlight the town’s coal mining heritage. Despite its small size, Thealka’s rich history and scenic surroundings make it a special part of Johnson County.