Cities and Towns in Knox County, Kentucky
Founded in 1799, Knox County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Knox County was formed from Lincoln County. The city of Barbourville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 121, Knox County has a population of 29,909 and area of 388 square miles (1,005 km²).
List of all cities in Knox County, KY alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Artemus, KY | 40903 | 606 |
| Bailey Switch, KY | 40906 | 606 |
| Barbourville, KY | 40906 | 606 |
| Baughman, KY | 40906 | 606 |
| Bimble, KY | 40915 | 606 |
| Bryants Store, KY | 40921 | 606 |
| Cannon, KY | 40923 | 606 |
| Crane Nest, KY | 40906 | 606 |
| Dewitt, KY | 40930 | 606 |
| Flat Lick, KY | 40935 | 606 |
| Gausdale, KY | 40906 | 606 |
| Girdler, KY | 40943 | 606 |
| Gray, KY | 40734 | 606 |
| Green Road, KY | 40946 | 606 |
| Heidrick, KY | 40949 | 606 |
| Himyar, KY | 40906 | 606 |
| Hinkle, KY | 40953 | 606 |
| Jarvis, KY | 40906 | 606 |
| Kayjay, KY | 40906 | 606 |
| Mills, KY | 40935 | 606 |
| Salt Gum, KY | 40935 | 606 |
| Scalf, KY | 40982 | 606 |
| Swanpond, KY | 40906 | 606 |
| Tedders, KY | 40906 | 606 |
| Trosper, KY | 40995 | 606 |
| Walker, KY | 40997 | 606 |
| Woodbine, KY | 40771 | 606 |
| Woollum, KY | 40906 | 606 |
Major Cities and Towns in Knox County, Kentucky
Barbourville
Area, Population, and Zip Codes:
- Area: 3.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,200 residents
- Zip Code: 40906
- Latitude: 36.8662° N
- Longitude: 83.8880° W
City Location and History:
Barbourville, the county seat of Knox County, is located in southeastern Kentucky, along the banks of the Cumberland River. Established in 1800, the town was named after James Barbour, a pioneer settler who played a key role in the region’s development. Barbourville has a rich historical significance as the site of one of the first Civil War battles fought in Kentucky in 1861, known as the Battle of Barbourville. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Barbourville thrived as a commercial hub, driven by the timber and coal industries, which were vital to the region’s economy. Today, Barbourville remains a vibrant small town with a focus on education, commerce, and tourism, serving as the home of Union College, a private liberal arts institution founded in 1879.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Barbourville is served by the Knox County Public Schools system and is home to Union College, which plays a significant role in the community. The town’s key landmarks include the Daniel Boone Festival, an annual event celebrating the area’s pioneer heritage, and the Dr. Thomas Walker State Historic Site, which commemorates one of the earliest explorers of Kentucky. The Knox County Courthouse, located in downtown Barbourville, is another historical landmark. The surrounding Appalachian foothills offer outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating. Barbourville’s blend of historical significance, educational institutions, and scenic beauty make it an important cultural center in Knox County.
Corbin (Partly in Knox County)
Area, Population, and Zip Codes:
- Area: 7.9 square miles (partly in Knox County)
- Population: Approximately 7,500 residents (in Knox County)
- Zip Codes: 40701, 40702
- Latitude: 36.9451° N
- Longitude: 84.0963° W
City Location and History:
Corbin is a historic town that straddles both Knox and Whitley Counties in southeastern Kentucky. Founded in the late 19th century, Corbin grew rapidly as a railroad town due to its location along the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. Corbin’s industrial and commercial growth was fueled by the region’s rich natural resources, including coal and timber. The town is famously associated with Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), who opened his first restaurant, the Harland Sanders Café, in Corbin during the 1930s. Today, Corbin is a bustling commercial and transportation hub, attracting tourists with its historical significance and natural attractions.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Corbin is served by the Corbin Independent School District and the Knox County School District, with students attending schools such as Corbin High School. Notable landmarks in Corbin include the Harland Sanders Café and Museum, which celebrates the life and legacy of Colonel Sanders, and the nearby Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, known for its majestic waterfall and the famous “moonbow” phenomenon. The town’s historic downtown area offers shopping, dining, and cultural events like the annual NIBROC Festival. Corbin’s mix of historical charm and access to natural beauty makes it a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
Artemus
Area, Population, and Zip Codes:
- Area: Unincorporated community
- Population: Approximately 700 residents
- Zip Code: 40903
- Latitude: 36.8587° N
- Longitude: 83.8877° W
City Location and History:
Artemus is a small, unincorporated community located just southeast of Barbourville in Knox County. The town was founded in the late 19th century and developed as a coal mining and railroad community, with the Louisville and Nashville Railroad playing a significant role in its early growth. Artemus served as a shipping point for coal and other natural resources extracted from the surrounding Appalachian hills. While the decline of the coal industry has slowed the town’s growth, Artemus remains a small, close-knit community with a rich history tied to the region’s mining heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Artemus is served by the Knox County School District, with students attending nearby schools such as Knox Central High School. The community is home to several historic churches and small businesses that reflect its history as a mining town. Artemus is also close to the Dr. Thomas Walker State Historic Site, which offers a glimpse into the life of one of Kentucky’s earliest explorers. The nearby Cumberland River provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation, while the surrounding hills offer scenic hiking trails. Artemus’s peaceful rural setting and historical roots make it an ideal location for those seeking a quiet lifestyle.
Flat Lick
Area, Population, and Zip Codes:
- Area: Unincorporated community
- Population: Approximately 1,000 residents
- Zip Code: 40935
- Latitude: 36.8550° N
- Longitude: 83.7583° W
City Location and History:
Flat Lick is a small, unincorporated community located in northeastern Knox County. The town has a long history, dating back to the early 19th century, when it served as an important crossroads for settlers traveling along the Wilderness Road. The name “Flat Lick” refers to a natural salt lick in the area, which attracted wildlife and early settlers alike. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the town grew as a coal mining center, with many residents working in the nearby mines. While the coal industry has declined, Flat Lick remains a rural community with strong ties to its historical past.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Flat Lick is served by the Knox County School District, with Flat Lick Elementary School and Knox Central High School providing education for local students. Landmarks in the area include historic churches and the remnants of old mining structures that harken back to the town’s coal-mining days. The nearby Pine Mountain offers scenic views and outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching, making it a popular destination for nature lovers. Flat Lick’s proximity to the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park also provides residents and visitors with opportunities to explore Kentucky’s pioneer history and Appalachian landscapes.
Gray
Area, Population, and Zip Codes:
- Area: Unincorporated community
- Population: Approximately 2,300 residents
- Zip Code: 40734
- Latitude: 36.9239° N
- Longitude: 84.0203° W
City Location and History:
Gray is a small, unincorporated community located in the southern part of Knox County, near the border with Whitley County. The town was established in the late 19th century as a railroad stop on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. Gray grew as a farming and coal mining community, with many of its residents working in agriculture and nearby coal mines. Over time, the town has developed into a residential area, with its proximity to larger towns such as Corbin and Barbourville providing residents with access to employment and services. Gray retains its rural charm while benefiting from its location along U.S. Route 25E.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Gray is part of the Knox County School District, with Gray Elementary School serving younger students, and older students attending Knox Central High School. The town’s landmarks include several historic churches and small family-owned businesses that have served the community for generations. Gray’s location near Laurel River Lake and the Daniel Boone National Forest offers residents opportunities for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking. The town’s rural setting, combined with its access to modern amenities, makes it an attractive place for those seeking a quiet lifestyle with the conveniences of nearby urban centers.
Girdler
Area, Population, and Zip Codes:
- Area: Unincorporated community
- Population: Approximately 1,500 residents
- Zip Code: 40943
- Latitude: 36.9108° N
- Longitude: 83.8769° W
City Location and History:
Girdler is a small, unincorporated community located in Knox County, north of Barbourville. The town developed in the late 19th century as a coal mining and agricultural community. Named after an early family that settled in the area, Girdler grew with the expansion of the coal industry, which brought jobs and economic activity to the region. While the coal industry has since declined, Girdler has maintained its rural character, with many residents continuing to farm the surrounding land. The town’s quiet, peaceful atmosphere and scenic surroundings make it a popular spot for those seeking a slower pace of life.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Girdler is served by the Knox County School District, with Girdler Elementary School and Knox Central High School providing education for local students. Landmarks in the community include historic churches and family farms, many of which have been passed down through generations. Girdler’s location near the Cumberland River and the Pine Mountain State Resort Park offers residents access to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. The town’s rural charm, combined with its proximity to Barbourville, makes it an ideal location for those who appreciate a quiet, country lifestyle while still being close to necessary amenities.
