Cities and Towns in Laurel County, Kentucky
Founded in 1825, Laurel County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Laurel County was formed from Rockcastle County, Clay County, Knox County and Whitley County. The city of London is the county seat. With FIPS code of 125, Laurel County has a population of 62,561 and area of 436 square miles (1,129 km²).
List of all cities in Laurel County, KY alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Bush, KY | 40724 | 606 |
East Bernstadt, KY | 40729 | 606 |
Keavy, KY | 40737 | 606 |
Lily, KY | 40740 | 606 |
London, KY | 40741 | 606 |
40742 | 606 | |
40743 | 606 | |
40744 | 606 | |
40745 | 606 | |
Marydell, KY | 40741 | 606 |
Pittsburg, KY | 40755 | 606 |
Sasser, KY | 40741 | 606 |
Symbol, KY | 40729 | 606 |
Tuttle, KY | 40741 | 606 |
Victory, KY | 40729 | 606 |
Major Cities and Towns in Laurel County, Kentucky
London
Area, Population, and Zip Codes:
- Area: 11.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 8,000 residents
- Zip Codes: 40741, 40744, 40745
- Latitude: 37.1289° N
- Longitude: 84.0833° W
City Location and History:
London, the county seat of Laurel County, is located in southeastern Kentucky along Interstate 75, making it a major transportation and commercial hub for the region. The town was founded in 1836 and is believed to have been named after London, England, due to the English roots of some of its early settlers. Historically, London’s economy was based on agriculture and small-scale industries, but over the years, it has grown into a thriving commercial center. The city is known for hosting the annual World Chicken Festival, celebrating the legacy of Colonel Harland Sanders, who developed his famous Kentucky Fried Chicken recipe nearby. London’s strategic location has fostered continued growth, with tourism and industry playing significant roles in its modern economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
London is served by the Laurel County School District, which includes North Laurel High School and South Laurel High School. Major landmarks include the Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park, which preserves the history of the early pioneers who traveled through the region, and the Laurel County History Museum. The city’s downtown area features historic buildings and shops, while nearby Camp Wildcat Civil War Battlefield commemorates a key Union victory. London also offers numerous outdoor recreational activities, with the Daniel Boone National Forest providing opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring the natural beauty of southeastern Kentucky.
Corbin (Partly in Laurel County)
Area, Population, and Zip Codes:
- Area: 7.9 square miles (in Laurel County)
- Population: Approximately 7,000 residents (in Laurel County)
- Zip Codes: 40701, 40702
- Latitude: 36.9451° N
- Longitude: 84.0963° W
City Location and History:
Corbin, located partially in Laurel County and partially in Whitley County, is a historic town with strong ties to the region’s transportation and commercial development. Established in the late 19th century, Corbin grew rapidly as a railroad town, serving as a major stop on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. Corbin is famously associated with Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, who opened his first restaurant in the town during the 1930s. The Harland Sanders Café and Museum remains a popular attraction for visitors. Corbin’s strategic location along I-75 and U.S. Route 25 has helped the town grow as a commercial and tourist hub.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Corbin is served by both the Laurel County and Corbin Independent School Districts, with schools such as Corbin High School and South Laurel High School. Major landmarks include the Harland Sanders Café and Museum, dedicated to the life and legacy of Colonel Sanders, and the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, located just outside Corbin, which features the famous “Moonbow” phenomenon. The town’s historic downtown area offers shops, restaurants, and events like the NIBROC Festival, an annual celebration that draws visitors from across the region. Corbin’s combination of history, commerce, and natural beauty makes it a key part of Laurel County’s economy and culture.
East Bernstadt
Area, Population, and Zip Codes:
- Area: 2.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 700 residents
- Zip Code: 40729
- Latitude: 37.2031° N
- Longitude: 84.1254° W
City Location and History:
East Bernstadt is a small community located just north of London in Laurel County. The town was founded in the late 19th century as a result of the railroad expansion in the area and was primarily supported by the coal mining industry. East Bernstadt grew as a working-class town, with many residents employed in mining, timber, and railroad-related jobs. The town has retained much of its small-town charm, even as the local economy has shifted toward manufacturing and other industries. The surrounding Appalachian foothills add to the town’s scenic beauty and rural character.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
East Bernstadt is served by the Laurel County School District, with East Bernstadt Independent School providing education for younger students, while older students attend North Laurel High School in nearby London. The town’s landmarks include historic churches and homes that date back to its early days as a coal mining town. The Daniel Boone National Forest, located nearby, offers residents and visitors access to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. East Bernstadt’s small size and rural location provide a peaceful lifestyle for its residents, while still being close to the amenities and services of nearby London.
North Corbin
Area, Population, and Zip Codes:
- Area: Unincorporated community
- Population: Approximately 1,800 residents
- Zip Code: 40701
- Latitude: 37.0100° N
- Longitude: 84.0740° W
City Location and History:
North Corbin is an unincorporated community located just north of Corbin and partially within Laurel County. The area developed as an extension of Corbin, benefiting from its proximity to the town’s railroad and industrial growth. North Corbin has grown steadily as a residential area for people who work in Corbin or nearby London, while still retaining a rural feel. The community is known for its connection to the early history of Kentucky Fried Chicken, with the original Harland Sanders Café located in the area.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
North Corbin is served by the Laurel County School District, with students attending South Laurel High School. The most notable landmark in North Corbin is the Harland Sanders Café and Museum, which draws visitors from all over to learn about the beginnings of Kentucky Fried Chicken. The community is also close to the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, offering hiking trails, scenic views, and camping opportunities. North Corbin’s location along I-75 makes it a convenient residential area for those commuting to nearby cities while offering access to natural beauty and recreational activities.
Keavy
Area, Population, and Zip Codes:
- Area: Unincorporated community
- Population: Approximately 1,200 residents
- Zip Code: 40737
- Latitude: 37.0144° N
- Longitude: 84.1058° W
City Location and History:
Keavy is a small, unincorporated community located in the southern part of Laurel County, near the Knox County border. The town grew as an agricultural and residential area, with many of its residents working in nearby Corbin or London. Keavy’s location along U.S. Route 25 has made it a convenient stop for travelers and a peaceful rural community for residents. Over the years, Keavy has remained a small, tight-knit community, with a focus on family farms and local businesses.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Keavy is served by the Laurel County School District, with students attending South Laurel High School. The community is surrounded by the scenic beauty of southeastern Kentucky, with several small farms and historic churches that have been part of the community for generations. The nearby Laurel River Lake, located within the Daniel Boone National Forest, offers residents and visitors opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. Keavy’s rural atmosphere and proximity to both Corbin and London make it a desirable location for those seeking a quiet, country lifestyle while still being close to urban amenities.
Lily
Area, Population, and Zip Codes:
- Area: Unincorporated community
- Population: Approximately 1,000 residents
- Zip Code: 40740
- Latitude: 37.0086° N
- Longitude: 84.0733° W
City Location and History:
Lily is a small, unincorporated community located in the southern part of Laurel County, near the border with Whitley County. Established in the 1880s, Lily originally grew as a railroad stop on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. The town was named after Lily, the daughter of a local railroad official. Over the years, Lily developed into a residential community, with many residents commuting to nearby Corbin or London for work. The town’s rural surroundings and historic ties to the railroad industry have contributed to its unique character.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Lily is served by the Laurel County School District, with students attending South Laurel High School in nearby London. Local landmarks include several historic churches and family-owned farms that have been part of the community for decades. The community is located near Laurel River Lake, offering outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking in the surrounding Daniel Boone National Forest. Lily’s proximity to both Corbin and London provides residents with access to city amenities while allowing them to enjoy the peace and quiet of rural Kentucky. Annual community events and festivals celebrate the town’s history and bring residents together.