Cities and Towns in Marion County, Kentucky

Founded in 1834, Marion County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Marion County was formed from Washington County. The city of Lebanon is the county seat. With FIPS code of 155, Marion County has a population of 19,725 and area of 347 square miles (899 km²).

List of all cities in Marion County, KY alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Bradfordsville, KY 40009 270
Calvary, KY 40033 270
Gravel Switch, KY 40328 270
Lebanon, KY 40033 270
Loretto, KY 40037 270
Nerinx, KY 40049 270
Raywick, KY 40060 270
Saint Francis, KY 40062 270
Saint Mary, KY 40063 270

Major Cities and Towns in Marion County, Kentucky

Lebanon

Area, Population, and Zip Codes:

  • Area: 4.5 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 6,000 residents
  • Zip Codes: 40033
  • Latitude: 37.5692° N
  • Longitude: 85.2575° W

City Location and History:

Lebanon, the county seat of Marion County, is located in central Kentucky, about 65 miles southeast of Louisville and 50 miles southwest of Lexington. Founded in 1815, the city was named after the biblical cedars of Lebanon and quickly grew as a center for trade and industry. In the 19th century, Lebanon became an important stop on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, further enhancing its economic significance. The town played a pivotal role during the Civil War as both Union and Confederate forces passed through. Today, Lebanon is known for its bourbon heritage, with several distilleries operating in and around the city, as well as its vibrant small-town atmosphere.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Lebanon is home to Marion County High School and Marion County Middle School, serving students from the city and surrounding areas. Significant landmarks include the Marion County Courthouse, a historic structure located in the heart of downtown, and the Loretto Motherhouse, the home of the Sisters of Loretto, which has been an integral part of the community since 1812. Lebanon is also part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, with Maker’s Mark Distillery nearby. The annual Marion County Country Ham Days festival, celebrating the area’s agricultural roots, attracts visitors from across the state for food, music, and entertainment.

Loretto

Area, Population, and Zip Codes:

  • Area: 0.4 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 700 residents
  • Zip Code: 40037
  • Latitude: 37.6353° N
  • Longitude: 85.3921° W

City Location and History:

Loretto is a small town located in the southern part of Marion County, about 10 miles south of Lebanon. The town was founded in the early 19th century and named after the Sisters of Loretto, a Catholic religious order that established a community and school here. Loretto’s history is closely tied to its Catholic roots and its role in Kentucky’s bourbon industry. The town is best known as the home of the Maker’s Mark Distillery, which was founded in 1953 and is one of the oldest bourbon distilleries in the region. Loretto’s quiet, rural atmosphere and connection to bourbon have made it a destination for both spiritual visitors and bourbon enthusiasts.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Loretto’s educational needs are served by the Marion County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Lebanon. The town’s most famous landmark is the Maker’s Mark Distillery, a National Historic Landmark and one of the key stops on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Another notable site is the Loretto Motherhouse, which serves as the headquarters for the Sisters of Loretto and offers a peaceful retreat for visitors. Loretto’s rural setting provides opportunities for scenic drives and outdoor activities, with its bourbon heritage being celebrated each year at local festivals and events that attract visitors from around the world.

Raywick

Area, Population, and Zip Codes:

  • Area: 0.2 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 150 residents
  • Zip Code: 40060
  • Latitude: 37.5489° N
  • Longitude: 85.4369° W

City Location and History:

Raywick is a small, rural town located in the western part of Marion County, along the Rolling Fork River. Founded in the early 19th century by settlers from Maryland, Raywick has retained much of its historical charm and rural character. The town was named after its founders, Ray and Wickliffe families, and developed as an agricultural community. Raywick’s location near the river made it a central spot for farming, particularly tobacco, which has long been a staple of the local economy. Although small, Raywick has a tight-knit community and serves as a peaceful, scenic spot in the county.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Raywick’s students attend schools in nearby Lebanon, including Marion County High School. Landmarks in the area include historic farmhouses and churches that date back to the town’s founding. The Rolling Fork River is a major feature of Raywick, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Raywick is also known for its strong connection to Kentucky’s bourbon history, with several distilleries located nearby. The town’s small size and rural atmosphere make it a quiet, picturesque place to live, with annual community events celebrating its agricultural roots and close-knit spirit.

Bradfordsville

Area, Population, and Zip Codes:

  • Area: 0.4 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 300 residents
  • Zip Code: 40009
  • Latitude: 37.4967° N
  • Longitude: 85.1525° W

City Location and History:

Bradfordsville is a small town located in the southeastern part of Marion County, about 12 miles east of Lebanon. The town was established in the early 19th century and named after the Bradford family, early settlers in the area. Bradfordsville developed as a rural farming community, with agriculture—especially tobacco—being the mainstay of the local economy. The town’s location along the Rolling Fork River contributed to its growth, as the river provided transportation routes for goods and services. While Bradfordsville has remained small over the years, it has retained its historical character and rural charm.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Bradfordsville is served by the Marion County School District, with students attending schools in Lebanon. Landmarks in the town include the historic Bradfordsville School, which now serves as a community center, and several old churches that reflect the town’s rich history. The Rolling Fork River is a key natural feature, offering recreational opportunities such as fishing and canoeing. Bradfordsville also hosts an annual festival, the Old Mill Days, which celebrates the town’s history with food, crafts, and entertainment. The town’s scenic countryside, combined with its small-town charm, makes it a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors alike.

St. Francis

Area, Population, and Zip Codes:

  • Area: Unincorporated community
  • Population: Approximately 100 residents
  • Zip Code: 40062
  • Latitude: 37.5961° N
  • Longitude: 85.3933° W

City Location and History:

St. Francis is a small, unincorporated community located in southern Marion County, about 8 miles southwest of Lebanon. The town was founded in the early 19th century by Catholic settlers from Maryland, who established a church and school in the area. St. Francis is named after the local St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, which has been a central part of the community since its founding. The town’s history is closely tied to its Catholic roots and its role as a religious and educational center for the surrounding area. Today, St. Francis remains a small, rural community with deep historical and spiritual significance.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

St. Francis’s educational needs are met by the Marion County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Lebanon. The town’s most notable landmark is the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, which has been a religious center for the community for over 150 years. The church is surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and farmland, creating a peaceful rural atmosphere. St. Francis is also close to several bourbon distilleries, making it a part of Kentucky’s rich bourbon heritage. The town’s small population and historical significance make it a unique and quiet place to live, with strong ties to the region’s Catholic and farming traditions.