Cities and Towns in McCreary County, Kentucky

Founded in 1912, McCreary County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, McCreary County was formed from Pulaski County, Wayne County, Whitley County. The city of Whitley City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 147, McCreary County has a population of 16,892 and area of 428 square miles (1,109 km²).

List of all cities in McCreary County, KY alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Beulah Heights, KY	42653	606
Greenwood, KY	42634	606
Honeybee, KY	42634	606
Marshes Siding, KY	42631	606
Parkers Lake, KY	42634	606
Pine Knot, KY	42635	606
Revelo, KY	42638	606
Sawyer, KY	42634	606
Stearns, KY	42647	606
Strunk, KY	42649	606
Whitley City, KY	42653	606

Major Cities and Towns in McCreary County, Kentucky

Whitley City

Area, Population, and Zip Codes:

• Area: 2.4 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,170 residents
• Zip Code: 42653
• Latitude: 36.7233° N
• Longitude: 84.4722° W

City Location and History:

Whitley City, the county seat of McCreary County, is located in the southeastern part of Kentucky, near the Tennessee border. The town was established in the late 19th century and named after Colonel William Whitley, a pioneer and war hero. Whitley City’s growth was largely influenced by the coal mining industry, which became a significant economic driver in the early 20th century. The town also served as a commercial hub for the surrounding rural communities. McCreary County is unique in that it has no incorporated cities, making Whitley City the largest population center and the administrative heart of the county. Its proximity to both the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area has attracted nature enthusiasts to the area in recent years.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Whitley City is home to McCreary Central High School, McCreary County Middle School, and several elementary schools that serve the educational needs of the county. Key landmarks include the McCreary County Courthouse, which stands as a central fixture in town, and the Big South Fork Scenic Railway, offering train rides through the rugged Appalachian landscape. The town is also near Cumberland Falls State Park, where visitors can view the famous waterfall and moonbow. Whitley City’s annual events, such as the McCrearyFest, celebrate the town’s heritage and community spirit with parades, food, and local entertainment.

Stearns

Area, Population, and Zip Codes:

• Area: 3.2 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,500 residents
• Zip Code: 42647
• Latitude: 36.6970° N
• Longitude: 84.4747° W

City Location and History:

Stearns is a historic town in southern McCreary County, founded in 1902 by the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company. The town was developed as a company town, with its economy centered on coal mining and timber production, industries that fueled its early growth. Stearns was home to one of the largest timber operations in the eastern United States during the early 20th century. The town’s rich history is closely tied to the Stearns company, which built much of the local infrastructure, including housing, schools, and recreational facilities. Stearns played a pivotal role in the region’s development, and its history as a company town is preserved in many of its historical sites.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Stearns is served by schools in nearby Whitley City, including McCreary Central High School and McCreary County Middle School. The town is best known for the Stearns Historic District, which includes the McCreary County Museum, housed in the old Stearns Coal and Lumber Company headquarters. Another major attraction is the Big South Fork Scenic Railway, which offers scenic train rides through the Appalachian Mountains and showcases the region’s coal and timber history. Stearns is also close to the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, providing opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and river adventures.

Pine Knot

Area, Population, and Zip Codes:

• Area: 4.5 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,620 residents
• Zip Code: 42635
• Latitude: 36.6644° N
• Longitude: 84.4469° W

City Location and History:

Pine Knot is a small town in the southern part of McCreary County, located along U.S. Route 27. The town was established in the early 20th century and developed as a residential area for workers involved in the region’s coal and timber industries. Pine Knot’s location near the Cumberland River and its close proximity to the Tennessee state line have made it an important crossroads for transportation and commerce. Although the town has historically been small, it serves as a vital part of McCreary County’s economy and community. Over time, Pine Knot has transitioned from a mining-based economy to a more service-oriented community, with education and healthcare playing significant roles.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Pine Knot is home to Pine Knot Intermediate School and Pine Knot Primary School, which serve the town’s young students. High school students attend McCreary Central High School in Whitley City. One of Pine Knot’s key landmarks is the Cumberland Falls, located a short drive away, which draws visitors to view the famous waterfall and its unique moonbow. The town is also close to the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, offering outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. Pine Knot’s quiet, residential character makes it a peaceful place to live, with its rural charm and proximity to natural attractions.

Parkers Lake

Area, Population, and Zip Codes:

• Area: Unincorporated community
• Population: Approximately 300 residents
• Zip Code: 42634
• Latitude: 36.8315° N
• Longitude: 84.4558° W

City Location and History:

Parkers Lake is a small, unincorporated community in northern McCreary County, located near the Daniel Boone National Forest. The town developed as a rural settlement in the late 19th century, primarily centered around agriculture and small-scale logging operations. Parkers Lake has remained a quiet, rural community, with many families residing in the area for generations. Its proximity to the national forest and several state parks has made it a destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, though it remains primarily a residential area. The town’s peaceful setting and natural beauty are among its greatest assets.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Parkers Lake’s students attend schools in nearby Whitley City and Pine Knot. The community’s location near the Daniel Boone National Forest offers numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. The Cumberland Falls State Park is also nearby, providing visitors with the chance to see one of Kentucky’s most famous natural landmarks. Parkers Lake’s rural landscape is dotted with family farms and old homesteads, reflecting its long history as an agricultural community. Each year, local events and gatherings foster a strong sense of community in this quiet part of McCreary County.

Strunk

Area, Population, and Zip Codes:

• Area: Unincorporated community
• Population: Approximately 500 residents
• Zip Code: 42649
• Latitude: 36.6325° N
• Longitude: 84.4261° W

City Location and History:

Strunk is a small, unincorporated community located in the southernmost part of McCreary County, near the Tennessee border. Founded in the early 20th century, Strunk was primarily a coal mining town, with much of its early growth driven by the demand for coal in the region. The town developed as a residential community for workers in the nearby coal mines, and many of the original families still reside in the area today. Over time, as the coal industry declined, Strunk has transitioned into a quieter, rural community, though it still retains much of its historic character.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Strunk’s educational needs are met by schools in Pine Knot and Whitley City, including McCreary Central High School. The community’s rural setting and proximity to natural attractions like the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area make it a popular spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and fishing. Strunk is also close to the Cumberland Falls State Park, where visitors can enjoy the scenic waterfall and moonbow. Local churches and community centers serve as important gathering places for residents, and the town’s history as a coal mining hub is still reflected in its culture and local traditions.