Cities and Towns in Mercer County, Kentucky
Founded in 1785, Mercer County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Mercer County was formed from Lincoln County. The city of Harrodsburg is the county seat. With FIPS code of 167, Mercer County has a population of 22,850 and area of 251 square miles (650 km²).
List of all cities in Mercer County, KY alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Bondville, KY | 40372 | 859 |
Burgin, KY | 40310 | 859 |
Cornishville, KY | 40330 | 859 |
Harrodsburg, KY | 40330 | 859 |
Pleasanthill, KY | 40330 | 859 |
Salvisa, KY | 40372 | 859 |
Shakertown, KY | 40330 | 859 |
Major Cities and Towns in Mercer County, Kentucky
Harrodsburg
Area, Population, and Zip Codes:
- Area: 6.4 square miles
- Population: Approximately 8,500 residents
- Zip Code: 40330
- Latitude: 37.7623° N
- Longitude: 84.8433° W
City Location and History:
Harrodsburg, the county seat of Mercer County, holds the distinction of being Kentucky’s oldest permanent settlement, established in 1774 by James Harrod. Located in central Kentucky, Harrodsburg lies approximately 30 miles southwest of Lexington. The city played a critical role in the early history of the state, being a focal point for settlers moving westward. Throughout its history, Harrodsburg has maintained its rich heritage, particularly in agriculture and bourbon production. Its historic downtown and surrounding countryside are reminders of its early role in the westward expansion of the United States. Today, the town preserves its historic charm with landmarks like Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, an important Shaker community from the 1800s, and Old Fort Harrod, a reconstructed pioneer fort that brings the region’s history to life.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Harrodsburg is home to Mercer County Senior High School and King Middle School, which serve as the primary educational institutions for local students. Notable landmarks include Old Fort Harrod State Park, where visitors can explore Kentucky’s pioneer past, and Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, a living history museum showcasing the Shaker way of life. Beaumont Inn, a historic hotel, draws visitors for its Southern charm and traditional hospitality. Additionally, Devine’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch is a popular fall attraction that celebrates the area’s agricultural heritage.
Burgin
Area, Population, and Zip Codes:
- Area: 1.0 square mile
- Population: Approximately 1,000 residents
- Zip Code: 40310
- Latitude: 37.7524° N
- Longitude: 84.7641° W
City Location and History:
Burgin is a small town located in northern Mercer County, about 8 miles from Harrodsburg and 25 miles southwest of Lexington. The town was established in the late 19th century, primarily as a railroad town, when the Cincinnati Southern Railway constructed a line through the area. Named after Harrison G. Burgin, a prominent local figure, the town quickly grew as a hub for trade and transportation. Agriculture, especially tobacco and corn farming, has long been an economic mainstay of the area. Although small, Burgin has retained a strong sense of community, with its history closely tied to the growth of the railroad and the agricultural industry.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Burgin Independent School serves students from kindergarten through high school, making it a central institution in the town. Landmarks in Burgin include the historic Burgin Depot, a reminder of the town’s railroad heritage. The nearby Herrington Lake, Kentucky’s largest man-made lake, offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and recreational activities. Burgin’s small-town charm is evident in its annual events, such as the Burgin Fall Festival, which celebrates the community with local crafts, food, and entertainment.
Salvisa
Area, Population, and Zip Codes:
- Area: Unincorporated community
- Population: Approximately 500 residents
- Zip Code: 40372
- Latitude: 37.8834° N
- Longitude: 84.8276° W
City Location and History:
Salvisa is a small, unincorporated community located in the northern part of Mercer County, near the Kentucky River. Founded in the early 19th century, the town was named after the Spanish words “sal” (salt) and “vida” (life), reflecting the early settlers’ hopes for prosperity and growth. Salvisa grew as an agricultural center, with farming as the main source of income for local residents. The town’s proximity to the river facilitated trade and transportation in its early years. Today, Salvisa is a quiet, rural community known for its peaceful atmosphere and proximity to scenic areas like the Kentucky River Palisades.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Salvisa’s children attend schools in the Mercer County School District, with most students traveling to Harrodsburg for middle and high school education. Notable landmarks in and around Salvisa include the Salvisa Presbyterian Church, which has been a spiritual hub for the community since its founding in the 1800s. The town is also close to the Kentucky River, where residents enjoy fishing, kayaking, and hiking along the riverbanks. Another nearby attraction is Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, where residents and visitors can explore the history of the Shaker religious community and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and birdwatching.
McAfee
Area, Population, and Zip Codes:
- Area: Unincorporated community
- Population: Approximately 150 residents
- Zip Code: 40330
- Latitude: 37.8150° N
- Longitude: 84.8828° W
City Location and History:
McAfee is a small, unincorporated community located in western Mercer County, just a few miles from Harrodsburg. The community was founded in the early 1800s by settlers of Scots-Irish descent, and its name reflects the Scottish heritage of its founders. McAfee has always been a primarily agricultural area, with farms dotting the landscape and contributing to the local economy. Historically, McAfee was a key location for tobacco farming, though today, the town is known for its quiet, rural lifestyle. Despite its small size, McAfee holds a special place in the history of Mercer County due to its role in early settlement and agricultural development.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
McAfee is part of the Mercer County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Harrodsburg. The McAfee community is home to several historic churches, including McAfee Baptist Church, which has been a religious and community gathering place for over a century. The surrounding countryside is filled with historic farmhouses and barns that reflect the area’s long history of farming. McAfee is also close to major attractions like Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill and Old Fort Harrod, where residents can explore Kentucky’s pioneer past. The rural landscape surrounding McAfee provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife watching.