Cities and Towns in Ohio County, Kentucky
Founded in 1798, Ohio County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Ohio County was formed from Hardin County. The city of Hartford is the county seat. With FIPS code of 183, Ohio County has a population of 23,688 and area of 594 square miles (1,538 km²).
List of all cities in Ohio County, KY alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Beaver Dam, KY | 42320 | 270 |
| Centertown, KY | 42328 | 270 |
| Cool Springs, KY | 42320 | 270 |
| Cromwell, KY | 42333 | 270 |
| Dundee, KY | 42338 | 270 |
| Echols, KY | 42320 | 270 |
| Fordsville, KY | 42343 | 270 |
| Hartford, KY | 42347 | 270 |
| Horse Branch, KY | 42349 | 270 |
| Horton, KY | 42320 | 270 |
| McHenry, KY | 42354 | 270 |
| Narrows, KY | 42347 | 270 |
| Nineteen, KY | 42320 | 270 |
| Olaton, KY | 42361 | 270 |
| Prentiss, KY | 42320 | 270 |
| Render, KY | 42320 | 270 |
| Reynolds Station, KY | 42368 | 270 |
| Rockport, KY | 42369 | 270 |
| Rosine, KY | 42370 | 270 |
| Schultztown, KY | 42320 | 270 |
| Taylor Mines, KY | 42320 | 270 |
| Trisler, KY | 42343 | 270 |
| Yeaman, KY | 42343 | 270 |
Major Cities and Towns in Ohio County, Kentucky
Hartford
Area, Population, and Geographic Information
- Area: 2.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,700 (as of the 2020 Census)
- ZIP Code: 42347
- Latitude: 37.4514° N
- Longitude: 86.9090° W
Location and History
Hartford, the county seat of Ohio County, is located in western Kentucky along the Rough River. Founded in 1790, Hartford has long been the political and commercial center of Ohio County. Its early growth was fueled by agriculture, particularly tobacco farming and livestock. The town played a significant role in the development of the region, and its location near the river made it a key hub for transporting goods. During the Civil War, Hartford saw some minor skirmishes due to its strategic location. Over time, the town has maintained its historical charm, with several buildings from the 19th century still standing, giving it a quaint, small-town atmosphere.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hartford is part of the Ohio County School District, with students attending Ohio County High School, located just outside the city. Key landmarks in Hartford include the Ohio County Courthouse, a beautiful historic building located in the downtown area. The town also hosts the annual Ohio County Fair, which features livestock shows, concerts, and local crafts. The Rough River provides outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing and kayaking. Additionally, the nearby John C. Taylor House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offers a glimpse into the town’s rich architectural heritage. Hartford remains a focal point for the community, balancing its historical roots with modern development.
Beaver Dam
Area, Population, and Geographic Information
- Area: 3.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,600 (as of the 2020 Census)
- ZIP Code: 42320
- Latitude: 37.4100° N
- Longitude: 86.8783° W
Location and History
Beaver Dam is located in central Ohio County, along the Western Kentucky Parkway. The town was established in the early 1800s, named for a beaver dam that was located on the nearby Beaver Creek. Beaver Dam grew as a farming community and later became an important transportation hub when the Louisville and Nashville Railroad came through the area in the late 19th century. The railroad’s arrival brought growth and helped transform Beaver Dam into a regional center for commerce and trade. Today, Beaver Dam blends its rich history with modern growth, with its convenient location on the parkway making it a key stop for travelers in the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Beaver Dam is part of the Ohio County School District, with students attending Beaver Dam Elementary School and Ohio County High School. A key landmark in the town is the Beaver Dam Amphitheater, which hosts concerts and events year-round, bringing in musical acts and entertainment from across the country. Another notable site is the Beaver Dam Depot, a restored railroad station that reflects the town’s history as a rail hub. The town also celebrates its heritage with the annual Beaver Dam Strawberry Festival, which includes a parade, live entertainment, and local food vendors. Beaver Dam’s combination of history, culture, and entertainment makes it a dynamic community within Ohio County.
Fordsville
Area, Population, and Geographic Information
- Area: 1.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 500 (as of the 2020 Census)
- ZIP Code: 42343
- Latitude: 37.6337° N
- Longitude: 86.7189° W
Location and History
Fordsville is a small town in northeastern Ohio County. The town was founded in 1886 and named after Elijah Ford, an early settler in the region. Originally a farming community, Fordsville grew as a center for agriculture, with tobacco being the primary crop. In the early 20th century, the town became known for its small businesses and farming-related industries. Fordsville’s economy remained closely tied to agriculture throughout the 20th century, and while the town has remained small, it has retained much of its rural charm and close-knit community feel.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Fordsville is served by the Ohio County School District, with students attending Fordsville Elementary School and Ohio County High School in nearby Hartford. The town’s most notable landmark is the Fordsville Historical Museum, located in the old Fordsville Bank building. The museum showcases the town’s agricultural history and preserves artifacts from its early days. The community also has several historic churches that have been central to local life for generations. Fordsville is near Rough River Lake, offering outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and camping. The town hosts community events like the Fordsville Days Festival, which celebrates the town’s history and brings residents together for music, food, and local crafts.
Centertown
Area, Population, and Geographic Information
- Area: 0.8 square miles
- Population: Approximately 400 (as of the 2020 Census)
- ZIP Code: 42328
- Latitude: 37.4197° N
- Longitude: 86.9960° W
Location and History
Centertown is located in the western part of Ohio County. The town was established in the late 19th century and named for its central location within the county. Centertown developed as a coal mining community, with nearby coal fields driving its early growth. The town’s economy was closely tied to the coal industry for much of the 20th century, though in recent years, Centertown has shifted toward a more agriculture-based economy as coal production has declined. Today, Centertown is a quiet, rural town known for its tight-knit community and scenic surroundings.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Centertown is part of the Ohio County School District, with students attending Centertown Elementary School and Ohio County High School in Hartford. One of the key landmarks in the town is the Centertown Coal Museum, which preserves the history of the coal industry in Ohio County and showcases artifacts from the town’s mining past. Centertown is also known for its annual Coal Festival, which celebrates the town’s heritage with live music, food, and local crafts. The nearby Green River provides opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation. Centertown’s small-town atmosphere and rich history make it a unique part of Ohio County’s landscape.
Rockport
Area, Population, and Geographic Information
- Area: 0.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 260 (as of the 2020 Census)
- ZIP Code: 42369
- Latitude: 37.3578° N
- Longitude: 86.9921° W
Location and History
Rockport is a small town located along the Green River in the southwestern corner of Ohio County. The town was established in the early 1800s as a river port, taking advantage of its location on the river for transporting goods. Rockport grew as a coal and timber shipping hub during the 19th century, with its economy centered around river trade. Although the town’s population has remained small, Rockport’s history as a river town remains a significant part of its identity. The Green River continues to play an important role in the town’s recreational opportunities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Rockport is part of the Ohio County School District, with students attending schools in nearby towns such as Beaver Dam and Hartford. The town’s most notable feature is its location along the Green River, which provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water-based activities. The historic Rockport Bridge, once a key crossing over the Green River, is another local landmark, though it no longer functions as a primary thoroughfare. Rockport’s quiet streets and riverside setting offer a peaceful retreat for residents, and the town’s connection to the river is celebrated in local events that bring the community together.
McHenry
Area, Population, and Geographic Information
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 400 (as of the 2020 Census)
- ZIP Code: 42354
- Latitude: 37.3703° N
- Longitude: 86.9269° W
Location and History
McHenry is located in central Ohio County, close to Beaver Dam. The town was originally founded as a coal mining settlement in the late 19th century and named after the McHenry Coal Company, which played a significant role in its development. During the coal mining boom, McHenry grew rapidly as workers moved to the area for employment in the mines. However, as coal production declined in the mid-20th century, the town’s population decreased. Today, McHenry remains a small town that retains its historical connection to the coal industry, while evolving into a quiet residential community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
McHenry is served by the Ohio County School District, with students attending McHenry Elementary School and Ohio County High School. The town’s history is preserved at the McHenry Coal Museum, which highlights the impact of coal mining on the town’s development. McHenry’s proximity to Beaver Dam allows residents easy access to larger events and amenities, including concerts at the Beaver Dam Amphitheater. The town’s rural surroundings also provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. McHenry’s coal mining heritage is a central part of its identity, and local events often celebrate the town’s history and community spirit.
