Cities and Towns in Owen County, Kentucky
Founded in 1819, Owen County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Owen County was formed from Franklin County, Gallatin County and Scott County. The city of Owenton is the county seat. With FIPS code of 187, Owen County has a population of 11,294 and area of 352 square miles (912 km²).
List of all cities in Owen County, KY alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Gratz, KY | 40359 | 502 |
| Monterey, KY | 40359 | 502 |
| New Liberty, KY | 40355 | 502 |
| Owenton, KY | 40359 | 502 |
| Perry Park, KY | 40363 | 502 |
| Wheatley, KY | 40359 | 502 |
Major Cities and Towns in Owen County, Kentucky
Owenton
Area, Population, and Geographic Information
- Area: 2.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,300 (as of the 2020 Census)
- ZIP Code: 40359
- Latitude: 38.5360° N
- Longitude: 84.8385° W
Location and History
Owenton, the county seat of Owen County, is centrally located in northern Kentucky, about halfway between Louisville and Cincinnati. Established in 1822, the town was named after Colonel Abraham Owen, a Kentucky legislator and soldier who died at the Battle of Tippecanoe. Owenton developed as a hub for agriculture, with tobacco, corn, and livestock being the primary products traded in the area. The town’s rural setting and fertile land contributed to its growth throughout the 19th century. Today, Owenton retains much of its small-town charm, with its historic downtown offering a glimpse into the town’s past. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the local economy, although modern businesses and tourism have also grown in importance.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Owenton is served by the Owen County School District, including Owen County High School, which provides education for local students. Key landmarks in Owenton include the Owen County Courthouse, a historic building in the center of town, and the nearby Elk Creek Vineyards, one of Kentucky’s largest wineries. The town is also known for its annual Sweet Owen Day festival, which celebrates local culture with live music, food, and crafts. Owenton’s rural surroundings provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking in the rolling hills of northern Kentucky.
Monterey
Area, Population, and Geographic Information
- Area: 0.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 130 (as of the 2020 Census)
- ZIP Code: 40359
- Latitude: 38.4517° N
- Longitude: 84.8764° W
Location and History
Monterey is a small town located in the southern part of Owen County, near the Kentucky River. The town was founded in the mid-19th century, and its location near the river made it an important trading post for local farmers and merchants. Agriculture has always been central to Monterey’s economy, with tobacco, corn, and other crops playing a significant role in the town’s development. The construction of the railroad in the late 1800s further boosted Monterey’s role as a trade center, although the town has remained small in population. Today, Monterey continues to reflect its agricultural roots and provides a peaceful, rural lifestyle for its residents.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Monterey is part of the Owen County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Owenton. The town’s proximity to the Kentucky River offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and birdwatching. A key landmark in the area is the historic Monterey Christian Church, which has served the community for over a century. The town’s small size and rural charm make it a quiet retreat, ideal for those seeking a slower pace of life. Monterey’s close-knit community and agricultural heritage are celebrated during local events, which bring residents together to celebrate the town’s history and traditions.
Gratz
Area, Population, and Geographic Information
- Area: 0.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 75 (as of the 2020 Census)
- ZIP Code: 40359
- Latitude: 38.4717° N
- Longitude: 84.8920° W
Location and History
Gratz is a small town located in northern Owen County, on the banks of the Kentucky River. Established in the early 19th century, the town was named after a prominent family of Jewish settlers from Pennsylvania. Gratz grew as a river port town, where flatboats transported local agricultural products, particularly tobacco, down the Kentucky River to larger markets. The town’s economy revolved around river trade, but as steamboats and railroads took over, Gratz saw a decline in its significance as a trade hub. Today, it remains a small, historic town with strong ties to its past as a river community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Gratz is served by the Owen County School District, with students attending schools in Owenton. The town’s most notable landmark is the Gratz Bridge, which spans the Kentucky River and connects the community to surrounding areas. The river provides opportunities for recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Gratz also has several historic homes that reflect its 19th-century roots, and the town’s connection to the river is celebrated in local events. Gratz’s quiet, scenic setting on the river makes it a peaceful retreat and a place of interest for history enthusiasts exploring Owen County’s past.
Wheatley
Area, Population, and Geographic Information
- Area: N/A (Unincorporated community)
- Population: Approximate population not available (Unincorporated)
- ZIP Code: 40359 (Shares with Owenton)
- Latitude: 38.5397° N
- Longitude: 84.9584° W
Location and History
Wheatley is an unincorporated community located in the western part of Owen County, near the border with Henry and Carroll counties. The town developed in the 19th century as a rural farming settlement, with its name likely derived from the abundance of wheat grown in the area. Agriculture has always been the backbone of Wheatley’s economy, with local farmers producing crops such as wheat, corn, and tobacco. While Wheatley has remained a small, quiet community, its agricultural heritage continues to define the town, with farming families often passing down land through generations.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Wheatley is part of the Owen County School District, with students attending schools in Owenton. The town is surrounded by rolling farmland, offering a picturesque rural setting typical of Owen County. Although Wheatley does not have major landmarks of its own, it is located near several historic sites in neighboring towns, including the Owen County Courthouse in Owenton. The nearby Kentucky River provides opportunities for outdoor activities, and residents of Wheatley often participate in county-wide festivals and agricultural events. Wheatley’s rural charm and strong connection to farming traditions make it an ideal place for those seeking a peaceful, agricultural lifestyle.
New Liberty
Area, Population, and Geographic Information
- Area: 0.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 130 (as of the 2020 Census)
- ZIP Code: 40355
- Latitude: 38.5881° N
- Longitude: 84.8507° W
Location and History
New Liberty is a small town located in the northern part of Owen County, along U.S. Route 127. The town was founded in the early 19th century and became a local center for trade and agriculture. Its name reflects the patriotic spirit of the time, as “Liberty” was a popular name for towns established in the post-Revolutionary War era. New Liberty grew as a farming community, with tobacco and corn being the primary crops grown in the area. While the town’s population has remained small, it has played an important role in the agricultural development of Owen County.
Major Schools and Landmarks
New Liberty is served by the Owen County School District, with students attending nearby schools in Owenton. The town is home to several historic buildings, including the New Liberty Baptist Church, which has been a central part of the community for over a century. The town’s rural surroundings offer a peaceful environment, with opportunities for farming, hunting, and outdoor recreation. New Liberty’s location along U.S. Route 127 makes it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the scenic byways of northern Kentucky. The town’s annual events and festivals celebrate its agricultural heritage and bring together residents for community gatherings.
