Cities and Towns in Owsley County, Kentucky
Founded in 1843, Owsley County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Owsley County was formed from Breathitt County, Clay County, and Estill County. The city of Booneville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 189, Owsley County has a population of 3,953 and area of 198 square miles (513 km²).
List of all cities in Owsley County, KY alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Booneville, KY | 41314 | 606 |
| Green Hall, KY | 41314 | 606 |
| Island City, KY | 41338 | 606 |
| Mistletoe, KY | 41351 | 606 |
| Morris Fork, KY | 41314 | 606 |
| Pebworth, KY | 41314 | 606 |
| Ricetown, KY | 41364 | 606 |
| Sebastians Branch, KY | 41314 | 606 |
| Turkey, KY | 41314 | 606 |
| Vincent, KY | 41386 | 606 |
Major Cities and Towns in Owsley County, Kentucky
Booneville
Area, Population, and Geographic Information
- Area: 0.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 80 (as of the 2020 Census)
- ZIP Code: 41314
- Latitude: 37.4759° N
- Longitude: 83.6773° W
Location and History
Booneville, the county seat of Owsley County, is a small town located in eastern Kentucky, nestled along the South Fork of the Kentucky River. The town was founded in 1847 and named after the famous frontiersman Daniel Boone. During the Civil War, Booneville served as a key location due to its strategic position at the crossroads of several major routes. Although the town remained relatively small, its role as the county seat helped it maintain local significance. Throughout its history, Booneville has been a rural farming community, with much of its economy historically tied to agriculture, particularly tobacco farming. Today, Booneville remains a quiet, close-knit town that serves as the political and cultural center of Owsley County.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Booneville is served by the Owsley County School District, which includes Owsley County Elementary and Owsley County High School. One of the key landmarks in the town is the Owsley County Courthouse, a historic building located in the town square, which reflects Booneville’s status as the county seat. The town is also located near the Daniel Boone National Forest, offering access to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. Each year, Booneville hosts the Owsley County Fall Festival, which brings together residents to celebrate local crafts, music, and Appalachian heritage. The town’s scenic location and historical significance make it a focal point for visitors exploring eastern Kentucky.
Island City
Area, Population, and Geographic Information
- Area: N/A (Unincorporated community)
- Population: Approximate population not available (Unincorporated)
- ZIP Code: 41338
- Latitude: 37.4476° N
- Longitude: 83.6280° W
Location and History
Island City is a small, unincorporated community located southeast of Booneville in Owsley County. The town developed in the late 19th century as a rural farming settlement, with its name likely originating from the nearby “islands” of fertile land along the South Fork of the Kentucky River. Like much of Owsley County, Island City has been shaped by its agricultural heritage, with farming remaining a key part of the local economy. Although the community has remained small, it has a deep connection to the Appalachian traditions that define much of eastern Kentucky’s rural areas. Over time, Island City has retained its quiet, rural charm, with families often staying in the area for generations.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Island City is served by the Owsley County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Booneville, such as Owsley County High School. The community is known for its picturesque farmland and rolling hills, making it a peaceful and scenic place to live. While Island City itself does not have major landmarks, its proximity to the Daniel Boone National Forest offers residents and visitors access to outdoor recreational activities such as hiking and fishing. The nearby South Fork of the Kentucky River provides additional opportunities for water-based activities, making Island City a tranquil retreat for nature lovers. The town’s rural setting and connection to the land reflect the traditional Appalachian way of life.
Cowcreek
Area, Population, and Geographic Information
- Area: N/A (Unincorporated community)
- Population: Approximate population not available (Unincorporated)
- ZIP Code: 41311
- Latitude: 37.5033° N
- Longitude: 83.6524° W
Location and History
Cowcreek is a small, unincorporated community located north of Booneville in Owsley County. The town’s name is believed to have originated from the early settlers who found the surrounding creeks and meadows ideal for raising cattle. Like other parts of Owsley County, Cowcreek developed primarily as an agricultural settlement, with farming, particularly livestock and tobacco, forming the backbone of its economy. The community has remained small, with much of its history tied to the rural and self-sufficient lifestyle typical of the Appalachian region. Cowcreek’s remote location and scenic surroundings contribute to its quiet, rural atmosphere.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cowcreek is part of the Owsley County School District, with students attending schools in Booneville, such as Owsley County High School. The area is known for its natural beauty, with rolling hills, forests, and creeks providing a scenic backdrop. Cowcreek is located near several trails within the Daniel Boone National Forest, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. The community is also close to the South Fork of the Kentucky River, where residents can enjoy fishing and kayaking. While small and rural, Cowcreek’s location within the Appalachian foothills makes it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful, nature-oriented lifestyle in eastern Kentucky.
Pebworth
Area, Population, and Geographic Information
- Area: N/A (Unincorporated community)
- Population: Approximate population not available (Unincorporated)
- ZIP Code: 41359
- Latitude: 37.3944° N
- Longitude: 83.5327° W
Location and History
Pebworth is a small, unincorporated community located in the southern part of Owsley County. Founded in the early 20th century, the town developed as a rural farming community, with much of its economy centered around agriculture. Pebworth, like many small towns in Owsley County, has seen little population growth but remains an important part of the county’s agricultural landscape. The town is known for its close-knit community and the self-reliant lifestyle of its residents, many of whom continue to engage in farming and other rural trades. Pebworth’s history is tied to the Appalachian traditions of eastern Kentucky, and its rural character remains largely unchanged.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Pebworth is served by the Owsley County School District, with students attending schools in Booneville. The town is located near several outdoor attractions, including the Daniel Boone National Forest, which offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and enjoying the natural beauty of eastern Kentucky. Pebworth’s rural surroundings provide a peaceful setting, with farms, forests, and streams dotting the landscape. The community’s connection to agriculture and nature is central to its identity, and local residents often participate in county-wide events that celebrate Owsley County’s Appalachian heritage. Pebworth offers a quiet, serene environment for those seeking to experience the traditional rural lifestyle of Kentucky’s Appalachian region.
Vincent
Area, Population, and Geographic Information
- Area: N/A (Unincorporated community)
- Population: Approximate population not available (Unincorporated)
- ZIP Code: 41386
- Latitude: 37.4195° N
- Longitude: 83.6018° W
Location and History
Vincent is a small, unincorporated community located southwest of Booneville in Owsley County. The community developed as a rural farming and logging town in the early 20th century, with much of its economy based on agriculture and the timber industry. Vincent’s location near the Kentucky River made it an important site for transporting logs and agricultural products. Over time, the town remained small but sustained its economy through farming and rural trades. Vincent, like much of Owsley County, has a strong connection to the Appalachian heritage of Kentucky, with a focus on community and traditional ways of life.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Vincent is served by the Owsley County School District, with students attending schools in Booneville, including Owsley County High School. The area around Vincent is known for its natural beauty, with the surrounding hills and forests offering ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation. The town is located near the Daniel Boone National Forest, making it an ideal location for those interested in exploring Kentucky’s Appalachian landscape. Vincent’s small-town charm and connection to nature provide a peaceful, rural environment that attracts those seeking a quiet life away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
