Cities and Towns in Perry County, Kentucky

Founded in 1820, Perry County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Perry County was formed from Floyd County and Clay County. The city of Hazard is the county seat. With FIPS code of 193, Perry County has a population of 27,929 and area of 342 square miles (886 km²).

List of all cities in Perry County, KY alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Ajax, KY 41722 606
Allock, KY 41773 606
Amburgey, KY 41773 606
Ary, KY 41712 606
Avawam, KY 41713 606
Blue Diamond, KY 41719 606
Bonnyman, KY 41719 606
Browns Fork, KY 41701 606
Buckhorn, KY 41721 606
Bulan, KY 41722 606
Busy, KY 41723 606
Butterfly, KY 41719 606
Chavies, KY 41727 606
Combs, KY 41729 606
Cornettsville, KY 41731 606
Daisy, KY 41731 606
Darfork, KY 41701 606
Delphia, KY 41735 606
Dice, KY 41736 606
Dolan, KY 41729 606
Duane, KY 41722 606
Dwarf, KY 41739 606
Engle, KY 41727 606
Farler, KY 41774 606
Fusonia, KY 41774 606
Gays Creek, KY 41745 606
Happy, KY 41746 606
Hardburly, KY 41747 606
Hazard, KY 41701 606
Hazard, KY 41702 606
Heiner, KY 41722 606
Jeff, KY 41751 606
Kodak, KY 41773 606
Krypton, KY 41754 606
Leatherwood, KY 41731 606
Lennut, KY 41729 606
Napfor, KY 41754 606
Rowdy, KY 41367 606
Saul, KY 40981 606
Scuddy, KY 41760 606
Slemp, KY 41763 606
Talcum, KY 41722 606
Toulouse, KY 41723 606
Tribbey, KY 41722 606
Typo, KY 41701 606
Ulvah, KY 41731 606
Vicco, KY 41773 606
Viper, KY 41774 606
Walkertown, KY 41701 606
Wentz, KY 41731 606
Yerkes, KY 41778 606

Major Cities and Towns in Perry County, Kentucky

Hazard

Area, Population, and Geographic Information

  • Area: 7.2 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 5,000 (as of the 2020 Census)
  • ZIP Codes: 41701, 41702
  • Latitude: 37.2490° N
  • Longitude: 83.1930° W

Location and History

Hazard, the county seat of Perry County, is located in southeastern Kentucky along the North Fork of the Kentucky River. Founded in 1884 and named after Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, the city grew rapidly due to its central role in the coal mining industry. The construction of the railroad in the early 20th century further spurred economic growth, connecting Hazard to larger markets and making it a hub for coal production. Hazard became known for its rugged Appalachian culture and played an important role in the labor movements of the early 1900s. While coal mining has declined, Hazard remains a key city in eastern Kentucky, known for its strong community ties and efforts to diversify the local economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Hazard is served by the Hazard Independent School District, including Hazard High School and Hazard Middle School, as well as the Perry County School District, which includes Perry County Central High School. A key landmark in the city is the Bobby Davis Museum and Park, which honors local soldiers who served in World War II. Hazard is also home to the Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) Medical Center, one of the largest healthcare facilities in the region. The annual Black Gold Festival celebrates the city’s coal heritage with parades, music, and local crafts. Nearby, Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park and the Daniel Boone National Forest offer outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors.


Vicco

Area, Population, and Geographic Information

  • Area: 0.7 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 330 (as of the 2020 Census)
  • ZIP Code: 41773
  • Latitude: 37.1994° N
  • Longitude: 83.0629° W

Location and History

Vicco is a small city located in the southeastern part of Perry County, near the Knott County line. Founded as a coal mining town in the 1920s, Vicco grew rapidly during the height of the coal industry but faced economic challenges as mining operations declined in the mid-20th century. The town’s name is derived from the Virginia Iron Coal and Coke Company (VICCO), which played a significant role in its early development. Despite its small size, Vicco made headlines in 2013 when it became one of the smallest towns in the U.S. to pass an anti-discrimination ordinance protecting LGBTQ+ individuals, earning national recognition for its progressive stance.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Vicco is part of the Perry County School District, with students attending nearby schools such as Leatherwood Elementary and Perry County Central High School. The town is close to the Appalachian Mountains, offering residents beautiful scenery and access to outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. While Vicco itself does not have many prominent landmarks, it is located near the Carr Creek Lake, a popular spot for boating, camping, and bird watching. The town’s progressive policies and community efforts have made it a symbol of resilience and forward-thinking in Appalachian Kentucky, despite economic challenges stemming from the decline of coal mining.


Buckhorn

Area, Population, and Geographic Information

  • Area: 0.3 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 150 (as of the 2020 Census)
  • ZIP Code: 41721
  • Latitude: 37.3486° N
  • Longitude: 83.4729° W

Location and History

Buckhorn is a small town located in the northwestern part of Perry County, along the Middle Fork of the Kentucky River. The town was established in the early 1900s, largely due to the efforts of Methodist minister Harvey Murdoch, who founded the Buckhorn Children’s Center (formerly Buckhorn Orphanage) to care for children in need. The town grew around the orphanage and nearby church, becoming a close-knit community centered on faith and service. The creation of Buckhorn Lake in the mid-20th century transformed the town into a destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, further enhancing its appeal as a tranquil rural retreat.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Buckhorn is part of the Perry County School District, with students attending Buckhorn School, a K-12 institution located within the town. A major landmark is Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, which offers a range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking, as well as scenic views of the Appalachian Mountains. The historic Buckhorn Presbyterian Church and Buckhorn Children’s Center remain key parts of the community. The town also hosts the annual Buckhorn Lake Festival, which celebrates local culture and brings together residents and visitors for music, food, and family-friendly events.


Cornettsville

Area, Population, and Geographic Information

  • Area: N/A (Unincorporated community)
  • Population: Approximate population not available (Unincorporated)
  • ZIP Code: 41731
  • Latitude: 37.1056° N
  • Longitude: 83.0203° W

Location and History

Cornettsville is a small, unincorporated community located in the southeastern part of Perry County, near the Letcher County line. The town was named after the Cornett family, who were early settlers in the area and played a significant role in its development. Like many towns in Perry County, Cornettsville grew as a coal mining community in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The town’s economy relied heavily on coal production, and while mining operations have declined, Cornettsville continues to reflect the rural, tight-knit character of eastern Kentucky communities. The surrounding Appalachian Mountains and rivers provide a scenic backdrop for this quiet town.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Cornettsville is part of the Perry County School District, with students attending schools such as Leatherwood Elementary and Perry County Central High School. While the town itself does not have major landmarks, it is located near several outdoor recreational areas, including the Appalachian Mountains and Carr Fork Lake, which offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The community’s history is tied to the coal industry, and many of the residents are descendants of miners who worked in the area’s mines. Cornettsville’s rural setting and proximity to natural beauty make it an appealing destination for those seeking a peaceful, nature-oriented lifestyle.


Leatherwood

Area, Population, and Geographic Information

  • Area: N/A (Unincorporated community)
  • Population: Approximate population not available (Unincorporated)
  • ZIP Code: 41731 (Shares with Cornettsville)
  • Latitude: 37.1179° N
  • Longitude: 83.0738° W

Location and History

Leatherwood is a small, unincorporated community located in southeastern Perry County. The town’s name comes from the leatherwood shrub, a plant commonly found in the region. Established in the early 20th century, Leatherwood grew as a coal mining town, with several mines operating in the surrounding area. The town was once home to a thriving mining community, but like many towns in eastern Kentucky, it has faced economic challenges due to the decline of the coal industry. Today, Leatherwood remains a small rural community with deep roots in the coal mining heritage of Perry County.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Leatherwood is part of the Perry County School District, with students attending Leatherwood Elementary School and Perry County Central High School. The town is located near Carr Fork Lake, a popular destination for fishing, boating, and camping. Leatherwood’s mountainous surroundings offer stunning natural beauty and opportunities for hiking and outdoor exploration. While the town no longer has the bustling coal industry that once defined it, the community continues to preserve its history through local events and gatherings. Leatherwood’s quiet, rural atmosphere and its proximity to natural attractions make it a peaceful and scenic place to live.