Cities and Towns in Rowan County, Kentucky
Founded in 1856, Rowan County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Rowan County was formed from Fleming County and Morgan County. The city of Morehead is the county seat. With FIPS code of 205, Rowan County has a population of 24,861 and area of 281 square miles (728 km²).
List of all cities in Rowan County, KY alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Clearfield, KY | 40313 | 606 |
| Elliottville, KY | 40317 | 606 |
| Farmers, KY | 40319 | 606 |
| Haldeman, KY | 40351 | 606 |
| Morehead, KY | 40351 | 606 |
Major Cities and Towns in Rowan County, Kentucky
Morehead
Area, Population, and Geographic Information
- Area: 9.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 7,500 (as of the 2020 Census)
- ZIP Code: 40351
- Latitude: 38.1831° N
- Longitude: 83.4327° W
Location and History
Morehead, the county seat of Rowan County, is located in northeastern Kentucky, nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Established in 1856, the city was named after Governor James T. Morehead, a prominent Kentucky politician. Morehead’s early growth was driven by the timber and railroad industries, but it became nationally known for the Rowan County War, a violent feud between local families in the late 19th century. Today, Morehead is best known for being home to Morehead State University, a major regional educational institution founded in 1887. The town’s proximity to Daniel Boone National Forest and Cave Run Lake makes it a gateway for outdoor enthusiasts, while its Appalachian heritage contributes to its unique cultural identity.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Morehead is served by the Rowan County School District, including Rowan County Senior High School. The city’s most significant landmark is Morehead State University, known for its space science program and a key player in the region’s economy and culture. Historic downtown Morehead features a mix of 19th- and early 20th-century buildings, including the Rowan County Courthouse. Cave Run Lake, located just a short drive from downtown, offers boating, fishing, and hiking in the surrounding Daniel Boone National Forest. The Kentucky Folk Art Center, located in Morehead, showcases the region’s rich artistic traditions. Annual events such as the Cave Run Storytelling Festival celebrate local history and culture.
Farmers
Area, Population, and Geographic Information
- Area: N/A (Unincorporated community)
- Population: Approximate population not available (Unincorporated)
- ZIP Code: 40319
- Latitude: 38.1668° N
- Longitude: 83.5512° W
Location and History
Farmers is a small, unincorporated community located west of Morehead in Rowan County, near Cave Run Lake. The town was established in the early 19th century as a farming settlement, and agriculture continues to play a significant role in the local economy. Its name reflects the rural, agricultural roots of the community. In the 20th century, the construction of Cave Run Lake brought tourism to the area, leading to increased economic activity, particularly related to outdoor recreation. Farmers remains a small, close-knit community, with its residents still engaged in farming and outdoor tourism tied to the nearby lake and forest areas.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Farmers is part of the Rowan County School District, with students attending schools in Morehead, such as Rowan County Senior High School. Key landmarks in the community include the Farmers Post Office and the nearby Twin Knobs Recreation Area, which provides access to Cave Run Lake’s beaches, campgrounds, and hiking trails. The community is also near the Clear Creek Iron Furnace, a historical site from the 19th century that reflects the region’s industrial history. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to the area for fishing, camping, and hiking, and the town’s agricultural roots are celebrated during local fairs and events.
Lakeview Heights
Area, Population, and Geographic Information
- Area: 0.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 200 (as of the 2020 Census)
- ZIP Code: 40351 (Shares with Morehead)
- Latitude: 38.1769° N
- Longitude: 83.4670° W
Location and History
Lakeview Heights is a small city located just outside Morehead, overlooking Cave Run Lake. Incorporated in 1979, it is one of Kentucky’s smallest incorporated cities by both area and population. The community was established to offer residential opportunities near the lake, which has become a major recreational area for the region. The development of Cave Run Lake in the mid-20th century transformed the area into a hub for outdoor activities, and Lakeview Heights benefited from this influx of visitors and residents looking for lakeside living. Despite its small size, the town offers scenic views and easy access to both the lake and Daniel Boone National Forest.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lakeview Heights is served by the Rowan County School District, with students attending schools in Morehead, including Rowan County Senior High School. The key attraction in the area is Cave Run Lake, where residents and visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and picnicking. The surrounding Daniel Boone National Forest offers extensive trails for hiking and horseback riding. The community is also close to Morehead’s cultural landmarks, including the Kentucky Folk Art Center and Morehead State University. The town provides a peaceful lakeside retreat, making it popular with those who enjoy outdoor living and scenic views.
Cranston
Area, Population, and Geographic Information
- Area: N/A (Unincorporated community)
- Population: Approximate population not available (Unincorporated)
- ZIP Code: 40351 (Shares with Morehead)
- Latitude: 38.2459° N
- Longitude: 83.4581° W
Location and History
Cranston is a rural, unincorporated community located north of Morehead in Rowan County. The community dates back to the early 19th century and was primarily an agricultural area. Cranston remained a quiet farming settlement for much of its history, with tobacco, corn, and livestock being the primary products. Its proximity to Morehead and the construction of nearby Cave Run Lake helped increase its appeal as a rural, residential area, although the community has remained largely undeveloped. Cranston continues to maintain its agricultural roots, with farming still playing a significant role in the local economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cranston is part of the Rowan County School District, with students attending schools in Morehead. The community is close to several outdoor landmarks, including Cave Run Lake and the Daniel Boone National Forest, offering residents and visitors a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and camping. Cranston is also near the historical Clear Creek Iron Furnace, a preserved 19th-century furnace that is a popular historical site in the area. Cranston’s rural setting makes it a peaceful, scenic community, with a strong connection to Rowan County’s agricultural and natural heritage.
Clearfield
Area, Population, and Geographic Information
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 300 (as of the 2020 Census)
- ZIP Code: 40313
- Latitude: 38.1989° N
- Longitude: 83.4210° W
Location and History
Clearfield is a small town located southeast of Morehead in Rowan County. Founded in the late 19th century, Clearfield originally grew as a lumber and timber town, benefiting from its proximity to the Daniel Boone National Forest and the nearby railroad. The community’s name reflects the clear-cutting of forests in the area to provide timber for the booming construction and railroad industries of the time. As the timber industry declined in the 20th century, Clearfield transitioned into a quiet residential community, with many of its residents commuting to nearby Morehead for work or education.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Clearfield is part of the Rowan County School District, with students attending Rowan County Senior High School in Morehead. The town is located near several recreational areas, including Cave Run Lake, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping. The town’s history is closely tied to the timber industry, and remnants of old lumber mills and historical buildings can still be found in the area. Clearfield is also home to several local churches and community centers, serving as social and cultural hubs for the small town. The proximity to Morehead provides residents with access to larger amenities, including shopping, dining, and educational opportunities at Morehead State University.