Cities and Towns in Spencer County, Kentucky
Founded in 1824, Spencer County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Spencer County was formed from Nelson County, Shelby County, and Bullitt County. The city of Taylorsville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 215, Spencer County has a population of 19,916 and area of 186 square miles (482 km²).
List of all cities in Spencer County, KY alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Mount Eden, KY | 40046 | 502 |
Taylorsville, KY | 40071 | 502 |
Major Cities and Towns in Spencer County, Kentucky
Taylorsville
Area, Population, and Geographic Information
- Area: 1.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,300 (as of the 2020 Census)
- ZIP Code: 40071
- Latitude: 38.0339° N
- Longitude: 85.3441° W
Location and History
Taylorsville, the county seat of Spencer County, is located in north-central Kentucky, along the banks of Salt River. Founded in 1799 by Richard Taylor, for whom the town is named, Taylorsville grew into a central hub for agriculture, particularly tobacco and grain, due to the fertile land surrounding the area. The town’s location near key transportation routes, including roads leading to Louisville and Bardstown, made it an important trading post in the 19th century. Despite its small size, Taylorsville holds historical significance, with much of its downtown retaining its 19th-century architecture. The town has evolved into a charming rural community with a growing interest in tourism due to its proximity to Taylorsville Lake.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Taylorsville is part of the Spencer County Public Schools district, including Spencer County High School, Spencer County Middle School, and Taylorsville Elementary School. Key landmarks in the city include Taylorsville Lake, a popular destination for boating, fishing, and camping, and Taylorsville Lake State Park, which offers hiking and equestrian trails. Historic downtown Taylorsville features well-preserved buildings, such as the Spencer County Courthouse and the Taylorsville Presbyterian Church. The annual Spencer County Octoberfest celebrates the town’s agricultural heritage with local crafts, food, and entertainment, bringing together residents and visitors alike.
Mount Eden
Area, Population, and Geographic Information
- Area: N/A (Unincorporated community)
- Population: Approximately 250 (Unincorporated area)
- ZIP Code: 40046
- Latitude: 38.0431° N
- Longitude: 85.1864° W
Location and History
Mount Eden is a small, unincorporated community located in eastern Spencer County, near the border with Anderson and Shelby counties. The community was established in the early 1800s and named for the local Mount Eden Baptist Church, which has been a focal point of the area since its founding. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Mount Eden remained a quiet agricultural town, with much of the surrounding land devoted to farming, particularly tobacco and corn. The community’s rural character and close-knit population have helped it maintain a sense of continuity over the years, and today, Mount Eden remains a tranquil, countryside retreat.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mount Eden is part of the Spencer County Public School district, with students attending schools in Taylorsville. One of the most significant landmarks in the community is the Mount Eden Baptist Church, established in the early 19th century, which continues to serve as a center for local religious and social life. The surrounding farmland, dotted with historic barns and homesteads, provides a picturesque backdrop for the community. Mount Eden is also located near Taylorsville Lake, offering easy access to outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and camping. The town’s small population enjoys a peaceful, rural lifestyle, closely connected to the land and its agricultural roots.
Little Mount
Area, Population, and Geographic Information
- Area: N/A (Unincorporated community)
- Population: Approximate population not available (Unincorporated area)
- ZIP Code: 40013
- Latitude: 38.0153° N
- Longitude: 85.3897° W
Location and History
Little Mount is an unincorporated community located in northwestern Spencer County, near the Shelby County border. Founded in the early 19th century, Little Mount has historically been a small agricultural settlement. The town’s name derives from its location on a gently sloping hill, giving it the appearance of a “little mount.” For much of its history, Little Mount remained a quiet farming community, with residents primarily engaged in tobacco, corn, and livestock farming. Today, the town remains largely rural, with much of the surrounding area still dedicated to agriculture, preserving the area’s rural charm and sense of community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Little Mount is served by Spencer County Public Schools, with children attending schools in nearby Taylorsville. The community is home to Little Mount Baptist Church, a historic church that has been at the heart of the community for generations. The town’s rural setting offers scenic views of rolling farmland, making it a peaceful place to live and visit. Little Mount is located close to Taylorsville Lake and Taylorsville Lake State Park, providing residents with easy access to outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The community’s rural roots are celebrated through local events that bring together families and neighbors for church gatherings and seasonal festivities.
Finchville
Area, Population, and Geographic Information
- Area: N/A (Unincorporated community)
- Population: Approximate population not available (Unincorporated area)
- ZIP Code: 40022
- Latitude: 38.1114° N
- Longitude: 85.3719° W
Location and History
Finchville is a small, unincorporated community located in the northern part of Spencer County, near the Shelby County line. The town was founded in the mid-19th century and named after the Finch family, one of the area’s early settlers. Finchville’s history is closely tied to agriculture, with much of the surrounding land historically used for tobacco and corn farming. Though it has never been a large population center, Finchville has maintained its rural character, with a tight-knit community that is deeply connected to the land and farming traditions of central Kentucky.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Finchville is part of the Spencer County Public Schools district, with students attending schools in Taylorsville. A notable landmark in Finchville is the Finchville Baptist Church, which has been a cornerstone of the community since the 1800s. The town’s rural setting, characterized by rolling farmland and picturesque barns, offers a peaceful environment for residents. Finchville is located near several equestrian farms, contributing to the area’s reputation for horse breeding and training. The community’s agricultural heritage is celebrated through local events, such as farm tours and harvest festivals, that bring together residents and visitors to experience the rural charm of Finchville.
Waterford
Area, Population, and Geographic Information
- Area: N/A (Unincorporated community)
- Population: Approximate population not available (Unincorporated area)
- ZIP Code: 40071 (Shares with Taylorsville)
- Latitude: 38.0153° N
- Longitude: 85.4447° W
Location and History
Waterford is an unincorporated community located in northwestern Spencer County. The town was founded in the early 19th century as a small agricultural and trading community, benefiting from its proximity to the Salt River. Historically, Waterford served as a local hub for farmers, who would transport their goods to nearby markets via the river. Although the town never grew significantly in size, it became a central part of Spencer County’s agricultural economy. Today, Waterford remains a rural community, with much of the surrounding land still used for farming, particularly for raising livestock and growing crops like corn and soybeans.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Waterford is served by Spencer County Public Schools, with students attending schools in Taylorsville. One of the community’s key landmarks is Waterford Park, a local gathering place that hosts small events and recreational activities for residents. The area’s rural landscape, with its rolling hills and farmland, provides a scenic environment for outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and fishing. Waterford’s proximity to Taylorsville Lake State Park offers additional recreational opportunities, attracting visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the region. Local events, often hosted by Waterford’s churches and community groups, help preserve the town’s rural traditions and foster a strong sense of community.