Cities and Towns in Warren County, Kentucky
Founded in 1796, Warren County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Warren County was formed from Logan County. The city of Bowling Green is the county seat. With FIPS code of 227, Warren County has a population of 137,212 and area of 545 square miles (1,412 km²).
List of all cities in Warren County, KY alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Allen Springs, KY | 42122 | 270 |
| Alvaton, KY | 42122 | 270 |
| Blue Level, KY | 42274 | 270 |
| Bowling Green, KY | 42101 | 270 |
| 42102 | 270 | |
| 42103 | 270 | |
| 42104 | 270 | |
| Browning, KY | 42274 | 270 |
| Cavehill, KY | 42274 | 270 |
| Drake, KY | 42128 | 270 |
| Hadley, KY | 42101 | 270 |
| Oakland, KY | 42159 | 270 |
| Petros, KY | 42274 | 270 |
| Plum Springs, KY | 42101 | 270 |
| Richardsville, KY | 42101 | 270 |
| Rockfield, KY | 42274 | 270 |
| Smiths Grove, KY | 42171 | 270 |
| Woodburn, KY | 42170 | 270 |
Major Cities and Towns in Warren County, Kentucky
Bowling Green
Area, Population, and Geographic Information
- Area: 39.35 square miles
- Population: Approximately 75,000 (as of the 2020 Census)
- ZIP Codes: 42101, 42103, 42104
- Latitude: 36.9685° N
- Longitude: 86.4808° W
Location and History
Bowling Green, the county seat of Warren County, is located in south-central Kentucky, about 60 miles north of Nashville, Tennessee. The city was founded in 1798 by pioneers Robert and George Moore, and it quickly grew into a key economic and political hub. During the Civil War, Bowling Green was briefly the Confederate capital of Kentucky due to its strategic location along the Barren River and its connection to major rail lines. The city has long been a center for manufacturing and education, thanks to the presence of Western Kentucky University (WKU). Over the years, Bowling Green has transformed from a small river town into a vibrant city known for its automotive industry, notably the General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bowling Green is home to Western Kentucky University, a major public institution offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Major high schools include Bowling Green High School and Warren Central High School. Notable landmarks include the National Corvette Museum, a key attraction for automobile enthusiasts, and Lost River Cave, an underground river offering tours and nature trails. Additionally, Fountain Square Park in downtown Bowling Green serves as a historic and cultural focal point for the community. The Baker Arboretum and the Kentucky Museum also highlight the city’s rich heritage in the arts and history.
Smiths Grove
Area, Population, and Geographic Information
- Area: 1.4 square miles
- Population: Approximately 800 (as of the 2020 Census)
- ZIP Code: 42171
- Latitude: 37.0506° N
- Longitude: 86.2072° W
Location and History
Smiths Grove is a small town located in the northeastern part of Warren County, just off Interstate 65. Established in the 1850s, the town grew around the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, which played a significant role in its development. Smiths Grove became a prominent trade center for the region’s farmers and merchants. The town’s name derives from an early settler named Charles Smith, who established a trading post in the area. Throughout its history, Smiths Grove has maintained a strong sense of community, with many of its historic homes and buildings still standing today, giving the town a charming, preserved character.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Smiths Grove is served by Warren County Public Schools, with students attending nearby North Warren Elementary and Warren East High School. The town is known for its antique shops and historic Main Street, which has become a popular destination for visitors. One of the town’s key landmarks is the Smiths Grove Presbyterian Church, which dates back to the 19th century. The nearby Mammoth Cave National Park, located just a short drive away, is one of the area’s major attractions, offering hiking, cave tours, and outdoor recreation for both locals and tourists. Additionally, the Ed Spear Memorial Park provides a community space for residents to gather and enjoy outdoor activities.
Oakland
Area, Population, and Geographic Information
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 260 (as of the 2020 Census)
- ZIP Code: 42159
- Latitude: 37.0436° N
- Longitude: 86.2483° W
Location and History
Oakland is a small town located in northern Warren County, close to Interstate 65 and the Barren River. Founded in the mid-19th century, Oakland developed as a railroad town along the Louisville and Nashville line, much like Smiths Grove. The town’s name is believed to have come from the many oak trees that were found in the area during its early settlement. Oakland was once a bustling center for agricultural trade, particularly in tobacco and livestock, but it has since evolved into a quiet residential community. Despite its small size, Oakland holds a deep sense of history and community, with many of its original structures still intact.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Oakland is part of the Warren County Public Schools system, with students attending schools in nearby Bowling Green or Smiths Grove. Although small, the town is near some of the region’s major attractions, including the historic Duncan Hines Scenic Byway, which runs nearby and offers scenic drives through the countryside. Oakland is also close to Beech Bend Park and Raceway, a family amusement park and motorsport venue that attracts visitors from all over the state. Additionally, the town is just a short drive from Mammoth Cave National Park, providing easy access to one of Kentucky’s most famous natural landmarks.
Woodburn
Area, Population, and Geographic Information
- Area: 0.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 400 (as of the 2020 Census)
- ZIP Code: 42170
- Latitude: 36.8381° N
- Longitude: 86.5317° W
Location and History
Woodburn is a small town located in southern Warren County, near the Tennessee state line. Established in the 1860s, Woodburn developed alongside the railroad, which was a major transportation route for agricultural products, particularly tobacco. The town was named after the dense woodlands that once surrounded the area. For much of its history, Woodburn has been a quiet farming community, with many residents engaged in agriculture or commuting to nearby Bowling Green for work. While the town has seen slow growth, it retains much of its historic charm, with several original homes and buildings still standing.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Woodburn is part of the Warren County Public Schools district, with students typically attending nearby Rich Pond Elementary and South Warren High School. A notable landmark in Woodburn is the historic Woodburn Baptist Church, which has been a center of community life since the late 19th century. Another key attraction is Chaney’s Dairy Barn, located just outside of town, where visitors can enjoy homemade ice cream and tour the working dairy farm. The nearby South Union Shaker Village, a preserved 19th-century Shaker community, provides a unique glimpse into the region’s religious and cultural history. The rural landscape around Woodburn also offers scenic views and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
