Discover All Counties in the Bluegrass State
Kentucky, known as the Bluegrass State, is rich in culture, nature, and history. Whether you’re exploring real estate, genealogy, business opportunities, or travel plans, understanding the full list of counties in Kentucky helps you navigate the state better.
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is divided into 120 counties, making it the state with the third-highest number of counties in the U.S. These counties serve as key administrative regions, and each has its own seat of government.
How Many Counties Are in Kentucky?
There are 120 counties in Kentucky. These counties vary significantly in size, population, and economy. You’ll find both rural communities and bustling urban centers. The county system plays a major role in local services like public schools, law enforcement, road maintenance, and property records.
List of All Counties in Kentucky (KY)
Here is an alphabetically sorted, complete list of all the counties in Kentucky:
- Adair County
- Allen County
- Anderson County
- Ballard County
- Barren County
- Bath County
- Bell County
- Boone County
- Bourbon County
- Boyd County
- Boyle County
- Bracken County
- Breathitt County
- Breckinridge County
- Bullitt County
- Butler County
- Caldwell County
- Calloway County
- Campbell County
- Carlisle County
- Carroll County
- Carter County
- Casey County
- Christian County
- Clark County
- Clay County
- Clinton County
- Crittenden County
- Cumberland County
- Daviess County
- Edmonson County
- Elliott County
- Estill County
- Fayette County
- Fleming County
- Floyd County
- Franklin County
- Fulton County
- Gallatin County
- Garrard County
- Grant County
- Graves County
- Grayson County
- Green County
- Greenup County
- Hancock County
- Hardin County
- Harlan County
- Harrison County
- Hart County
- Henderson County
- Henry County
- Hickman County
- Hopkins County
- Jackson County
- Jefferson County
- Jessamine County
- Johnson County
- Kenton County
- Knott County
- Knox County
- LaRue County
- Laurel County
- Lawrence County
- Lee County
- Leslie County
- Letcher County
- Lewis County
- Lincoln County
- Livingston County
- Logan County
- Lyon County
- McCracken County
- McCreary County
- McLean County
- Madison County
- Magoffin County
- Marion County
- Marshall County
- Martin County
- Mason County
- Meade County
- Menifee County
- Mercer County
- Metcalfe County
- Monroe County
- Montgomery County
- Morgan County
- Muhlenberg County
- Nelson County
- Nicholas County
- Ohio County
- Oldham County
- Owen County
- Owsley County
- Pendleton County
- Perry County
- Pike County
- Powell County
- Pulaski County
- Robertson County
- Rockcastle County
- Rowan County
- Russell County
- Scott County
- Shelby County
- Simpson County
- Spencer County
- Taylor County
- Todd County
- Trigg County
- Trimble County
- Union County
- Warren County
- Washington County
- Wayne County
- Webster County
- Whitley County
- Wolfe County
- Woodford County
Which Are the Most Populated Counties in Kentucky?
If you are researching Kentucky counties by population, some of the largest include:
- Jefferson County (Louisville)
- Fayette County (Lexington)
- Kenton County
- Warren County
- Boone County
These counties are major economic and cultural hubs. They offer strong job markets, universities, hospitals, and diverse amenities.
Smallest Counties by Population and Land Area
If you're curious about quiet areas or planning for rural living, you may find interest in Kentucky's least populated counties:
- Robertson County – Smallest by population
- Gallatin County – Among the smallest in land size
- Hickman County – Located on the Mississippi River
These counties are often favored for agriculture, nature retreats, and affordable real estate.
Why Are There So Many Counties in Kentucky?
Kentucky has 120 counties due to its early settlement and the needs of a growing rural population. Counties were created to ensure no resident needed to travel more than a day to reach the county seat on horseback. This structure continues to shape Kentucky’s political, cultural, and social landscape.
Popular Questions About Kentucky Counties
What is the oldest county in Kentucky?
Jefferson County is one of the original three counties established in 1780, making it one of the oldest in the state.
What is the newest county in Kentucky?
McCreary County, formed in 1912, is the youngest county in Kentucky.
What counties are part of the Lexington–Fayette Metro Area?
The Lexington metropolitan area includes several counties such as:
- Fayette County
- Jessamine County
- Scott County
- Bourbon County
- Woodford County
These counties are connected through commerce, commuting, and infrastructure.
Key Uses for Knowing Kentucky's County List
You can benefit from knowing all Kentucky counties if you are:
- Searching for public records
- Planning travel or outdoor recreation
- Researching history and ancestry
- Analyzing market demographics
- Looking into jurisdiction for legal matters
Each of those reasons highlights how geographic and administrative knowledge supports a wide variety of business and personal tasks.
Final Thoughts on Kentucky's County Structure
Whether you are relocating, studying Kentucky’s geography, or tracking county-level data, being familiar with all 120 counties in Kentucky supports your success. Every county holds a piece of the state’s history, economy, and charm. From the Appalachian Mountains in the east to the rolling plains of the west, you will find unique people and places across every Kentucky county.
Use this guide as a helpful reference any time you need a full list of Kentucky counties. Stay informed and empowered in your journey around the Commonwealth.
