Map of Kentucky
The state of Kentucky is located in the Southeastern region of the United States. The state borders seven states: Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio to the north; West Virginia and Virginia to the east; Tennessee to the south; and Missouri to the west.
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About the map:
This map of Kentucky State shows the state borders, states, state capital, county borders, counties, county seats, and important cities.
County seats are indicated by a red circle, white circles indicate cities, and the capital of Kentucky is indicated by a star in the red circle. The larger the city in terms of population, the larger the circle on the map and the larger the font of the city name.
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Kentucky State Maps
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Kentucky State Profile
The Great Seal of the State of Kentucky |
Flag of Kentucky |
| Capital: | Frankfort |
| Largest city: | Louisville |
| Largest metropolitan area: | Louisville |
| Largest county by population: | Jefferson |
| Largest county by area: | Pike County |
| Area: | 40,408 sq mi (104,656 km2) |
| Population (2024): | 4,588,372[1] |
| Density: | 114/sq mi (44/km2) |
| Dimensions: |
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| Latitude: | 36°30′ N to 39°09′ N |
| Longitude: | 81°58′ W to 89°34′ W |
| Elevation: |
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| Official language: |
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| Religion (2014): |
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| Racial/ethnic groups (2024):[1] |
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| Median household income (2023): | $62,417[1] |
| USPS abbreviation: | KY |
| ISO 3166 code: | US-KY |
| Time zone: | Eastern half: UTC–05:00 (Eastern) Summer (DST) UTC–04:00 (EDT) Western half: UTC–06:00 (Central) Summer (DST) UTC–05:00 (CDT) |
| The Official Website of the State of Kentucky: | www.kentucky.gov |
About the State of Kentucky
Kentucky is a state located in the Southeastern United States. Kentucky ranks 37th by size among U.S. states, covering an area of 40,408 square miles (104,656 km²). The state borders seven states: Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio to the north; West Virginia and Virginia to the east; Tennessee to the south; and Missouri to the west.
The state capital is Frankfort, while Louisville and Lexington serve as the state's largest cities. As of 2024, Kentucky has a population of approximately 4.59 million residents, ranking it 26th among U.S. states by population.
Kentucky's economy relies on diverse sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, and services. The state leads in automotive manufacturing, hosting major facilities for Ford, Toyota, and General Motors. Kentucky ranks as the largest beef cattle state east of the Mississippi River and maintains significant bourbon whiskey production, accounting for 95% of the world's supply.
Major tourist attractions include Mammoth Cave National Park, the world's longest known cave system; Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville; Kentucky Bourbon Trail; and Daniel Boone National Forest. The state also features notable destinations such as Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, known for its moonbow phenomenon, and Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park.
Kentucky maintains a strong presence in education with notable institutions including the University of Kentucky in Lexington and the University of Louisville. The state's healthcare sector continues to grow, particularly in Louisville and Lexington, which serve as major medical centers for the region.
The state's transportation network includes major interstate highways I-64, I-65, and I-75, connecting Kentucky's urban centers to surrounding states. The Louisville International Airport and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport serve as primary air transportation hubs.
Kentucky's natural resources contribute significantly to the national economy, with coal mining remaining active in the eastern region, though at reduced levels compared to historical production. The state also maintains significant limestone quarrying operations and timber harvesting industries.
Brief History
Kentucky, established as the 15th state in 1792, originated from Virginia's western territory. Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Shawnee, inhabited the region for thousands of years before European exploration. The first European settlers arrived through Cumberland Gap in the 1750s, establishing frontier outposts and settlements.
Daniel Boone led expeditions through Kentucky in 1767, marking a significant period of westward expansion. The region witnessed numerous conflicts between settlers and Native Americans during the late 18th century. Kentucky's strategic location along the Ohio River contributed to its rapid development as a transportation hub and agricultural center. The state's fertile soil supported tobacco, hemp, and corn cultivation, while limestone-rich water facilitated bourbon whiskey production, which began in the late 1700s.
During the Civil War, Kentucky maintained a complex position as a border state, officially declaring neutrality before siding with the Union. The state contributed soldiers to both armies, experiencing significant internal division. The post-war period brought industrial growth, particularly in Louisville and northern Kentucky. Coal mining emerged as a crucial industry in the eastern regions during the late 19th century.
The 20th century saw Kentucky diversify its economy beyond agriculture. The establishment of Fort Knox in 1918 and the development of the automotive industry in the latter half of the century reshaped the state's economic landscape. Kentucky's cultural contributions, including bluegrass music, thoroughbred horse racing, and bourbon distilling, have become internationally recognized symbols of American heritage.
Major cities in Kentucky
- Louisville
- Lexington
- Bowling Green
- Owensboro
- Covington
- Georgetown
- Richmond
- Florence
- Elizabethtown
- Hopkinsville
- Nicholasville
- Independence
- Frankfort
- Jeffersontown
- Henderson
- Paducah
- Radcliff
- Ashland
- Erlanger
- Madisonville
Counties in Kentucky
There are 120 counties in the U.S. state of Kentucky.
List of counties in KentuckyKentucky County Map
Geography of Kentucky
Kentucky, a state in the southeastern United States, encompasses 40,408 square miles (104,656 km2) and shares borders with seven states: Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. The state's diverse geography includes distinct regions: the Appalachian Plateau in the east, the Bluegrass region in the north-central area, the Pennyroyal Plateau in the south, and the Western Coal Fields and Jackson Purchase regions in the west.
The Ohio River forms Kentucky's northern border for 664 miles, while the Mississippi River defines its western boundary. Major internal waterways include the Kentucky, Cumberland, and Green Rivers. The state's highest point, Black Mountain, reaches 4,145 feet above sea level in Harlan County, while its lowest point (257 feet) lies along the Mississippi River in Fulton County.
Kentucky experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Average annual precipitation ranges from 42 to 50 inches, distributed relatively evenly throughout the year. Summer temperatures typically reach highs in the upper 80s Fahrenheit, while winter lows can drop into the mid-20s. The state's location makes it susceptible to severe weather events, including tornadoes and occasional ice storms.
The Mammoth Cave system, located in south-central Kentucky, represents the world's longest known cave system, extending for more than 400 miles. The state's natural vegetation primarily consists of mixed hardwood forests, with notable tree species including oak, hickory, and maple. Agricultural lands dominate the western and central regions, while the eastern portion maintains significant forest coverage despite historical coal mining activities.
Below you will find a list of the largest lakes, the longest rivers, and the highest mountains in Kentucky.
Major Rivers in Kentucky
- Ohio River - 981 mi (1,579 km)
- Cumberland River - 688 mi (1,107 km)
- Green River - 384 mi (618 km)
- Licking River - 303 mi (488 km)
- Kentucky River - 259 mi (417 km)
- Big Sandy River - 195 mi (314 km)
- Salt River - 150 mi (241 km)
- Rolling Fork River - 140 mi (225 km)
- Tradewater River - 135 mi (217 km)
- Tug Fork River - 132 mi (212 km)
- Levisa Fork River - 130 mi (209 km)
- South Fork Kentucky River - 120 mi (193 km)
- Barren River - 115 mi (185 km)
- North Fork Kentucky River - 110 mi (177 km)
- Little River - 98 mi (158 km)
- Red River - 97 mi (156 km)
- Rockcastle River - 90 mi (145 km)
- Nolin River - 85 mi (137 km)
- Rough River - 84 mi (135 km)
- Little Sandy River - 83 mi (134 km)
Major Lakes in Kentucky
- Kentucky Lake - 160 sq mi (414 km2)
- Lake Cumberland - 65.5 sq mi (170 km2)
- Lake Barkley - 58 sq mi (150 km2)
- Nolin River Lake - 38 sq mi (98 km2)
- Barren River Lake - 28 sq mi (73 km2)
- Green River Lake - 25 sq mi (65 km2)
- Rough River Lake - 19 sq mi (49 km2)
- Dale Hollow Lake - 17 sq mi (44 km2)
- Laurel River Lake - 13.8 sq mi (36 km2)
- Cave Run Lake - 13.5 sq mi (35 km2)
- Taylorsville Lake - 11.5 sq mi (30 km2)
- Herrington Lake - 9.2 sq mi (24 km2)
- Buckhorn Lake - 8.5 sq mi (22 km2)
- Grayson Lake - 6.1 sq mi (16 km2)
- Fishtrap Lake - 5.8 sq mi (15 km2)
- Dewey Lake - 5.4 sq mi (14 km2)
- Paintsville Lake - 4.2 sq mi (11 km2)
- Lake Malone - 3.5 sq mi (9 km2)
- Cedar Creek Lake - 3.1 sq mi (8 km2)
- Carr Creek Lake - 2.8 sq mi (7.3 km2)
The Highest Mountains in Kentucky
- Black Mountain - 4,145 ft (1,263 m)
- Pine Mountain - 3,273 ft (998 m)
- Little Black Mountain - 3,037 ft (926 m)
- Log Mountain - 3,024 ft (922 m)
- Chunklick Mountain - 2,995 ft (913 m)
- Brush Mountain - 2,980 ft (908 m)
- Big Black Mountain - 2,940 ft (896 m)
- Cumberland Mountain - 2,900 ft (884 m)
- Stone Mountain - 2,840 ft (866 m)
- Rockhouse Ridge - 2,800 ft (853 m)
- Fork Ridge - 2,780 ft (847 m)
- Grindstone Mountain - 2,725 ft (831 m)
- White Mountain - 2,704 ft (824 m)
- Red Bird Mountain - 2,680 ft (817 m)
- Pine Ridge - 2,660 ft (811 m)
- Sand Mountain - 2,640 ft (805 m)
- Bear Mountain - 2,590 ft (789 m)
- Jellico Mountain - 2,580 ft (786 m)
- Cross Mountain - 2,560 ft (780 m)
- Buffalo Mountain - 2,520 ft (768 m)
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