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Population4,606,864 residents — July 1, 2025 estimate
Discover • Explore • Connect
Discover Kentucky Communities and Resources
KentuckyFrom the horse farms around Lexington and the Ohio River waterfront in Louisville to western lakes and Appalachian mountain towns, Kentucky offers many ways to put down roots or plan a memorable visit. Explore county guides, find practical services and discover places that make the Bluegrass State distinctive.
My Local Guide is an independent community guide. Use the official agency links below for applications, benefits, licenses and public services.
Kentucky at a Glance
Population4,606,864 residents — July 1, 2025 estimate.webp){kind=icon}
CapitalFrankfort.webp){kind=icon}
Largest CityLouisville.webp){kind=icon}
Counties120 counties.webp){kind=icon}
Land Area39,485.8 square miles.webp){kind=icon}
Water Area920.1 square miles.webp){kind=icon}
StatehoodJune 1, 1792 — 15th state.webp){kind=icon}
Highest PeakBlack Mountain — 4,139 feet
Explore Kentucky Counties
Find Your Community Across All 120 Counties
Kentucky communities range from Louisville and Lexington to lake towns, farming communities and Appalachian county seats. Start with a county to explore local history, everyday services and places to visit.
Where an existing My Local Guide county page is available, the county selector opens that guide. Other entries open official county information while additional local guides are developed. The destination is identified in each link title.
For public office contacts, use the Kentucky local government directory. Check office hours and service requirements before a visit.
Kentucky County Guides
Barren CountyBoone CountyBoyle CountyBullitt CountyCampbell CountyFayette CountyHarrison CountyHart CountyJefferson CountyLaurel CountyMarshall CountyMason CountyMcCracken CountyMercer CountyPulaski CountyScott CountyShelby CountySpencer CountyWayne County
Horse farms and limestone landscapes are part of central Kentucky’s character. Beyond the Bluegrass region, explore western waterways, Ohio River communities and the forested ridges of eastern Kentucky.
Featured Kentucky Counties
Bullitt CountySalt resources around the Salt River and early travel routes helped shape the county’s development. Shepherdsville became an important local center, while later rail…
Shelby CountyShelbyville’s historic buildings and courthouse streets reflect the county’s development as an agricultural and market center. Horse farms, particularly the Saddlebred tradition, became an…
Spencer CountyTaylorsville grew near the Salt River as a local commercial and civic center. Historic downtown buildings preserve that earlier town identity, while farms and…
Jefferson CountyLouisville developed at the Falls of the Ohio, where river geography made trade and transportation especially important. The county’s identity expanded through manufacturing, immigration,…
Explore More Kentucky Communities
Bullitt CountySalt resources around the Salt River and early travel routes helped shape the county’s development. Shepherdsville became an important local center, while later rail…
Shelby CountyShelbyville’s historic buildings and courthouse streets reflect the county’s development as an agricultural and market center. Horse farms, particularly the Saddlebred tradition, became an…Spencer CountyTaylorsville grew near the Salt River as a local commercial and civic center. Historic downtown buildings preserve that earlier town identity, while farms and…Jefferson CountyLouisville developed at the Falls of the Ohio, where river geography made trade and transportation especially important. The county’s identity expanded through manufacturing, immigration,…
America Is
Kentucky
Kentucky’s story connects river commerce, farming, manufacturing, music and the work of people who built communities across generations. Historic places invite visitors to examine that story in detail, including the experiences of Indigenous peoples, enslaved people, settlers, soldiers and families.
Visit Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park for Lincoln’s early Kentucky story, or Camp Nelson National Monument to learn about African American military service and the struggle for freedom during the Civil War.
Local places with a shared history
Community Connections
Use county information, public libraries and local programs to find the people and services that support everyday life.
Living History
Explore museums, historic sites and archival collections to understand Kentucky communities through several perspectives.
Outdoor Discovery
Plan a park visit, a trail outing or a lake day with current access information and a route suited to your group.
Learning and Work
Connect with schools, colleges, workforce programs and business counseling to prepare for your next step.
Kentucky Dispatch
Kentucky Dispatch
Follow reporting, education updates, community stories and health news from Kentucky sources.
UKNow UK HealthCare
UK researcher develops roadmap to strengthen surgical teamwork and patient safety
New research from University of Kentucky College of Medicine faculty member Helen Wei, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor in…
Read the full storyAcross the CommonwealthPresented by
Around Kentucky
Stories from every corner of Kentucky.
UK researcher develops roadmap to strengthen surgical teamwork and patient safety
New research from University of Kentucky College of Medicine faculty member Helen Wei, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor in…
Sep 30, 2026 • 2 min read
Game on: Cross-campus collaboration brings art, technology and play to young neurology patients
A new UK clinical trial is evaluating whether the gamified experience affects children’s performance, motivation and enjoyment during the six-minute…
Sep 30, 2026 • 2 min read
Flu shots now available for the UK campus community
UK students, employees and community members can now schedule their seasonal flu shots at convenient campus locations.
Sep 28, 2026 • 2 min read
Keep kids’ vision in focus with screen-time balance
Excessive screen time can contribute to eye strain, blurry vision and nearsightedness in children, but simple habits like…
Sep 28, 2026 • 2 min read
Golisano Children’s at UK named beneficiary of 2027 Breeders Crown Charity Challenge
Sep 24, 2026 • 2 min readKentucky on Video
See Kentucky for Yourself
Explore Kentucky landscapes and communities through the video selected for this guide.
Kentucky Symbols
Nickname State Motto State Bird State Flower State Tree State Animal Designation
Kentucky Symbols and Identity
Learn about the symbols and traditions associated with the Commonwealth.
The Bluegrass State
Kentucky’s nickname celebrates the bluegrass of its central region.
United we stand, divided we fall
Kentucky’s state seal motto celebrates unity and cooperation.
Northern cardinal
Kentucky’s state bird is known for its crest and bright red males.
Goldenrod
Kentucky’s state flower brings yellow blooms in late summer.
Tulip poplar
Also called yellow poplar, Kentucky’s state tree has tulip-shaped flowers.
Eastern gray squirrel
Designated as Kentucky’s state wild animal game species.
Kentucky Identity
Kentucky combines the rolling farmland of the Bluegrass region, western lakes and river towns, and the forested mountains of Appalachia. Louisville and Lexington anchor major urban communities, while county seats and smaller towns carry local traditions in music, crafts, food and history. Explore thoughtfully, use reliable local information and leave room for the different stories each community tells.
My Local Guide Kentucky
Kentucky
Explore the Bluegrass StateExplore Kentucky places, photographs and trusted resources for everyday life and travel.
Our State. Our Stories.★
State Resources
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Useful Kentucky Resources
Explore Kentucky places, photographs and trusted resources for everyday life and travel.
Government
Find the right public office
Statewide services and county offices handle different tasks. Start with the official agency, then confirm whether you need an online application or a local appointment. Keep copies of documents and confirmation numbers.
Kentucky Government Portal
Start with statewide online services and the agency directory. Use the official portal to identify which office handles a request.
Local Government Directory
Find county, city and regional government contacts. Search by your community before arranging an office visit.
Secretary of State
Find business filing information, election resources and Kentucky land records. Review the correct service before submitting documents.
Department of Revenue
Find individual and business tax information, forms and payment options. Follow current instructions for your tax year.
General Assembly
Look up bills, Kentucky law, committee activity and legislators. Distinguish proposals from enacted law by checking bill status.
State Board of Elections
Find voter registration and election resources. Confirm deadlines and polling details with official election offices.
kynect Benefits
Explore health coverage and public benefit programs. Review applications, eligibility and enrollment assistance.
Kentucky Transparency
Review government spending, contracts and public accountability information. Check what the underlying records cover.
Schools
Plan learning from childhood through college
School enrollment, calendars and attendance boundaries are local district matters. Use statewide resources to compare information and explore college or technical education, then confirm requirements directly with the institution.
Kentucky Department of Education
Find public school guidance, learning resources and district information. Your local district handles enrollment and school calendars.
School Report Card
Compare published school and district information. Consider educational opportunity and school context alongside test results.
Council on Postsecondary Education
Explore Kentucky’s postsecondary system, college planning and transfer information. Check institutions for program admission requirements.
Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority
Find college planning, student aid and scholarship information. Review eligibility and deadlines for each program.
Kentucky Community and Technical College System
Explore community colleges, technical education and workforce programs. Compare credentials, campus locations and student support.
University of Kentucky
Review academic programs, admissions and campus services in Lexington. Contact the admissions office for your student category.
University of Louisville
Explore degree programs, admissions and student resources. Confirm entry requirements on current program pages.
Kentucky Educational Television
Find educational programming and teaching resources. Families and educators can use these alongside school instruction.
Hospitals
Find care near your community
Kentucky has academic medical centers, regional hospitals and community clinics. Search by location and the service you need; confirm insurance participation, referrals and appointments with the provider. Call 911 for a medical emergency.
Licensed Health Care Facilities
Find Kentucky’s licensed facility directories, including hospitals. Confirm the facility and services before traveling for care.
UK HealthCare
Find providers, locations and patient information. Review referral and appointment instructions for the service you need.
UofL Health
Explore hospital locations, specialties and patient services in the Louisville region. Check location pages for visiting information.
Baptist Health
Find hospital and outpatient locations. Check the relevant Kentucky location for services and patient contacts.
Norton Healthcare
Find Louisville-area services and providers. Verify the appointment location and referral requirements.
Appalachian Regional Healthcare
Locate hospitals and clinics serving Appalachian communities. Confirm the Kentucky facility because the system also serves other states.
St Elizabeth Healthcare
Find medical services and locations in Northern Kentucky. Use provider and location listings to plan care.
Find a Health Center
Search federally supported community health centers. Ask about appointments, insurance and payment assistance.
Public Safety
Know where to report a concern
Use official reporting channels for scams, school concerns and public safety questions. A website form is not an emergency dispatch service. Call 911 when someone is in immediate danger; call or text 988 for behavioral health crisis support.
Kentucky State Police
Find public safety services and state police information. Call 911 for an immediate emergency.
Office of the Attorney General
Find consumer protection, scam reporting and victim resources. Follow the appropriate complaint instructions.
Safe School Reporting
Report school safety concerns through Kentucky’s reporting tool. Report immediate danger to 911.
Office of Homeland Security
Find security awareness and preparedness information. Use current agency channels to report suspicious activity.
Kentucky State Fire Marshal
Find fire prevention and inspection information. Contact your local fire department for local services.
Kentucky 988
Call or text 988 for suicide, mental health or substance use crisis support. Call 911 for immediate physical danger.
National Weather Service Louisville
Check warnings and forecasts for the Louisville office’s coverage area. Follow warnings for your county.
National Weather Service Jackson
Check warnings and forecasts for much of eastern Kentucky. Use location-specific alerts when planning outdoor activities.
Emergency Services
Prepare before severe weather arrives
Kentucky communities face flooding, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and winter weather. Follow warnings for your exact county, maintain several ways to receive alerts and review your household plan. Disaster assistance is tied to specific events and program rules.
Kentucky Emergency Management
Find preparedness and disaster response resources. Local emergency management offices provide community-specific instructions.
Kentucky Disaster Recovery
Find recovery guidance and assistance links. Availability depends on the disaster and program rules.
Ready.gov
Prepare household emergency supplies and a plan. Account for medications, pets, accessibility and communication during outages.
Disaster Assistance
Check federal disaster assistance and apply when eligible. Review programs available for the declared disaster.
National Weather Service Paducah
Check weather alerts for western Kentucky. Follow warnings issued for your exact location.
National Weather Service Wilmington
Check alerts covering parts of Northern Kentucky. Match warnings to your county and travel route.
Kentucky Poison Control Center
Find poison prevention and exposure assistance. Poison Help is available at 1-800-222-1222.
American Red Cross Kentucky Region
Find disaster services and preparedness education. Review active response information for the affected community.
State Parks
Choose your next Kentucky outing
Compare waterfalls, caves, historic sites and lake destinations. State parks, national parks and national recreation areas have different reservation systems and rules. Check closures, accessibility and seasonal facilities before travel.
Kentucky State Parks
Explore parks and plan a visit. Confirm current access, lodging, camping and seasonal facilities.
Find a Kentucky State Park
Compare locations and activities. Choose by travel distance, terrain and the facilities your group needs.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Plan a visit to the falls and surrounding park. Check trail conditions and notices before traveling.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Explore sandstone scenery near Red River Gorge. Review trail descriptions and access details before choosing a route.
Fort Boonesborough State Park
Explore a reconstructed fort and Kentucky River history. Check current hours for individual facilities.
Mammoth Cave National Park
Review cave tours and national park activities. Reserve the right tour in advance and check physical requirements.
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Explore mountain scenery and the gap’s history. Check road, trail and visitor center conditions.
Land Between the Lakes
Explore this Kentucky and Tennessee national recreation area. Confirm facility locations, permits and activity rules.
Trails
Match the trail to your group
Kentucky routes range from paved paths to steep wooded terrain and backcountry trails. Use current maps and closure notices, check permitted activities and tell someone your plan. Trail difficulty and access conditions can change with weather.
Kentucky State Park Trails
Browse hiking, biking and horse trail resources. Select routes using length, difficulty and permitted uses.
Kentucky State Park Hiking
Find hiking route descriptions. Check elevation changes and access details before setting out.
Daniel Boone National Forest
Find recreation maps and closure notices. Check the current information for your trail or recreation area.
Mammoth Cave Trip Planning
Explore surface recreation as well as cave tours. Check trail and river conditions before your visit.
Big South Fork
Explore trails in Kentucky and Tennessee. Confirm trailhead locations, permitted uses and closures.
Kentucky Nature Preserves
Find protected natural areas and access rules. Some sites restrict entry or require appointments.
Louisville Loop
Explore Louisville’s shared use trail network. Check route continuity and local conditions before a longer outing.
The Parklands of Floyds Fork
Explore eastern Louisville trails and parks. Match the route to your group’s ability and permitted activities.
Utilities
Use your address to find the right provider
Electricity, natural gas, water and sewer providers vary by community. Account service and outage reports usually begin with the utility. For unresolved regulated utility matters, review PSC guidance; confirm whether the commission covers your provider.
Kentucky Public Service Commission
Find regulated utility information and consumer resources. Municipal and other utilities can have different complaint routes.
PSC Consumer Questions
Learn about utility service and complaints. Contact your provider first for account-specific billing or outage issues.
PSC Utility Directory
Look up utility records and providers. Confirm the company using your service address.
LG and E and KU
Find account services and outage information. Confirm whether your address is in the service area.
Kentucky Power
Find customer service and electric outage information. Use the official reporting channel for your account.
Duke Energy
Find account and outage services, including Kentucky service areas. Select the correct state and location.
Kentucky Division of Water
Find drinking water and water quality information. Your provider handles accounts and local advisories.
Community Action Kentucky
Find your community action agency and assistance programs. Ask about current energy assistance eligibility and availability.
Libraries
Connect with your local library
Public libraries offer books and community learning opportunities, with services varying by branch. Check local borrowing policies, computers, meeting space and event registration. State archival resources can support family and community history research.
Kentucky Public Library Directory
Find libraries by county, city or ZIP code. Check branch hours, borrowing requirements and services.
Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives
Find library services and archival resources. Start here for state records research.
Louisville Free Public Library
Find branches, catalogs and events. Confirm branch hours before visiting.
Lexington Public Library
Explore branches, learning programs and borrowing services. Check registration for special events.
Kenton County Public Library
Find Northern Kentucky branches and services. Review location pages and community programs.
Boone County Public Library
Find catalogs, branches and events. Check which branch offers the service you need.
Daviess County Public Library
Explore library services in the Owensboro area. Use the catalog and current calendar to plan a visit.
Warren County Public Library
Find branches and programs in the Bowling Green area. Check current event and location information.
Courts
Start with the right court and case type
Find the appropriate county court and confirm filing procedures, forms and deadlines. Official self-help materials and civil legal aid directories can help identify the next step. Legal advice about your situation should come from a qualified attorney.
Kentucky Court of Justice
Find official court information and services. Use the right court and county for your matter.
Find a Court
Find court locations and contacts. Confirm the courthouse and case type before traveling.
Legal Help
Find self-help and assistance information. Court staff explain procedures but cannot act as your attorney.
Civil Legal Aid Programs
Find civil legal aid by service region. Ask about eligibility and the matters a program handles.
Kentucky Court Forms
Find official forms. Check that a form matches your case and review local instructions.
Department of Public Advocacy
Find public defense information. Appointed representation depends on eligibility and court decisions.
Kentucky Revised Statutes
Read state statutes from the legislature. Check current versions and effective dates.
Kentucky Legal Aid
Find civil legal aid for its service area. Check county coverage and intake requirements.
DMV
Separate licensing testing and registration
In Kentucky, Driver Licensing Regional Offices issue driver credentials, Kentucky State Police handles driver testing, and county clerks handle many vehicle registration transactions. Choose the right service before making a trip and check the document list.
Kentucky DRIVE
Start with driver and vehicle services. Licensing, testing and registration use different offices.
Driver Services
Find license renewal, identification and other services. Check online eligibility before scheduling a visit.
Find a Licensing Office
Locate a Driver Licensing Regional Office. Confirm appointments and required documents.
Kentucky State Police Driver Testing
Find official study materials and testing appointments. Testing is separate from issuing a license.
REAL ID
Review REAL ID requirements. Use the official document checklist for your situation.
Vehicle Services
Find title and registration guidance. County clerks handle many vehicle transactions.
County Clerk Directory
Find county clerk contacts. Confirm transaction services and required paperwork with the office.
Vehicle Registration and Renewals
Find registration and renewal instructions from Kentucky DRIVE. Confirm documents and transaction details with your county clerk.
Transportation
Plan road transit and airport travel
Use GoKY for current traffic and road information, then check the operator serving your route. Louisville, Lexington and Northern Kentucky have separate transit agencies. Confirm schedules, connections and accessibility needs directly.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Find highway, project and transportation information. Check notices affecting your route.
GoKY Traffic Map
Review traffic, road conditions and incidents. Check near departure because conditions change.
Transit Authority of River City
Plan Louisville-area bus travel. Check current routes, fares and accessibility services.
Lextran
Find Lexington transit routes. Review current schedules for your travel day.
Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky
Plan Northern Kentucky bus travel. Check regional connections and transfer arrangements.
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport
Find passenger services and airport travel information. Confirm flights with the airline.
Blue Grass Airport
Find Lexington airport information, parking and services. Verify schedules and check-in requirements.
Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport
Find passenger information for this Northern Kentucky airport. Use current airport and airline guidance.
Postal Services
Find the postal service you need
USPS tools work statewide, but hours and services vary by location. Confirm your address and ZIP code, retain tracking details and use the official address change site when moving. Check appointments for services such as passport acceptance.
USPS Locations
Find post offices, collection boxes and postal locations. Check hours and available services.
USPS ZIP Code Lookup
Look up ZIP codes by address. Confirm address formatting before mailing documents.
USPS Tracking
Track eligible mail and packages. Use your tracking number to view available updates.
USPS Change of Address
Start an official address change. Review verification steps and charges before submitting.
USPS Hold Mail
Request a temporary mail hold when eligible. Check dates and options for your address.
Informed Delivery
Learn about mail previews and package management. Availability depends on your address and account verification.
USPS Missing Mail
Follow the official delayed or missing mail process. Gather tracking and mailing details first.
USPS Passport Services
Find passport acceptance services and appointments. Check required documents before visiting.
Veterans
Connect state and federal support
Kentucky and VA programs provide different types of assistance. Begin with benefits counseling or the VA system serving your area, and gather service documents before an appointment. Military family employment support is also available through several resources.
Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs
Find state veteran benefits and programs. Ask a counselor which services fit your needs.
Kentucky Veterans Benefits
Explore benefit and counseling resources. Confirm documentation and eligibility with the service office.
KYVETS Employment Resources
Find career support for veterans and military families. Review available employment assistance and events.
Career Center Veteran Services
Find employment assistance for veterans and transitioning service members. Ask about local veteran service staff.
VA Kentucky Locations
Find VA facilities in Kentucky. Confirm facility type and appointment arrangements.
Lexington VA Health Care
Find Lexington VA services and patient information. Review enrollment and appointment instructions.
Louisville VA Health Care
Find Louisville VA services and locations. Confirm the location for your appointment.
Veterans Crisis Line
Dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255, for crisis support. Call 911 for immediate physical danger.
Employment
Build a practical path to your next job
Use career centers for job search help and explore adult education, technical training or rehabilitation services when appropriate. Unemployment insurance has separate claim requirements. For entrepreneurship, start with business counseling and official registration guidance.
Kentucky Career Center
Find workforce information and job search assistance. Contact a local center about available support.
Resume and Job Search
Find job search resources and current work search guidance. Claimants should follow instructions for their claim.
Kentucky Unemployment Insurance
Find official unemployment information and claim resources. Review current instructions before filing.
Kentucky State Careers
Search state government jobs. Read each posting’s qualifications and application deadline.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Explore employment support for eligible people with disabilities. Discuss services with the local office.
Kentucky Adult Education
Find adult education and skills resources. Ask a local provider about classes and assessment.
KCTCS Workforce Education
Explore workforce education and employer training. Contact the college serving your region.
Kentucky Small Business Development Center
Find small business counseling and training. Discuss starting or growing a business with a service center.
Find Your Next Step
Use the resource links to reach the agency or organization that serves your community.
Kentucky Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Find direct answers and practical starting points for living, working and exploring in Kentucky.
Start with kynect to apply for SNAP food assistance, Medicaid and other listed benefits. You can also find help with health coverage through a kynector or insurance agent. Have household, income and current coverage information ready, and follow the document requests for the program you select.
Check Kentucky’s LIHEAP energy assistance program and contact the Community Action Agency serving your county about applications, required documents and current availability. If you have a shutoff notice, tell the agency when service may be disconnected and contact your utility about payment options. Use kynect resources to look for additional local support.
Use Kentucky DRIVE to review renewal options and required documents. For an office visit, use the Driver Licensing Regional Office finder and check appointments before traveling. First-time REAL ID applications require an in-person visit. Driver licensing and vehicle registration use different offices, so confirm the service you need.
Start with Kentucky DRIVE’s registration and renewal instructions to check online options and required information. Contact your county clerk for transactions that need local assistance or cannot be completed online. Confirm insurance, taxes, fees and documents for your particular vehicle before visiting; a driver licensing office does not handle the same transactions.
Contact the Kentucky Career Center for job-search services and information about training. Explore state government job openings and Kentucky community and technical colleges for additional options. Ask a career center which local services match your experience and whether a training program has eligibility requirements or costs.
Begin at the official Kentucky unemployment insurance website and follow its link to file or access a claim. Read the claimant FAQs before submitting. Gather the employment and identity information requested, and follow the current instructions for benefit requests and work searches. If you need help with an existing claim, use the contact options on the official site.
Use the Kentucky school and district directory to find district contacts, then ask which school serves your home address. Review the state enrollment requirements and ask the district about records, registration dates and the process for transferring from another school. Confirm placement with the district before making plans.
Use the Kentucky local government directory to find your city or county. Tell the office your address and the service you need, such as trash collection, a permit or an office record, and ask which department handles it. Service areas can differ from county boundaries. Confirm office hours, required documents and whether you need an appointment before visiting.
Check GoKY for Kentucky traffic and road information before leaving. Review your route for reported closures or disruptions, then check the destination’s own notices for local access changes. Conditions can change during a trip, so allow extra travel time and follow posted detours.
Check the specific destination before traveling. Mammoth Cave National Park recommends advance cave-tour reservations; compare tour length, stairs and physical requirements before booking. For state park lodging, camping and activities, start with Kentucky State Parks and the individual park’s page. Confirm availability, fees, accessibility and cancellation terms for the activity you choose.
Keep Exploring Kentucky
An independent guide to Kentucky communities and resources
Choose a county, plan an outing or connect with a useful local service.
An independent guide to Kentucky communities and resources