Population63,746 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
River Thickets and a Familiar Culinary Story
Laurel County, KentuckyLaurel County connects London with a landscape that includes part of Laurel River Lake. Its name recalls the laurel thickets along the river, while the Sanders café near Corbin links this southeastern Kentucky county to the beginnings of a worldwide restaurant name. London is the county seat. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated 63,746 residents in Laurel County, Kentucky, on July 1, 2025.
Laurel County at a Glance
Population63,746 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
County SeatLondon
StateKentucky
Established1825
ZIP CodesVary by address
Total Area, Including Water443.693 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography)
Road InformationState transportation resources below
Area CodesSee local phone listings
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Discover Laurel County
Laurel County
Laurel County was established in 1825 from parts of Rockcastle, Clay, Knox, and Whitley counties. Its name came from the Laurel River and the vegetation along its banks. The Civil War’s Battle of Wildcat Mountain forms another part of its historical landscape. In a different chapter, Harland Sanders developed his restaurant business near Corbin. London’s place as county seat links these wider stories with the everyday administrative center of southeastern Kentucky’s Laurel County.
London provides a central reference point, but Laurel County’s identity also reaches toward Corbin and Laurel River Lake. The county combines a river-and-lake setting with a familiar culinary story connected to the original Sanders café. A visit can therefore take several directions: exploring the county center, learning about local wartime history, or concentrating on the lake landscape. Corbin crosses county boundaries, so individual destinations should be located precisely when planning a route.
What Shapes Us
Local Character
Its name recalls the laurel thickets along the river, while the Sanders café near Corbin links this southeastern Kentucky county to the beginnings of a worldwide restaurant name.
Community History
Laurel County was established in 1825 from parts of Rockcastle, Clay, Knox, and Whitley counties. Its name came from the Laurel River and the vegetation along its banks.
Around the County
London provides a central reference point, but Laurel County’s identity also reaches toward Corbin and Laurel River Lake. The county combines a river-and-lake setting with a familiar culinary story connected to the original Sanders café.
River country and familiar stories invite a closer look.
A Closer Look
Laurel County
Places and perspectives from Laurel County
UKNow UK HealthCare
Groundbreaking held for 1st building at UK’s Hamburg East location
City and state officials joined University of Kentucky and UK HealthCare leaders at a ceremonial groundbreaking to celebrate…
Read the Story Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Around Laurel County
Stories from every corner of Laurel County.
Groundbreaking held for 1st building at UK’s Hamburg East location
City and state officials joined University of Kentucky and UK HealthCare leaders at a ceremonial groundbreaking to celebrate…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
UK researcher tackles joint injuries with $4.6M in new grants
In the Commonwealth, musculoskeletal injuries are the leading sources of disability and chronic pain, a crisis intrinsically linked…
Oct 15, 2026 • 2 min read
Pediatric providers come together for 2nd annual Golisano Children’s at UK Affiliate Network Conference
Oct 15, 2026 • 2 min read
Meadowview Regional Medical Center and Fleming County Hospital join Gill Affiliate Network
UK HealthCare welcomes Meadowview Regional Medical Center and Fleming County Hospital as the newest members of the University…
Oct 14, 2026 • 2 min read
Small procedure, bigger breaths: UK HealthCare doctors improve breathing in COPD patients
UK HealthCare’s BLVR program is helping eligible COPD patients breathe easier, regain independence and improve their quality of…
Oct 13, 2026 • 2 min read
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
County Resources
Find the Right Local Connection
Start with the organization responsible for the service you need. Follow its official link for current requirements, office locations and availability.
County photographs from Wikimedia Commons; images may be cropped for display.
- USACE Laurel River Dam and Lake.jpg — George Green, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Public domain. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Digital Visual LibraryImage pageImage description pageDigital Visual Library home page
- Laurel River Lake Kentucky.jpg — George Green, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Public domain. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Digital Visual LibraryImage pageImage description pageDigital Visual Library home page
- Daniel Boone National Forest – Social 8.jpg — U.S.Forest Service-Daniel Boone National Forest. Public domain. https://www.facebook.com/danielboonenf/posts/1873377029344405
Kentucky statewide resources
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
Public school contacts
Selected local schools from the NCES 2024-2025 directory. Contact the school or district to confirm enrollment, attendance boundaries and current services; this is not a complete school list.
East Bernstadt Elementary School – Elementary; grades PK-08. 229 School Street, East Bernstadt, KY 40729. 606-843-6221.
Hunter Hills Elementary School – Elementary; grades PK-05. 8325 S US 25, Corbin, KY 40701. 606-862-4655.
Keavy Elementary School – Elementary; grades PK-05. 598 W Hwy 312, Keavy, KY 40737. 606-862-4672.
Bush Elementary School – Elementary; grades PK-05. 1832 E Laurel Rd, London, KY 40741. 606-862-4618.
North Laurel High School – High; grades 09-12. 1300 East Hal Rogers Parkway, London, KY 40741. 606-862-4699.
North Laurel Middle School – Middle; grades 06-08. 101 Johnson Rd, London, KY 40741. 606-862-4715.
Hazel Green Elementary School – Elementary; grades PK-05. 2515 Hwy 1394, East Bernstadt, KY 40729. 606-862-4647.
Hospitals
Local hospital contacts
Facility contacts from the CMS Hospital General Information directory, updated July 22, 2026. Contact the facility directly to confirm current services and appointment arrangements.
Saint Joseph London – Acute Care Hospitals. 1001 Saint Joseph Lane, London, KY 40741. 606-330-6000.
Kentucky statewide resources
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.
Kentucky statewide resources
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.
Kentucky statewide resources
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.
Kentucky statewide resources
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.
Kentucky statewide resources
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
Local library contacts
Locations and public phone numbers are from the IMLS FY2024 Public Libraries Survey. Call the branch to confirm current hours and services before visiting.
Laurel County Public Library – 120 College Park Drive, London, KY 40741. 606-864-5759.
Kentucky statewide resources
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
Kentucky — Vehicle Registration Renewal
Kentucky statewide resources
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
USPS location finder — Search by street address, city or ZIP Code for nearby post offices, collection boxes and available services.
USPS ZIP Code lookup — Find the mailing ZIP Code for a specific street address.
USPS Hold Mail — Arrange a temporary mail hold and review identity-verification requirements.
USPS change of address and forwarding — Review forwarding options and submit an address-change request through USPS.
USPS package pickup — Check pickup availability for your address and schedule eligible shipments.
Veterans
National services available to local residents
VA accredited representatives — Find help with VA claims and benefit applications.
VA health care applications — Review application options and supporting information.
VA disability claims — Find the official steps for submitting a disability claim.
GI Bill and education benefits — Review how to apply for VA education benefits.
Veteran career and employment support — Explore VA employment, training and career assistance.
Employment
National services available to local residents
USAJOBS federal employment — Search federal openings by location and occupation.
Apprenticeship Finder — Search apprenticeship opportunities by location and occupation.
My Next Move career exploration — Explore occupations, industries and career interests.
Government job-training resources — Find routes to state training programs and support for different job seekers.
Unemployment benefit guidance — Find your state program and its application and eligibility information.
Get to Know Laurel County
Useful answers for residents, visitors and anyone planning their next step.
Local Questions
Laurel County Questions, Answered
Explore practical details about the county and the organizations that serve it.
63,746 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate). This is a dated Census Bureau estimate, rather than a live resident count.
443.693 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography). The total combines land and water area.
Start with these official Kentucky resources: REAL ID; Find an Office; Vehicle Registration Renewal. Choose the page for the service you need, then check its office or online instructions before making a trip. These links cover state services; they do not establish that every transaction is available at a county office.
Use USPS ZIP Code Lookup for the mailing ZIP Code of a specific street address. Use the USPS location finder to search for nearby postal facilities and available services. An address lookup is more useful for mailing than assuming the entire county shares one ZIP Code.
The VA explains how to find and appoint an accredited representative for benefit claims. Contact a representative to confirm availability before appointing them. For education benefits, use the GI Bill application guidance. These are national VA services available to eligible local residents, rather than a listing of county offices.
Search USAJOBS for federal positions and the Apprenticeship Finder for apprenticeship opportunities, using location filters to narrow the results. USAGov job-training guidance points to training programs and state resources. Check each listing for current availability, eligibility and application instructions; a search result does not guarantee an opening in the county.
Laurel County was established in 1825 from parts of Rockcastle, Clay, Knox, and Whitley counties. Its name came from the Laurel River and the vegetation along its banks. The Civil War’s Battle of Wildcat Mountain forms another part of its historical landscape. In a different chapter, Harland Sanders developed his restaurant business near Corbin. London’s place as county seat links these wider stories with the everyday administrative center of southeastern Kentucky’s Laurel County.
London provides a central reference point, but Laurel County’s identity also reaches toward Corbin and Laurel River Lake. The county combines a river-and-lake setting with a familiar culinary story connected to the original Sanders café. A visit can therefore take several directions: exploring the county center, learning about local wartime history, or concentrating on the lake landscape. Corbin crosses county boundaries, so individual destinations should be located precisely when planning a route.
The 2020 Census geography figures record 433.989 square miles of land and 9.704 square miles of water in Laurel County. The county’s total area includes both. These are geographic measurements for that Census vintage, not a measurement of current water levels or public recreation access.
In the Census Bureau’s 2025 estimate series, Laurel County had an estimated 62,733 residents on July 1, 2020, and 63,746 on July 1, 2025. Over that interval, the estimated population increased by 1,013 residents, or about 1.6%. Both figures come from the same estimate vintage, which revises earlier years for a consistent comparison.
London is the county seat of Laurel County, Kentucky.
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
My Local Guide
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Local Businesses
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