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Trying the top The Largest Cities In Kentucky cities on US State Largest Cities – Choose State & Number? Here are the top 10 to get you started.
1. Louisville, KY (Population: 622,981)
Louisville, the largest city in Kentucky, sits on the banks of the Ohio River and is best known worldwide as the home of the Kentucky Derby. The city blends Southern charm with Midwestern industry, serving as a hub for logistics, health care, and bourbon production. Its neighborhoods range from historic districts with Victorian homes to modern cultural areas like NuLu. Louisville’s cultural institutions include the Muhammad Ali Center, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, and the Kentucky Science Center. The city also boasts a thriving culinary scene, heavily influenced by its bourbon heritage.
Interesting Fact:
Louisville is home to the “Hot Brown,” an open-faced turkey sandwich invented at The Brown Hotel in the 1920s.
2. Lexington, KY (Population: 320,154)
Lexington, known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” is surrounded by beautiful rolling bluegrass pastures and thoroughbred horse farms. The city is a major center of equestrian culture, home to the Kentucky Horse Park and Keeneland Race Course. Lexington also has a strong academic presence, anchored by the University of Kentucky, which contributes significantly to the city’s cultural and economic vitality. Beyond horses, Lexington offers museums, craft breweries, and a historic downtown filled with vibrant shops and restaurants.
Interesting Fact:
Lexington is home to more than 400 horse farms, making it one of the most important equestrian centers globally.
3. Bowling Green, KY (Population: 76,212)
Bowling Green, located in southern Kentucky, is famous as the home of the Corvette, with the General Motors assembly plant and the National Corvette Museum attracting visitors worldwide. The city also houses Western Kentucky University, which adds a lively student presence and cultural energy. Bowling Green offers attractions such as Lost River Cave, Beech Bend Park, and a vibrant downtown area with historic architecture.
Interesting Fact:
Every Corvette ever produced since 1981 has been assembled in Bowling Green.
4. Owensboro, KY (Population: 60,140)
Owensboro, located along the Ohio River, is often called the “Barbecue Capital of the World.” It has a thriving food culture centered on barbecued mutton and burgoo stew. The city is also known for its cultural contributions, including the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, which celebrates the region’s musical heritage. Owensboro’s riverfront development has transformed it into a lively area with parks, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Interesting Fact:
Owensboro hosts the International Bar-B-Q Festival every May, drawing thousands of visitors.
5. Covington, KY (Population: 40,972)
Covington, located directly across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, combines small-town charm with urban convenience. The city is known for its historic districts filled with 19th-century architecture, vibrant murals, and German-American cultural heritage. The MainStrasse Village offers shops, dining, and festivals that draw both residents and visitors. Covington’s location makes it an important part of the Northern Kentucky region.
Interesting Fact:
Covington is home to the Roebling Suspension Bridge, designed by John A. Roebling before he built the Brooklyn Bridge.
6. Georgetown, KY (Population: 39,462)
Georgetown is known for its historic charm and role as a major manufacturing center. It is home to Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, the company’s largest plant in the world, which produces the popular Toyota Camry. Georgetown College, Kentucky’s first Baptist college, also adds to the city’s educational and cultural life.
Interesting Fact:
Toyota’s Georgetown plant was the first wholly owned Toyota facility in the U.S., opening in 1988.
7. Richmond, KY (Population: 37,206)
Richmond, the county seat of Madison County, is best known as the home of Eastern Kentucky University. The city combines a college-town atmosphere with a rich history, including Civil War battle sites and historic homes. Richmond also offers access to outdoor recreation, with nearby parks and trails.
Interesting Fact:
The Battle of Richmond, fought in 1862, was one of the most decisive Confederate victories in Kentucky during the Civil War.
8. Elizabethtown, KY (Population: 32,978)
Elizabethtown, often called “E-town,” is a key city in central Kentucky and serves as a commercial hub for the region. It has a growing population, modern amenities, and a strong sense of community. The city offers a mix of shopping, dining, and outdoor activities, and it serves as a gateway to Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace and other historic sites.
Interesting Fact:
Elizabethtown gained wider recognition after being the setting of the 2005 Cameron Crowe film *Elizabethtown*.
9. Florence, KY (Population: 32,917)
Florence, located in Northern Kentucky near Cincinnati, is known for its thriving retail scene and regional attractions. Florence Mall and numerous shopping centers draw visitors from across the area. The city is also home to the Florence Y’alls minor league baseball team, whose name references the city’s iconic water tower painted with the words “Florence Y’all.”
Interesting Fact:
The “Florence Y’all” water tower began as a promotion for Florence Mall but was later altered to become a beloved local landmark.
10. Nicholasville, KY (Population: 32,425)
Nicholasville, located just south of Lexington, is known as the gateway to Kentucky’s wine country. The city has experienced steady growth thanks to its proximity to Lexington and its welcoming community. Nicholasville also offers access to natural beauty, with nearby parks, trails, and historic sites.
Interesting Fact:
Nicholasville is part of the Kentucky River Palisades region, home to unique limestone cliffs and rare plant species.
