Big cities often get media attention, while small towns remain seemingly invisible. Kentucky has towns that are so small, they can seem like a gate we just pass through. As far as I can tell, there are no "noted" towns with under 200 residents, but there are plenty of places with less than 500 people. Most of the best small towns in Kentucky tend to have a lot more undeveloped land around them, allowing Kentucky’s natural beauty to stand out. These quieter spots are also often some of the best places to live in Kentucky, with that quaint, small town feel, low crime, and a slower pace of life. Here are 11 tiny towns in Kentucky, which are likely the smallest towns in the state, that you might miss if you don’t know they exist:
11. Westport
Westport is in between Goshen and Bedford with a population of 268. The community has acres of beautiful land and is located along the Ohio River.
10. Wayland
This is a coal mining town, established by the Elk Horn Coal Company back in 1913. It was named after the owner and became an official city in 1923. The current estimated population is 419 with some living in the very homes built by Elk Horn.
9. Waverly
Not to be confused with Waverly Hills, Waverly, Kentucky was founded in 1807 and named for the founder, Hugh McElroy’s nephew. The current estimated population is around 308 and a big BBQ festival is celebrated in the community every June.
8. Virgie
Virgie has been around since 1890, named for the daughter of W.O.B. Ratliff, an attorney and lumber merchant. The population is around 279.
7. Vicco
In 2013, Vicco, population 329, became the smallest town in the US to outlaw discrimination based on one’s personal sexual orientation.
6. Trenton
This town began its life as Lewisburg in 1796, but was renamed Trenton in 1819, after Trenton, NJ. The current population is around 392.
5. St. Charles
St. Charles is a very rural community with a population of 275. Homes (without wheels) can still be purchased here for under $30,000.
4. Beech Grove
Beech Grove has a population of 243 in McLean County. This is not to be confused with the Beech Grove in Fulton Co.
3. Gamaliel
This town with a population 369, was named by minister Samual DeWitt in 1830. He named it a good biblical name for a good town, and it stuck.
2. Diablock
This sheltered community sits on 135 acres with a population of around 453. The town’s post office closed down, and how they so how they receive their mail is unknown.
1. Bandana
Bandana has a Mud Park where locals and visitors come to romp in the mud with all terrain vehicles. The population is a staggering 203, at most.
These are 11 of the best tiny towns in Kentucky, and while they may not seem like much, they are all unique and surrounded by nature. There's a lot of history in these small communities, yet many have remained somewhat unknown, and infrequently photographed over the years. There are a lot of places in the Bluegrass that have fewer than 500 citizens, even more that have under 1,000. But just because these towns are small, it doesn't mean they are not filled with lovely people and that wonderful, small town charm. If you have a favorite tiny town in Kentucky, be sure to let us know which one and why it's your favorite on our nomination page.
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