Washington County is a county in Kentucky, United States, in the Bluegrass region between Louisville and Lexington. It had a population of 12,027 at the 2020 census and covers 301 square miles (780 km2) — 297 square miles (770 km2) of land and 3.9 square miles (10 km2) of water — centred near 37°45′N 85°10′W.
Springfield is the county seat, and its postal code is 40069. The county has three incorporated cities (Springfield, Willisburg and Mackville) and a scatter of unincorporated communities. Washington County sits in the Eastern time zone.
Towns & Villages in Washington County
Washington County has three incorporated cities and roughly thirty smaller communities, most unincorporated crossroads or former post-office stops. CDP = census-designated place; Unincorp. = unincorporated community with no formal municipal government.
| Place | Type | Pop. | ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield | City · seat | — | 40069 |
| Willisburg | City | — | 40078 |
| Mackville | City | — | 40040 |
| Saint Catharine | Unincorp. | — | 40061 |
| Bear Wallow | Unincorp. | — | 40069 |
| Brush Grove | Unincorp. | — | 40069 |
| Fredericktown | Unincorp. | — | 40069 |
| Manton | Unincorp. | — | 40069 |
| Maud | Unincorp. | — | 40069 |
| Mooresville | Unincorp. | — | 40069 |
| Pleasant Grove | Unincorp. | — | 40069 |
| Thompsonville | Unincorp. | — | 40069 |
| Battle | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Booker | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Briartown | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Cardwell | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Cisselville | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Croakes | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Hardesty | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Jenkinsville | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Jimtown | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Litsey | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Polin | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Pottsville | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Pulliam | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Rineltown | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Seaville | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Sharpsville | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Simstown | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Tablow | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Tatham Springs | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Texas | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Valley Hill | Unincorp. | — | — |
Most of Washington County’s small communities are former rural post-office stops rather than platted towns, so census figures and ZIP assignments aren’t available for them individually; residents in these places typically use the Springfield 40069 ZIP for mail.
ZIP Codes
- 40069 — Springfield (also serves most of the surrounding unincorporated county)
- 40078 — Willisburg
- 40040 — Mackville
- 40061 — Saint Catharine
Communities without their own post office, such as Battle, Cardwell and Jimtown, are served by the nearest of the four ZIPs above.
Geography
Washington County lies in the rolling Knobs and Bluegrass country of central Kentucky, drained by the Chaplin River and its tributaries. Farmland and pasture cover most of the county, with wooded knobs rising along its southern edge. It borders Anderson County to the northeast, Mercer County to the east, Boyle County to the southeast, Marion County to the south, and Nelson County to the west.
Demographics
Washington County had 12,027 residents at the 2020 census, a density of about 40 people per square mile. Springfield, the county seat, is by far the largest community; Willisburg and Mackville are the only other incorporated places. Median household income in the county runs below the Kentucky median of $61,118, consistent with its largely agricultural economy.
Economy & Local Life
Agriculture, particularly cattle, tobacco and grain farming, remains central to the county’s economy, alongside distilling: Jacob Beam, founder of what became Jim Beam bourbon, sold his first barrel of whiskey in Washington County. The county is legally “dry” outside Springfield, which permits alcohol sales, and is home to three licensed wineries. Springfield anchors most local retail, government and school services.
History
Washington County was formed in 1792 from part of Nelson County, the first county created by the newly independent Commonwealth of Kentucky. It is named for George Washington. The county courthouse in Springfield, completed in 1816, is the oldest courthouse still in use in Kentucky. County marriage records include the June 10, 1806 bond of Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks, parents of President Abraham Lincoln.
Getting There
U.S. Route 150 and Kentucky Route 555 are the county’s main roads, linking Springfield to neighboring county seats.
- Bardstown — 20 miles west
- Danville — 20 miles southeast
- Lebanon — 15 miles south
- Lexington — 45 miles northeast
The nearest commercial airport is Blue Grass Airport in Lexington.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Washington County, Kentucky?
It’s in central Kentucky’s Bluegrass region, between Louisville and Lexington, with Springfield as its county seat.
What is the population of Washington County?
12,027 people at the 2020 census.
How big is Washington County?
301 square miles (780 km2), of which 297 square miles is land.
What is the county seat of Washington County?
Springfield is the county seat.
How many towns and communities are in Washington County?
Three incorporated cities — Springfield, Willisburg and Mackville — plus about thirty smaller unincorporated communities.
What ZIP codes are in Washington County?
40069 (Springfield), 40078 (Willisburg), 40040 (Mackville) and 40061 (Saint Catharine).
Why is Washington County known for bourbon?
Jacob Beam, founder of the Jim Beam brand, sold his first barrel of whiskey there in the 1790s, and the county still hosts three licensed wineries today.
More counties in this state: Towns and villages in Kentucky.