Allen County, Kentucky

Allen County is located in southern Kentucky, right along the Tennessee border. Scottsville serves as the county seat, and the area has a population of roughly 21,000 residents.

Barren River Lake is a popular attraction, especially for fishing and outdoor recreation, and can be found in the northeastern part of the county. Allen County is also home to strong Mennonite and Amish communities, adding to its unique local character.

The county was named after Colonel John Allen, a lawyer who was killed during the War of 1812. If you enjoy bluegrass music, you might even come across a local jam session at one of the area’s music stores. And keep an eye out on the roads—you never know when a wandering cow might make an unexpected appearance.

CategoryDetails
County NameAllen County
County SeatScottsville
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesScottsville, Adolphus, Holland, Petroleum, Halfway
Interstates and HighwaysUS-31E, KY-100, KY-98
EtymologyNamed after Colonel John Allen, a soldier who died in the War of 1812
FIPS Code21-003
Total Area (Land and Water)352 sq mi (Land: 344 sq mi; Water: 8 sq mi)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction)Warren County (Northwest), Barren County (Northeast), Monroe County (East), Macon County, Tennessee (Southeast), Sumner County, Tennessee (Southwest), Simpson County (West)
Time ZoneCentral Time Zone (CT)
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.7513° N, 86.1985° W
Major LandmarksBarren River Lake State Resort Park, Scottsville Historic District, Allen County Courthouse
PopulationApproximately 21,000
Scroll to Top