Calloway County, Kentucky
Calloway County is located in southwestern Kentucky, along the Tennessee border, and is home to about 39,000 residents. Murray, the county seat, serves as the county’s main community and regional center.
Murray State University is a prominent part of the area and has been an important educational institution for more than a century. The Tennessee River forms much of the county’s eastern boundary, with the county also including part of Kentucky Lake, one of the region’s major recreational resources.
Calloway County has a long history of dark-fired tobacco production, reflecting its agricultural heritage. U.S. Route 641 runs through the county and Murray, providing an important transportation route. With Kentucky Lake nearby, the county is also a popular destination for fishing, boating, camping, and other outdoor recreation.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Calloway County |
| County Seat | Murray |
| Etymology | Named after Richard Calloway, an early Kentucky pioneer and settler |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Murray, Hazel, New Concord, Almo |
| Interstates and Highways | US-641, KY-80, KY-121 |
| FIPS Code | 21-035 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 411 sq mi (Land: 386 sq mi; Water: 25 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Marshall County (North), Trigg County (Northeast), Stewart County, Tennessee (Southeast), Henry County, Tennessee (South), Graves County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Kentucky |
| Coordinates | 36.6220° N, 88.3120° W |
| Major Landmarks | Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Murray State University, Wrather West Kentucky Museum |
| Population | Approximately 39,000 |
