If you’re driving through the heart of Kentucky, somewhere between the rolling bluegrass hills and the deep, wooded hollows of the south-central region, you’ll likely stumble into a town that feels exactly like what people imagine when they think of "Small Town USA." That place is Campbellsville. But if you're trying to mail a package, file a legal document, or just settle a bet in the car, you need to know the specifics. What county is Campbellsville KY in? It’s Taylor County.
It sounds simple. One town, one county. But Taylor County isn’t just a random border on a map; it’s the literal and figurative heart of the Commonwealth.
Founded back in 1848, Taylor County was carved out of neighboring Green County. It’s not a massive sprawling metropolis, but it’s got a personality that’s hard to ignore. Campbellsville serves as the county seat, which basically means it’s the brain of the operation. If you need to see the judge, get your tags renewed, or visit the courthouse, you’re heading to downtown Campbellsville.
Why Taylor County Matters More Than You Think
Geography is funny. Most people just want to know the name of the county so they can plug it into a GPS or a job application. But Taylor County defines the lifestyle in Campbellsville. It’s located in the Mississippian Plateaus region of Kentucky. That’s fancy talk for "lots of limestone and great water."
Honestly, the county's identity is tied directly to Green River Lake. Most locals don’t even call it "The Lake." They just say they’re heading "out to Green River." This massive 8,200-acre reservoir is the crown jewel of the county. It’s not just for fishing, though the bass fishing is legitimately world-class. It’s the economic engine. When the lake is high and the weather is clear, the shops in Campbellsville thrive. When it’s winter and the tourists go home, the town gets quiet. It's a rhythm you only feel when you live here.
The town itself sits at a bit of a crossroads. You've got US 68 and KY 55 intersecting right in the middle of things. This makes Campbellsville a hub for the surrounding rural areas. People from Adair, Marion, and Green counties all migrate toward Taylor County for their shopping and healthcare.
A Bit of Civil War Grit
History buffs usually lose their minds when they realize how much happened right here in Taylor County. We aren't just talking about dusty old books. We’re talking about the Battle of Tebbs Bend.
In July 1863, Confederate General John Hunt Morgan was on his "Great Raid." He thought he’d just breeze through Taylor County. He was wrong. A small group of Union soldiers from the 25th Michigan Infantry held him off at a bend in the Green River. It was a bloody, intense fight that basically slowed Morgan down enough to change the course of his raid. You can still visit the site today. It’s peaceful now—all green grass and quiet wind—but the weight of that history is still heavy in the soil.
The Economy of the County Seat
For a long time, if you lived in Taylor County, you worked at "The Plant." That was Fruit of the Loom. At its peak, it was the largest screen-printing facility in the world. It was the heartbeat of Campbellsville. When it closed down in the late 90s, everyone thought the town was done for.
But it wasn't.
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Campbellsville and Taylor County proved to be surprisingly resilient. They pivoted. Today, the economy is a weird, wonderful mix of manufacturing, education, and healthcare. You have Amazon presence nearby, Taylor Regional Hospital, and a bunch of smaller specialized manufacturing shops.
Then there’s Campbellsville University.
You can't talk about what county Campbellsville KY is in without talking about the impact of CU. It’s a private Christian university that has exploded in size over the last two decades. It brings in thousands of students from all over the globe. Seriously. You’ll be walking down Main Street in a town of 11,000 people and hear four different languages. It gives Taylor County a cosmopolitan vibe that you just don't find in other rural Kentucky counties.
Education and the "Town-Gown" Relationship
The university doesn't just provide degrees; it provides the workforce. Most of the teachers in the Taylor County School System and the Campbellsville Independent School System are CU alums.
Wait—two school systems?
Yeah. This is a very Kentucky thing. You have the "County" schools and the "City" schools. They are rivals. Friday night football between the Taylor County Cardinals and the Campbellsville Eagles is basically a local holiday. The whole county picks a side. It’s intense, it’s loud, and it’s exactly what makes living here fun.
Living the Taylor County Life
If you’re moving here or just visiting, you need to understand the geography beyond just the name. The county is roughly 270 square miles. To the north, you hit the rolling hills that lead toward Louisville (about an hour and a half away). To the south, the terrain gets rugged as you move toward the Cumberland Parkway.
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Taylor County is a "moist" county.
For the longest time, it was bone dry. No alcohol sales whatsoever. Then, a few years back, the voters decided to allow sales in restaurants, and eventually, package stores. It was a huge debate. People had feelings about it. Now, you can grab a craft beer at a local spot downtown, but the "dry" heritage still lingers in the culture. It’s a place of tradition, but it’s not stuck in the past.
The Real Cost of Living
One reason people are flocking to this part of Kentucky is the dirt-cheap cost of living. Compared to Nashville or even Lexington, your dollar goes incredibly far here.
- Housing: You can still find a decent three-bedroom house for under $250,000. Try doing that in a major city.
- Taxes: Property taxes in Taylor County are relatively low, though the city of Campbellsville has its own set of occupational taxes if you work within city limits.
- Food: We’re talking garden-fresh. In the summer, the farmer's market near the old high school is the place to be. You haven't lived until you've had a Taylor County tomato.
Logistics: Getting In and Out
So, you know what county Campbellsville KY is in, but how do you get there?
It’s about 85 miles south of Louisville and about 80 miles southwest of Lexington. There isn't an interstate running through the middle of the county, which is honestly part of its charm. You have to want to come here. Most people take the Bluegrass Parkway and then cut down through Springfield or Lebanon.
If you’re flying, you’re looking at Louisville Muhammad Ali International (SDF) or Blue Grass Airport (LEX) in Lexington. There is a local airport—Taylor County Airport—but that’s mostly for private planes and the occasional corporate jet.
Quick Facts for Your Notes
- Established: 1848
- County Seat: Campbellsville
- Total Area: 277 square miles (approx)
- Population: Around 25,000 for the whole county
- Neighboring Counties: Marion, Casey, Adair, Green, Larue
What to Do Once You Arrive
Don't just drive through. Stop.
Go to the Hiestand House. It’s a German stone house built in the early 1800s, one of only a few left in the state. It’s a museum now, and it’s a weirdly beautiful piece of architecture that feels out of place but perfectly at home in the Kentucky landscape.
Walk the downtown area. Campbellsville has done a great job of revitalizing its Main Street. You’ve got coffee shops, boutiques, and a couple of spots where you can get a "Hot Brown" that’ll make you want to take a three-hour nap.
Outdoorsy Stuff
If you’re not a "sit in a museum" person, hit the Trace Creek Trail. Or better yet, rent a pontoon at the Green River Marina. The cliffs along the lake are stunning. Some spots look like they belong in the Pacific Northwest rather than the middle of Kentucky.
Just remember: the lake is managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. They keep a tight ship, so make sure your life jackets are handy and you're following the rules. They don't play around in Taylor County.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit or Move
Now that you've got the answer—Campbellsville is in Taylor County—what's next?
Check the Calendar
If you’re visiting, try to time it with the Fourth of July Celebration. Campbellsville puts on one of the biggest fireworks displays and festivals in the entire state. People come from three counties away to sit on the lawn at the university and watch the show. It’s peak Kentucky.
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Verify Jurisdictions
If you are buying property, pay close attention to whether the land is in the "City" or the "County." This affects your property taxes, your trash pickup, and which fire department shows up if things go south. The lines are jagged and often confusing, so ask a local realtor for a clear map.
Connect with the Chamber
The Campbellsville-Taylor County Chamber of Commerce is surprisingly active. They have a physical office downtown. If you’re looking to start a business or just want to know who the best plumber in town is, go talk to them. They know everyone.
Visit the Public Library
The Taylor County Public Library is a hidden gem. It’s not just for books; it’s the community hub. They have high-speed internet (which can be spotty in the rural parts of the county) and a ton of local genealogy records if you’re trying to track down Kentucky ancestors.
Taylor County isn't just a location on a map. It's a specific slice of Kentucky life that balances the old-school farm culture with a growing, modern academic community. Whether you're here for the lake, the college, or the history, you’re in a place that knows exactly who it is. Now you do, too.