Local Wiki · State overview
Local Government in Kentucky
How local government works in Kentucky, the kinds of local government it has, and where to look for more. For your own county or city, browse Kentucky’s Local Wiki pages below.
Kentucky counties are governed by a "fiscal court" — the constitutional name for the county's combined legislative and executive body — made up of a county judge/executive (elected countywide, presides over the court, and carries out day-to-day chief-executive duties like budget preparation and contract execution) plus several magistrates or commissioners elected by district. Structurally, this is the same small-combined-board family used as the baseline nationally, just under a distinctive local name. For a public meeting or records request, contact the fiscal court or county judge-executive's office, or the county clerk.
Local government in Kentucky
- County governments118
The main local government across most of the state.
Browse county pages - Cities, towns & villages415
Incorporated municipalities with their own elected council or board.
Browse city & town pages - School districts171
Independent school districts with their own elected boards. Listed on county pages where known.
- Special districts598
Single-purpose governments — fire, water, library, parks, housing, transit, and more.
Counts: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Census of Governments — Government Units listing. A consolidated city-county is counted once.
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