Louisville Kentucky Map

About Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville is a locality in Jefferson County, Kentucky, United States. With a population of 246,161, Louisville is a major urban centre in Kentucky. The population density is 1545.8 people per km². Louisville is located at 38.2247°N, 85.7406°W. It observes the Eastern Time (America/New_York) timezone. ZIP codes: 40202, 40245, 40201.

Louisville occupies a prominent position on the banks of the Ohio River, where the land transitions from the flat plains of the north into the limestone-rich undulating fields of the interior. It lies 5.1 miles northeast of Shively, KY (from Shively, KY: bearing 43°T), and is situated 7.4 miles east-southeast of Floyd. The air here holds a particular weight, often carrying the scent of damp earth and the subtle, metallic tang of the nearby Falls of the Ohio, where the water churns over ancient fossil beds. To the southeast, the terrain climbs toward the distant rise of Hitner Ridge, while local geography is marked by the quiet, shaded depths of South Hollow. Residents often seek respite within the greenery of Jefferson County Memorial Forest, a dense expanse that offers a stark contrast to the paved geometry of Jefferson Square, which serves as a central anchor for the daily movement of the people.

Settlement in Louisville began as a strategic necessity, anchored by the portage required to navigate the treacherous currents of the river. Early pioneers recognized the value of the site, establishing a foothold that would eventually blossom into a vital center for trade and river-borne commerce. Over the generations, the grit of the frontier softened into a more refined character, though the memory of those early, muddy days remains etched into the foundations of the older warehouses and brick storefronts. Louisville grew not by sudden fortune, but by the steady, cumulative labor of those who understood how to harness the energy of the waterway and the fertility of the surrounding soil, building a legacy that respects its origins while constantly leaning into the future.

Industry and innovation drive the pulse of Louisville, with a diverse economy anchored by healthcare, logistics, and the distinct manufacturing traditions of the region. The skyline is punctuated by the infrastructure of global commerce, yet the intellectual life of the area remains firmly rooted in its academic institutions, most notably the University of Louisville, which acts as a primary engine for research and community development. Beyond the corporate towers and the hum of transport hubs, the local economy benefits from a unique blend of heritage and high-tech production. Those who work here find a rhythm that balances the demands of modern enterprise with the lingering, slower tempo of a place that has long understood the value of patience and the slow aging of its most famous products.

Culture in Louisville is defined by a deep-seated reverence for tradition, manifested in the annual spectacle of the Kentucky Derby, which draws the world’s gaze to the thoroughbred tracks each spring. The spirit of the place is further reflected in the influence of figures like Muhammad Ali, whose legacy of conviction and global impact is celebrated throughout the streets he once walked. Beyond the high-profile events, local life unfolds in the quiet enjoyment of public spaces or a casual afternoon at Lakeside Pool, where the pace slows to match the drift of the clouds. Whether through the professional sports teams that command the loyalty of the populace or the vibrant arts festivals that animate the downtown core, Louisville maintains a distinct personality that is as robust and enduring as the limestone bedrock beneath its feet.

About This Louisville Map Page

This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Louisville, Kentucky. Coordinates: 38.224728, -85.740614. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service. Real-time local and world news feeds keep the page current.

Detailed location data for Louisville includes the ZIP code (40202, 40245, 40201), telephone area code (502), county seat of Jefferson County (Louisville), and school district assignment (Jefferson County School District).

Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.