Bardstown ZIP Codes — Nelson County, KY

There is one unique ZIP code in Bardstown, Kentucky and it is 40004. Area code: 502.

ZIP codes

145.33

sq mi land

2.14

sq mi water

502

area code

Bardstown, KY ZIP code map

About Bardstown, KY

Bardstown, Kentucky, is known as one of the oldest towns in the United States, rich in history and Southern charm. Nestled in the heart of Nelson County, it offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern amenities. This picturesque city attracts visitors with its vibrant downtown, historic landmarks, and renowned Bourbon Trail experiences.

Location & geography

Bardstown is situated in central Kentucky, approximately 40 miles south of Louisville and 90 miles north of Nashville, Tennessee. The city spans a land area of 145.33 square miles and has a water area of 2.14 square miles, featuring gentle rolling hills and scenic landscapes typical of the Bluegrass region. Nearby cities include Elizabethtown, located 25 miles to the southwest, Shepherdsville about 35 miles to the northwest, and Springfield approximately 20 miles to the southeast.

Community & economy

Bardstown’s community is characterized by its friendly atmosphere and strong sense of history, making it an inviting place for residents and visitors alike. The local economy is supported by key industries like bourbon distilling, tourism, and agriculture, all contributing to the city's vibrant life. Daily life in Bardstown reflects a blend of tradition and contemporary culture, with numerous events, festivals, and a focus on preserving its historical heritage.

Transportation

Bardstown is accessible via several highways, including the Nelsonville Road (US Route 150) and the Bluegrass Parkway, which connects to larger interstate systems. The nearest airport is the Louisville International Airport, located about 40 miles north of Bardstown, providing regional and national flight services. Public transportation options are limited, but the city’s walkable downtown makes it easy to explore its many attractions.

History

Bardstown was founded in 1780 and quickly became a significant community during the early years of Kentucky's statehood. The city's economy flourished with the establishment of numerous distilleries and its vital role in the bourbon industry, which continues to be a cornerstone of its identity. Notable historical events include the establishment of the first Catholic settlement in Kentucky and the hosting of important figures during the Civil War.

Did you know?

Interestingly, Bardstown is often referred to as the 'Bourbon Capital of the World.' Additionally, it has received accolades for its charming downtown, including being named one of the 'Coolest Small Towns in America.'

ZIP codes for Bardstown, KY (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
40004	Bardstown	Nelson	View map

Demographics & statistics

30,528

Population

40.1

Median age

$62,732

Median household income

$31,459

Per capita income

$197,200

Median home value

$924

Median monthly rent

71.5%

Home ownership

9.9%

Poverty rate

3.0%

Unemployment

9,509

Housing units

24.5%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

907

Under 5

942

972

5–9

1,009

925

10–14

961

935

15–19

971

916

20–24

951

1,782

25–34

1,850

1,950

35–44

2,024

1,911

45–54

1,985

987

55–59

1,024

1,077

60–64

1,118

1,599

65–74

1,661

661

75–84

687

355

85+

368

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	6,910	22.6%
18 and over	23,618	77.4%
65 and over	5,331	17.5%
Median age	40.1 years

Race & ethnicity

White 87%

Black or African American 6.7%

Two or more races 3.4%

Hispanic or Latino 1.3%

Asian 0.8%

Other race 0.7%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.2%

Group	Count	%
White	26,905	87%
Black or African American	2,069	6.7%
Two or more races	1,057	3.4%
Hispanic or Latino	405	1.3%
Asian	236	0.8%
Other race	210	0.7%
American Indian / Alaska Native	51	0.2%

Household income

Under $10k 2.4%

$10k–$15k 3.9%

$15k–$25k 11.3%

$25k–$35k 11.0%

$35k–$50k 12.2%

$50k–$75k 18.9%

$75k–$100k 13.8%

$100k–$150k 14.7%

$150k–$200k 7.4%

$200k+ 4.4%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	2.4%
$10k–$15k	3.9%
$15k–$25k	11.3%
$25k–$35k	11.0%
$35k–$50k	12.2%
$50k–$75k	18.9%
$75k–$100k	13.8%
$100k–$150k	14.7%
$150k–$200k	7.4%
$200k+	4.4%
Median income	$62,732

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 3.6%

$50k–$100k 6.9%

$100k–$150k 18.8%

$150k–$200k 22.1%

$200k–$300k 25.3%

$300k–$500k 19.9%

$500k–$1M 3.5%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$197,200
Median rent / month	$924
Owner occupied	71.5%
Renter occupied	28.5%
Vacant	5.6%
Single-family detached	78.3%
Large apartment buildings	0.8%
Mobile homes	5.2%
Median rooms	5.5
Avg household size (owned)	2.53

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.5%
2010–2019	9.6%
2000–2009	20.8%
1990–1999	20.3%
1980–1989	13.7%
1970–1979	16.9%
1960–1969	5.9%
1950–1959	6.4%
1940–1949	1.9%
1939 or earlier	4.0%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.4%
1 bedroom	3.4%
2 bedrooms	21.8%
3 bedrooms	61.5%
4 bedrooms	10.1%
5+ bedrooms	2.7%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	3.2%
1 vehicle	31.7%
2 vehicles	38.0%
3 or more	27.1%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	20.5%
Electricity	71.7%
Propane / LP gas	4.1%
Fuel oil	1.4%
Wood	0.9%
No fuel used	0.5%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	5,914	48.2%
Cohabiting couple	890	7.2%
Male householder, no spouse	2,163	17.6%
Female householder, no spouse	3,309	27.0%
Households with children under 18	3,664	29.8%
Households with seniors (65+)	3,736	30.4%
Average household size	2.45

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	32.3%	23.8%
Married	51.8%	48.8%
Separated	0.9%	0.5%
Widowed	2.6%	9.3%
Divorced	12.4%	17.6%

Education

Less than 9th grade 2.7%

Some HS, no diploma 6.1%

HS graduate 35.4%

Some college, no degree 20.0%

Associate's degree 11.3%

Bachelor's degree 14.3%

Graduate / professional 10.1%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	91.1%
Bachelor's or higher	24.5%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	961	14.1%
Kindergarten	415	6.1%
Elementary school	2,739	40.2%
High school	1,535	22.6%
College / grad school	1,157	17.0%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 21.7%

Manufacturing 21.5%

Retail trade 12.7%

Arts, food & hospitality 7.3%

Transportation & utilities 6.9%

Construction 5.6%

Professional & management 5.5%

Public administration 5.1%

Finance & real estate 4.1%

Other services 3.8%

Wholesale trade 3.4%

Agriculture & mining 1.9%

Information 0.6%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	32.3%
Service	16.1%
Sales & office	18.2%
Natural resources & construction	7.4%
Production & transportation	26.0%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	81.3%
Government	14.1%
Self-employed	4.6%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	85.1%
Carpool	7.8%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	0.8%
Other means	2.1%
Avg commute (minutes)	23.3

Poverty

All people 9.9%

Under 18 years 13.5%

18 and over 8.9%

Married-couple families 1.7%

Female-led households 19.5%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	36.5%
Retirement income	26.6%
Supplemental Security	5.7%
Cash public assistance	1.8%
Food stamps / SNAP	10.0%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	39.1%
High cholesterol	34.8%
Heart disease	6.1%
Stroke	2.8%
Asthma	10.9%
Arthritis	28.2%
Kidney disease	2.6%
Pulmonary disease	8.3%
Cancer	6.1%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	16.5%
No physical activity	28.1%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	38.5%
Fair or poor health	16.8%
Poor mental health	17.8%
Poor physical health	12.1%
No health insurance	9.8%
Visited doctor (checkup)	73.9%
Visited dentist	58.3%
Cholesterol screening	90.1%
Teeth loss	15.8%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	2,124	9.0%

Disability	%
Any disability	15.5%
Under 18	4.3%
18–64 years	13.2%
65 and over	38.8%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	69.4%
Public insurance	38.0%
Uninsured under 19	5.6%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	28,679	93.9%
Spanish	566	2.0%
Other Indo-European	329	1.1%
Asian & Pacific Islander	165	0.6%
Other languages	72	0.3%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	29,729	97.4%
Born in same state	29,512	96.7%
Born in different state	23,741	77.8%
Foreign born	217	0.7%
Naturalized citizen	799	2.6%
Not a US citizen	358	44.8%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
French	4,550	14.9%
Arab	3,862	12.7%
Italian	3,340	10.9%
Polish	117	0.4%
English	113	0.4%

Ancestry	Count	%
German	22	0.1%
Dutch	22	0.1%
Norwegian	21	0.1%
Irish	17	0.1%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	40.2%
Internet access	93.5%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Bardstown, KY have?

Bardstown, KY has one ZIP code: 40004. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.