Why Kentucky's Fastest-Growing Town Still Feels Like a Secret

Right in the middle of Todd County’s farmland, Elkton’s been growing steadily. Its population jumped by 12.89% since 2020, rising from just over 2,000 to 2,330 in 2024. That kind of growth puts Elkton squarely among Kentucky's fastest-growing cities between 2020 and 2023, making it a place that you might want to keep on your radar if you are looking for a change of pace and are thinking of the Bluegrass State. While towns nearby are stuck or even shrinking, Elkton, sitting quietly along Highway 68/80, keeps pulling in people who want a place that’s both affordable and still offers a good life.

The Growth of Elkton

When you delve into the data points, it becomes clearer why Elkton is emerging as a fast-growing, promising place for young families to relocate. From 2022 to 2023, the median household income rose from $39,922 to $45,417 — a solid 13.8% bump. Home values shot up, too, with the median property price going from $98,400 to $111,300. These are more than just statistics. They show Elkton’s not merely growing; it's building real economic momentum.

The town’s housing market is favorable and inviting to homebuyers as well. Compare Elkton to Louisville, where homes are valued on average over $300,000, or Lexington, where prices just keep climbing. Elkton keeps things reasonable with an average home value of under $208,000. The average commute is only 22 and a half minutes, so people can easily work in bigger cities without paying city prices for their homes. Developers are catching on, too, as housing groups are set to build at Crouch Farm Estates, with its 34 new lots, and The Oaks subdivision, which has over two dozen new homes and some commercial space popping up.

Mayor Arthur Green says Elkton’s growth comes from the “outstanding quality of life, low cost of living, and family-friendly community.” While this endearing sentiment can certainly play a role in how people feel about this Kentucky community, there’s more to the story. For example, location matters greatly to those relocating. Elkton’s about 45 miles from Clarksville, Tennessee, which is home to Fort Campbell. That draws in military families and civilian workers who want a quieter place to live but still need an easy drive to work. Plus, being close to Interstate 24 and the Pennyrile Parkway means you can hit Nashville or Louisville without much trouble — 90 miles south to Nashville, 150 miles north to Louisville.

Agriculture Is the Beating Heart of Elkton’s Growth

You should never forget what really keeps Elkton humming: its consistent agricultural heritage. Todd County’s agricultural business is a powerhouse, pulling in more than $224 million in 2022, making it Kentucky’s 10th-biggest agricultural county, according to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA). Zoom in, and you’ll see $124 million of that comes from cash crops (seventh in the state) and $100.5 million from livestock (12th in Kentucky).

And it’s not just tobacco anymore. Todd County led the state in organic farming in 2022, with 16 organic farms, according to the KDA. Vegetable crop receipts doubled over a decade, reaching multimillion-dollar levels and moving Todd County to No. 2 in Kentucky for vegetable sales. This kind of diversity means jobs — everything from big grain farms to specialty nurseries and veggie operations.

Preserving the Past Means Protecting the Future

You can assume that the whole town is nothing more than an extension of one of the large farm operations around here, but that is far from the case. The Elkton Historic District is the town’s heart. The historic Todd County Courthouse, built in 1835, is one of Kentucky’s oldest and now serves as the welcome center. Around the Public Square, you’ll find 20 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, now home to shops, restaurants, and antique stores. This kind of preservation gives Elkton a charm you just don’t get with cookie-cutter suburban sprawl.

Step inside that old courthouse and you’re walking through history — original cabinetry, a fainting couch from the Civil War era, a 1895 pump organ, and artifacts from when Union soldiers took over the building. It’s a real, physical link to the town’s roots, stretching back to 1820, when Major John Gray — who ran the stagecoach — donated land to found Elkton as the county seat.

Regional Tourism Draws

Elkton keeps a quiet pace, but Todd County has its share of places that bring in visitors and money. Just eight miles west, you’ll find the Jefferson Davis Monument in Fairview. At 351 feet, it’s not only the fourth-tallest monument in the country, but it’s also the tallest poured-in-place concrete obelisk anywhere. Civil War buffs and architecture fans both show up to see it, since it marks the birthplace of the Confederate president.

Then there’s Pilot Rock, a massive outcrop around 200 feet high, sitting north of Fairview right where Christian and Todd counties meet. It rises to about 961 feet above sea level, with a flat top measuring about half an acre. On clear days, you can look out and spot Hopkinsville, twelve miles away. Early settlers named it “Pilot Rock” because they used it as a guide on their westward journey in the 1800s.

The Path Forward

From 2020 to 2024, Elkton’s growth put it on the map for anyone tired of city traffic or endless subdivisions. Affordable homes, farm jobs, good access to regional employers, and a town that still feels historic — these are the things drawing a mix of new residents. Elkton isn’t just growing because of a passing trend; the town’s location, cost of living, and overall quality of life give it real staying power.

Growth here relies on the region’s economy, strong agriculture, and the town’s ability to keep up with infrastructure. Looking at the plans that the council here has in store for business and housing development, signs are trending in the right direction. New neighborhoods keep going up, the average income for residents here in Todd County is rising, and properties are affordable. As long as Fort Campbell stays active, local industries keep hiring, and Todd County’s farms keep producing, Elkton’s got the foundation it needs to keep growing.

Choosing a Fast-Growing Town in Kentucky

When it comes to understanding the success of Elkton over the past several years, it has a lot more to do with stability and maintaining a slow pace, very different from metropolitan living. Elkton shows that a town can lean on its strengths — productive farms, a central spot, and historic significance — and still thrive when it offers affordable, accessible housing with an easy commute to some of the region’s most active employers. While other rural towns in the Bluegrass State have shrunk or disappeared completely, Elkton quietly grows, one new resident at a time.