Wurtland is a staple Ohio River port town
People in the Ohio River shipping business might associate the name Wurtland with Wurtland Riverport, which gets much more traffic than the town itself. Wurtland, Kentucky, is a small river town, 10 miles northwest of Ashland, in the tri-state area of Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia. As the coal and steel industry has slowed on the Ohio River, Wurtland's port has remained a key hub for regional industries. "This is a pretty diverse area for industry nowadays, but Wurtland is still one of the area's main ports," says agent Alison Christie with Ross Real Estate Services, a lifelong Ashland-area resident who's been selling here for over 20 years. A few minutes from the docks and railroads, Wurtland becomes a small residential community, bordering the eastern Kentucky hill country. "Wurtland is still pretty suburban, but it starts to climb into the hill country," Christie says. From the streets of grassy lawns, it's hard to believe that loads of stone and steel are being moved right on the riverfront.
The Wurtland Riverport is a hub for regional industry
Wurtland Riverport is located at mile 332 of the Ohio River. It's east of the town's residential center, about a mile from U.S. Route 23. It has attracted factories and distribution centers of regional industries to Wurtland's riverfront, along Port Road and Pier One Drive. The port is also a hub for railroad shipping, with the CSX Russell Yard on the port's east side.
Different eras of suburban homes within minutes of the port
Wurtland's median home price is about $95,000, and its home options fall within a relatively narrow range. Pretty much every home is on the town's residential grid. They're on grassy, level lots that differ from the natural, hilly landscape across the highway. Prices begin between $70,000 and $80,000 for aluminum-sided manufactured ranch-style homes. Small 1930s cottages and 1970s ranch-style homes are the prevalent options around the median price. Slightly larger and/or renovated ranch-style homes and brick cottages can cost $150,000 to $300,000.
Most students go to Greenup County Public Schools
Most of Wurtland is within the Greenup County Public School District, which earns a C-plus grade from Niche. Wurtland Elementary and Wurtland Middle are both in town and receive a C-rating. Meanwhile, Greenup County High is about 8 miles north and gets a C-plus. As of 2025, elementary and middle school students can choose to attend the Greenup County School of Innovation, an alternative, career-focused learning experience. Innovation students explore STEM, entrepreneurship and other enlightening subjects. These special courses are in Wurtland Middle, just a short walk from Wurtland Elementary.
Community parks in Worthington and hiking in the hill country
Wurtland doesn't have any recreation spaces, aside from school playgrounds. Residents can drive 3 miles east to Worthington, home to Worthington City Park, one of the area's few riverfront green spaces. Raceland Worthington Sports Complex is a few streets removed from its riverfront and has multiple Little League fields. Greenup City Park is another option, about the same distance northwest. Jesse Stuart State Nature Preserve is a pristine slice of eastern Kentucky hill country, just a few miles southwest of Wurtland. The 714-acre park was donated by Jesse Stuart, the former landowner. Its wooded hills and hollows can be explored on an almost 2-mile loop trail.
Groceries in Greenup and more shopping in Ashland
In Wurtland, people can get essential items at the Dollar General Market on Heaberlin Road. Across U.S. 23 is the town's only eatery: Corner Cone. This small burger and ice cream joint serves all the American fast-food classics and cold treats. Greenup Food Fair is the closest supermarket, about 3 miles away on U.S. 23. Larger shopping trips usually call for a 10-mile drive to Ashland. There's retail at Ashland Town Center, a larger mall outside downtown Ashland. Plus, the neighboring plaza has a Walmart and a Dick's Sporting Goods. Downtown Ashland's small city blocks have many restaurants, cafes and shops.
U.S. Route 23 leads to major medical centers and Interstate 64
Healthcare has become the Ashland area's other notable industry. Ashland is 10 miles southeast on U.S. 23. It's home to the University of Kentucky's King's Daughters Medical Center, one of eastern Kentucky's most comprehensive hospitals. U.S. 23 connects to U.S. Route 52, on the Ohio side of the river, and leads 25 miles southeast to Huntington, West Virginia. Commuters can also merge east onto Interstate 64 to Charleston, West Virginia, just over an 85-mile trip. West Virginia International Yeager Airport, in Charleston, is the closest international airport. Finally, the nearest major city is Lexington, less than 120 miles west on I-64.
