Paintsville is a city in Johnson County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 4,132 at the 2000 census. In 2008, Paintsville had an estimated population of 4,216, making it the 86th largest city in Kentucky in terms of population. It is the county seat of Johnson County. On June 9, 2009, Paintsville became a "wet" city for the first time since March 14, 1945. This means that some stores located within city limits are allowed to sell alcoholic beverages.