EXHIBIT 23.1


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the  incorporation  by reference  in  Registration  Statement  No.
333-79391 of HopFed  Bancorp,  Inc. on Form S-8, of our report dated February 7,
2001, appearing in the Annual Report to Shareholders of HopFed Bancorp, Inc. for
the year ended December 31, 2000 incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K.

Nashville, Tennessee                             /s/Rayburn, Betts & Bates, P.C.
Date:  April 9, 2001