Kentucky's Economic Growth Surges in 2024 Rankings
Kentucky's economic development has seen significant growth, with several cities and regions securing top spots in various national rankings for 2024.
Bowling Green led the way among mid-sized metropolitan areas, ranking first in total projects and per capita for populations between 50,000 and 200,000. Meanwhile, the state placed second in the South Central region for projects per capita and third for total projects.
Paducah made a strong showing, securing top 10 spots in the 2024 Top Mississippi River Corridor Metro rankings for both total projects and projects per capita. Louisville/Jefferson County and Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati also fared well, with the latter placing seventh in total projects and both securing spots in the top 10 for metros per capita with populations over one million. Paducah and Owensboro further cemented Kentucky's success by placing in the top 10 for total projects and per capita in the same population category.
Eight Kentucky communities made the cut in the Top Micropolitans rankings by number of projects. Notably, Kentucky has maintained a top five position for economic development projects per capita for five consecutive years. Lexington/Fayette County contributed to this success, placing fifth per capita and tying for ninth overall in top metros with populations between 200,000 and one million.
Kentucky's economic development momentum continues, with multiple cities and regions earning top rankings in 2024. This consistent performance demonstrates the state's attractiveness for investment and growth.
