South Western Kentucky Expected to Keep Growing

07/31/2023

TVA produced report highlights economic and population growth in a safe and affordable region

The Tennessee Valley Authority, through 3rd party provider Lightcast, recently provided an economic analysis report for the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council.  This high-level report focuses trend analysis and projection on population, workforce, and specific economic metrics for each county in the 3-county South Western Kentucky region. 

The report indicates the region has enjoyed strong job and population growth since 2017 while predicting sustained growth for the 3-county region being led by Christian County’s continued position as a manufacturing and economic engine for Western Kentucky.

Specific highlights include:

• South Western Kentucky is anticipated to grow almost 2000 net new jobs over the next five years.
• The regional population is expected to surpass 101,000 by 2027 with over 2,000 new residents predicted during this time. 
• Manufacturing wages continue to be strong averaging over $75,000 per year throughout the 3-county region.
• The manufacturing Gross Regional Product (GRP) is nearly $900M and expected to surpass $1 Billion in the next five years.
• The SWK unemployment numbers remain at historically low levels while labor force participation rates continue to rebound from the pandemic reaching 55%-63% in the SWK region.
• Christian County leads growth with projections forecasting the county to grow by over 2200 new residents and 1500 new jobs by 2027.  The Lane Report recently listed Christian County among state leaders for new business filings in 2022.
• The 3-county violent crime rate is well below the national average of 3.59 violent crimes per 100,000 residents with Christian County at 2.1 violent crimes per 100,000 and Todd and Trigg County both less than 1.0 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
• The region is home to more millennials and veterans than an average region of similar size.

Carter Hendricks, Executive Director for the SWK EDC, commented, “We are pleased to receive this report highlighting the region’s phenomenal economic momentum.  We are not surprised.  We recognize that South Western Kentucky is an awesome place to work, play, live, and invest. We are thankful for the nine industry expansions and five new industry announcements that have helped create this economic growth and opportunity.   We invite more new residents, businesses, and industries to join these recent announcements and come grow with us in our less taxing, more relaxing region.”

For more information on this release, the SWK EDC, the region, and available development sites, please contact 270-885-1499.