Kentucky Jumps Eight Spots in Major Growth Index Per U-Haul Growth Index for 2025
01/22/2026
MEDIA RELEASE
Contact: Carter Hendricks
Executive Director
270-885-1499
Release: January 22, 2026
Kentucky Jumps Eight Spots in Major Growth Index
Per U-Haul Growth Index for 2025
Local leaders continue to lower regional property taxes
Recently, the state of Kentucky lowered the state personal income tax to 3.5% placing the state as one of the lowest taxed states in the nation. Todd County Judge Executive Todd Mansfield recently shared, “We are already experiencing positive growth as a result of significant industrial and residential development as new residents take advantage of lower prices, lower property taxes, and a lower state income tax with our county seat Elkton, being the 3rd fastest growing small city in Kentucky.”
According to the December edition of The Lane Report, Kentucky has moved up eight spots to number 17 among the fifty states in the U-Haul Growth Index of states measured by inbound versus outbound travel patterns.
Additional economic activity is fueling economic growth throughout the region and has empowered leaders to lower property taxes. Since 2022, South Western Kentucky has seen over $2.5B in new capital investment and over 2500 new jobs announced and initiated because of thirteen project announcements (Source: Boyette Economic Impact Report, 2025).
The region also boasts no local sales tax and no state sales tax on groceries and prescription drugs.
“Christian County remains committed to providing services and infrastructure while maximizing our revenue and keeping taxes affordable for our residents. We are eager to support pro-growth policies that lead to lower taxes and more opportunities for business and industry,” stated Jerry Gilliam, Christian County Judge Executive.
The region’s competitive tax rates continue to draw business and tourism as noted by Trigg County Judge Executive Stan Humphries, “With thousands of miles of trails and waterway, our region provides an incredible landscape to relax and enjoy outdoor adventure. We routinely welcome new companies, visitors, and residents who desire to take advantage of a lower cost of living and the great outdoors.”
With lower taxes, more jobs, and an outstanding quality of life, South Western Kentucky is also seeing increased residential development with over 500 new residential units planned in the next 18 months providing future workers and residents with their new Kentucky home.
For more information on this release, the SWK EDC, the region, and available development sites, please contact 270-885-1499 or visit www.southwesternky.com.