Kentucky Fast Facts:
Location, Location, Location...: Kentucky is located in the east central region of the United States. Originally a part of Virginia, Kentucky became the 15th state to join the Union in 1792.
Cities: The state’s largest cities are Louisville, Lexington and Owensboro, and Kentucky’s capital is Frankfort.
Behind the Name: Kentucky is nicknamed the “Bluegrass State” based on the fact that bluegrass is present in many of the lawns and pastures throughout the state.
A Closer Look: Kentucky is celebrated for breeding horses, tobacco farms, fine bourbon and the world-famous Kentucky Derby. It is also one of four states constituted as a commonwealth.
Did You Know? Kentucky has the world’s longest cave system.
Kentucky Careers and Employment:
Population: 4,269,245 (5.6% increase since 2000) - 51.0% Female, 49.0% Male (2008 U.S. Census Bureau).
Business Environment: Ranked 44th in Forbes Magazine’s “Best States for Business,” 2008.
Top Industries: In terms of paid employees, according to a 2008 U.S. Census Bureau study: (1) manufacturing; (2) health care and social assistance; (3) retail trade; (4) accommodation and food services; and (5) construction.
Taxes: Income Tax, 2.0% to 6.0% and Sales Tax, 6% (Federation of Tax Administrators).
Cost of Living: 92.2 in relation to the “National Average” of 100 (Federal Cost of Living Index).
Quality of Life: Ranked 46th of 50 states by CNBC, 2009.
Weather: Average Temperature (In °F) – Jan: 32.93; Apr: 55.15; July: 76.31; Oct: 56.64 (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
K-12: Ranked 38th of 50 states in “Academic Achievement” by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2009.
Kentucky Economics:
In General: The best chances for career success in Kentucky are in service related industries, which employ more people than any other industry in the state. However, there are other industries that supply a large percentage of jobs, such as wholesale and retail trade (20%), manufacturing (12%) and military and government related services (14%).
Agriculture: Livestock and livestock products generate revenues of about two-thirds of Kentucky’s agricultural economy. Thoroughbred horses and beef cattle are Kentucky’s most important livestock products. In terms of revenue generated, the top five agricultural products produced in Kentucky are horses/mules, broilers (young chickens), cattle and calves, tobacco and soybeans.
Manufacturing: The manufacture of transportation equipment, related to motor vehicles, aircrafts, boats and railroads, is Kentucky’s primary manufacturing activity.
Mining: Kentucky is a leading coal producing state throughout the nation, while other mined products include natural gas, petroleum and limestone.
A Closer Look: An abundance of hydroelectricity has also contributed to Kentucky’s economy.
Did You Know? “And they’re off…” The Kentucky Derby, often referred to as the “most exciting two minutes in sports,” provides a purse totaling nearly $2 million each year.
Kentucky Education:
Find Colleges and Universities in Kentucky, here.
Sources: In addition to specific citations noted in this “Career Information” section, supplementary source materials include: the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service; Netstate.com; Education-Portal.com; USCollegeSearch.org; and Wikipedia.com.
