Kentucky is bordered by rivers along most of its state border, except for its southern border with Tennessee, which stretches for almost 625 miles. The state shares a mountainous border with Virginia, with the Tug and Big Sandy rivers serving as natural boundaries with West Virginia. To the north, Kentucky borders Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, and the Mississippi River marks the border with Missouri to the southwest.
Kentucky’s gross domestic product (GDP) has grown 137.98% over the past 20 years, increasing from $109 billion in 1998 to $260 billion in 2022. The agricultural sector accounts for approximately 1.8% of the state’s GDP and has been actively developing in recent years. It will gradually decrease. Despite this trend, agriculture still has a significant impact on local economies. Researchers found that agriculture had a significant economic impact on Kentucky in 2019, according to a 2022 study from the UK College of Agriculture. Total agricultural production was $49.6 billion, creating 271,700 jobs and generating $10.3 billion in labor income.
Look at the 5 fastest growing cities in Kentucky.
5. Middletown
- Population Growth: 39.60%
- 2010 to 2020 Population Growth: 2,753
Middletown is located in Jefferson County. Middletown’s climate is generally mild, characterized by warm and humid summers, but winters tend to be very cold and humid. Throughout the year, the region experiences partly cloudy days, creating an overall pleasant atmosphere that attracts people. The main ethnic makeup of Middletown is made up of five major groups, with whites making up the largest segment at 81.1%.
4. Union
- Population Change: 47.80%
- 10 to 2020 Population Growth: 2,398
Located in Boone County, Union was largely rural until the 1990s and 2000s, when housing development began to increase. It is located approximately 27 miles southwest of Cincinnati, Ohio. Union’s summers are warm and humid, the winters are cold and snowy, and the sky is cloudy year-round. The city has a variety of dining options and parks that add to its charm. Between 2010 and 2020, the city recorded a population growth of 47.80%.
3. Vine Grove
- Population Change: 52.20%
- 10-2020 Population Growth: 2,249
Vine Grove is located in Hardin County and is part of the Elizabethtown-Fort Knox Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town is home to the popular Vine Grove Bluegrass Festival and is very popular with music lovers. The average age of the city’s population in 2021 was 35.6 years. Meanwhile, the median household income was $70,417. From 2020 to 2021, the population of Vine Grove grew by 2.61%. Additionally, median household income increased by 1.9% from $69,107 to $70,417.
2. Wilmore
- Population Change: 60.40%
- 10 to 2020 Population Growth: 2,259
Wilmore is located in Jessamine County and is part of the Lexington-Fayette Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city ranks second on the list of fastest growing cities in Kentucky. Wilmore hosted the Ichthus Music Festival from 1970 to 2012, serving as a gathering place for Christian musicians and speakers. Following its 2021 resurgence, the festival returns to Wilmore. The town is also home to the Highbridge Film Festival, which screens locally produced films.
1. Mt. Washington
- Population Change: 99.90%
- 10-2020 Population Growth: 9,041
Mt. Washington is located in Bullitt County. Mount Washington is one of several cities around Louisville that have experienced rapid population growth over the past 30 years. From 2020 to 2021, the city’s population increased by 20.6%. Additionally, median household income increased by 11.2% over the same period.