GDP
Kentucky's GDP reached about $260 billion in 2024, ranking 28th in the U.S., driven by automotive manufacturing and logistics.
Real GDP (chained 2017 dollars)
1997–2025BEA, chained 2017 dollars (FRED KYRGSP).
| Indicator | Kentucky | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| GDP (USD B) | 260 | 29200 |
- •Kentucky produces about 95% of the world's bourbon whiskey.
GDP Growth
Kentucky's GDP growth has been modest, supported by continued automotive and logistics investment, notably Ford's EV battery plants.
Real GDP growth
1998–2025Annual % change in BEA real GDP (KYRGSP).
| Indicator | Kentucky | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| GDP growth (%) | 1.8 | 2.5 |
Personal Income
Kentucky's per capita personal income trails the national average, reflecting lower wages outside the Louisville-Lexington corridor.
Per capita personal income
1970–2025BEA, current dollars (FRED KYPCPI).
| Indicator | Kentucky | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Per capita income (USD) | 54000 | 65423 |
Median Household Income
Kentucky's median household income is $59,847, ranking 45th in the nation.
Median household income (CPS)
1984–2025Census CPS ASEC, current dollars (FRED MEHOINUSKYA646N).
| Indicator | Kentucky | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income (USD) | 59847 | 77719 |
Poverty Rate
Kentucky's poverty rate is about 16.4%, above the national average, with the highest concentrations in Appalachian counties.
Poverty rate, all ages (SAIPE)
1989–2024Census Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (FRED PPAAKY21000A156NCEN).
| Indicator | Kentucky | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Poverty rate (%) | 16.4 | 11.5 |
Inflation
Kentucky's inflation has generally tracked the national CPI, with housing and food costs rising moderately since 2021.
CPI inflation, U.S.
2007–2024BLS CPI-U U.S. city average, annual average change (CPIAUCNS).
CPI inflation, South region
2007–2025BLS CPI-U all items, South region, annual average change (CUUR0300SA0).
| Indicator | Kentucky | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Inflation rate (%) | 3.8 | 4.1 |
Economic Output
Kentucky's economic output is anchored by the Louisville-Lexington corridor, with Toyota's Georgetown plant among the largest auto plants in North America.
Nominal GDP (current dollars)
1997–2025BEA, current dollars (FRED KYNGSP).
| Indicator | Kentucky | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| GDP (USD B) | 260 | 29200 |
Industry Breakdown
Kentucky's economy blends automotive manufacturing (Toyota, Ford), the UPS Worldport air-cargo hub, bourbon distilling, healthcare and agriculture.
Government jobs
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED KYGOVT).
Manufacturing jobs
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED KYMFG).
Construction jobs
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED KYCONS).
- •Louisville's UPS Worldport is one of the largest automated package-handling hubs in the world.