Kentucky’s

Strategic Economic Development Plan

for the Delta Regional Authority

Matt Bevin, Governor of Kentucky

Sandra Dunahoo, Designee and Alternate

February 2016
2 

The Commonwealth of Kentucky’s State Strategic Plan embraces the vision of the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) in supporting new, creative, and innovative approaches to both community 

and economic development. The ultimate goal of this plan is enhanced well-being and quality of 

place for Kentucky Delta region residents, and increased investment and growth for both new and 

existing businesses throughout the region.

A successful strategic plan also includes meshing Kentucky’s state-wide economic development 

strategies with those found in the Delta Regional Authority’s new Regional Development Plan 

III (RDP III) to provide Kentucky with a holistic guide for development. This guide is designed 

to address the strengths and weaknesses of the state’s economic ecosystem in order to maximize 

future success.

Kentucky’s Delta Region

Since 1978, the Hickman-Fulton County Riverport serves as Kentucky’s only public port located on the 

Mississippi River. This port is located on the lower Mississippi at mile 922 in the Elvis J. Stahr Harbor. 

Having no locks south of St. Louis, Missouri creates a distinct advantage with regard to waterborne 

shipping costs. It is one of the transportation assets of the Kentucky Delta.
3

Table of Contents

Plan Development Overview.................................................................4

Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement..............................................5

Challenges and Opportunities: The State of the State............................9

Alignment of State Priorities with DRA Priorities ..............................14

Implementation Plan ............................................................................15

Investment in Kentucky’s Delta...........................................................26 

Delta State Resources Toolkit..............................................................28

Kentucky’s DRA County Profiles

Ballard County......................................................................................30

Caldwell County ...................................................................................32

Calloway County ..................................................................................34

Carlisle County .....................................................................................36

Christian County...................................................................................38

Crittenden County.................................................................................40

Fulton County .......................................................................................42

Graves County ......................................................................................44

Henderson County ................................................................................46

Hickman County...................................................................................48

Hopkins County ....................................................................................50

Livingston County ................................................................................52

Lyon County .........................................................................................54

Marshall County ...................................................................................56

McCracken County...............................................................................57

McLean County ....................................................................................58

Muhlenberg County ..............................................................................60

Todd County..........................................................................................62

Trigg County.........................................................................................64

Union County........................................................................................66

Webster County.....................................................................................76
4 

Plan Development Overview

The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development has established the following priorities to set the state on the 

path for future prosperity. These priorities will guide the Commonwealth in reaching the goals and objectives 

of the RDP III. As the Cabinet’s plan, Kentucky’s Unbridled Future, points out:

“Each goal contributes to the overall strategy’s aim of balancing recruitment of new industry with supporting 

existing industry and nurturing new industry; balancing urban needs and opportunities with rural ones; balancing historically important industries with emerging ones; balancing the traditional image of Kentucky with 

the contemporary realities; and, balancing the needs for a business-friendly business climate with the needs of 

future generations of Kentuckians.”

• Continue to create a more competitive business climate

• Attract, develop, and retain business

• Create and market a powerful Kentucky brand

• Work toward sustainability

• Foster innovation and technology support

• Create an entrepreneurial culture

Each Area Development District (ADD) in the Kentucky Delta is in many ways a local extension of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. The economic goals of each ADD and those of the Commonwealth 

of Kentucky are crucial in determining a successful economic course for Kentucky citizens. The Kentucky Delta 

plan strives to develop unique goals that are representative of the counties it serves and endeavors to construct 

these goals in the larger context of state initiatives.

The Kentucky State Strategic Plan would not be of the greatest value to regional planning and resiliency if it 

did not properly match the actions of the DRA. For these reasons, the Kentucky State Strategic Plan mirrors the 

three goals of the DRA’s Regional Development Plan III:

• Advance the productivity and economic competitiveness of the Delta Workforce.

• Strengthen the Delta’s physical, digital and capital connections to the global economy.

• Facilitate local capacity building within Delta communities, organizations, businesses, and individuals.
5

Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement

Leadership development has long been a priority of the Commonwealth. In 1984 the Leadership Kentucky 

program was created to nurture emerging leaders throughout the state and build a generation who thought about 

Kentucky as a whole. Many of the communities in the DRA region of Kentucky have long-established leadership development programs including the following: Paducah, Murray, Mayfield, Hopkinsville-Christian County, Princeton, Cadiz, Madisonville-Hopkins County, Henderson, as well as others.

The creation of the Delta Leadership Institute was a welcome addition to the leadership framework in Kentucky. 

Creating awareness about the Delta region and providing a cadre of young leaders focused on the region is essential for creating quality of place for the Delta region of Kentucky.

Delta Leadership Institute - Kentucky Participants

Class of 2016 

Brandi Harless 

Chief Executive Office

Personal Medicine Plus

Paducah

Mayor Carolyn Townsend 

City of Dixon

Dixon

Mark Lee 

President

Paragon Development Consultants 

Madisonville

Chris Wooldridge 

District Director

Small Business Development Center 

Murray State University 

Murray
6 

Scott Audas

Chief Deposit Officer 

Independence Bank 

Henderson

2008-2009

Lisa Hurst-Pfingston

Parks & Programs Director/Solid Waste Coordinator

Henderson County Fiscal Court

Henderson

2011-2012

Wendy Baxter

Marshall County Economic Development

Benton

2014-2015

Mayor David Jackson

City of Madisonville 

Madisonville

2014-2015

Rebecca Carroll

Treasurer 

Henderson County Fiscal Court

Henderson

2013-2014

Phyllis Maclin 

Vice President

Paducah Housing Services, Inc. 

Paducah

2011-2012

William Cox, Jr.

Attorney 

Law Office of William M. Cox, Jr. PLLC 

Madisonville

2009-2010

John Mahre

Special Assistant

Christian County

Hopkinsville

2011-2012

Brad Davis 

Associate Director

Purchase Area Development District 

Mayfield 

2012-2013

Mark Manning 

President

Murray/Calloway Co Economic Development Corporation

Murray 

2005-2006

Mike Farris

Retired School Superintendent 

Four Star Industrial Park Authority 

Dixon

2007-2008

David Mast 

President

Mast Solutions 

Paducah

2010-2011

Amy Frogue 

Associate Director

Pennyrile Area Development District 

Hopkinsville

2010-2011

Rachel McCubbin

Deputy State Director 

US Senator Rand Paul 

Bowling Green

2012-2013

Steven Gold 

Henderson County Attorney

Henderson County Fiscal Court

Henderson

2008-2009

Shawn Miller

Marketing Sales Coordinator 

DLZ

Benton 

2009-2010

Delta Leadership Institute - Kentucky Alumni
7

Paul Monsour

Director of Tourism & Assistant Tax Administrator

Union County 

Morganfield 

2007-2008

Joanna Shake 

Associate Director

Green River Area Development District 

Owensboro

2014-2015

Christian Peterson

Western Kentucky Field Representative

US Senator Rand Paul

Hopkinsville 

2013-2014

Elaine Spalding 

President

Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce 

Paducah

2005-2006

Duncan Pitchford 

Attorney 

Whitlow/Roberts 

Paducah

2009-2010

Alan Taylor 

President

Personal Safety Equipment Company 

Henderson

2005-2006

Greg Pruitt

Director

Hickman County Economic Development Authority

Clinton

2014-2015

Judge/Executive Greg Terry

Carlisle County Fiscal Court

Bardwell

2008-2009

Norma Pruitt

Executive Director

Kentucky Great River Region Organization 

Clinton

2011-2012

Josh Tubbs 

Director

Marshall County Community & Economic Development

Benton 

2010-2011

Brian Roy

Deputy Executive Director 

Kentucky Association of Counties

Frankfort

2013-2014

Jennifer Walker 

Executive Director

Purchase Area Development District 

Mayfield

2009-2010

Kennita Roy 

Administrative Coordinator

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 1 

Paducah

2008-2009

Brandi Webb

Deputy Judge and Financial Officer 

Carlisle County Fiscal Court

Bardwell 

2012-2013

Delta Leadership Institute - Kentucky Alumni
8 
9

Section A: Challenges and Opportunities

The State of the State

 

An economic data analysis of the Kentucky Delta 

region showcases positive trends overcoming the 

2008 recession, and in many cases prevailing over 

the belief that a largely rural region should fall 

behind its more urbanized neighbors. From 1998 to 

2013, the Kentucky Delta has seen non-agricultural employment grow at a .06 percent rate, resulting 

in a non-agricultural labor force of 239,046 people. 

However, over that same time period, the overall 

labor force participation rate has fallen approximately two percent, now at 75.20 percent.

Labor force productivity for the Kentucky Delta 

has seen a rise of .55 percent, resulting in GDP 

per capita rising slowly to $33,812. This indicates 

that the business climate of the region continues to 

improve.

 The first key driver of regional economic performance is the quality of a region's business environment, which 

is shaped by regional policy, leadership in the public and private sectors, and investor confidence. Based on the 

historical 15-year data collected from EDA since 1998, total research and development expenditures per capita 

in the Kentucky Delta has grown 7.88 percent. The region is experiencing further investment from the federal 

government to carry out R&D projects, which have grown by 8.57 percent since 1998.

Another assessment tool for the Kentucky Delta to examine regional economic health is household income. According to the data provided by Today’s Delta, the Kentucky Delta currently has a median household income of 

$40,421 – as compared to the average of the entire DRA service area of $40,427. This means that the Kentucky 

Delta mirrors the DRA average, but has yet to exceed that level.

The agriculture industry continues to be a strong cluster for the regional economy – as of 2012, the agricultural 

output of the Kentucky Delta equaled 10.77 percent of the region’s total GDP. Farmers and agribusiness interest 

make considerable contributions to every county of the region’s economic output. For example, livestock and 

meat processing has seen a net growth of 2,005 jobs from 1998 to 2013.

ConnectGRADD Project

The ConnectGRADD project allowed for construction of a new broadband transmission tower serving the residents of western Webster County. The project received $55,000 in SEDAP funds in 2013.

Economics of Kentucky’s Delta

Median Household Income $40,421

Per Capital Personal Income $33,812

Transfer Receipts as a Percent

 of Total Personal Income 25%

Unemployment Rate 8.6%

Employment / Population Ratio 51.6%

Figure 1: Today’s Delta
10 

Innovation

According to the EDA’s Innovation Index, which measures Human Capital, Economic Dynamics, Productivity, 

Employment, and Economic Well-Being and combines them into one measurement, the Kentucky Delta region 

has an index of 80.8 (based on a national average of 100). The Kentucky Delta region scores the highest when 

it comes to Economic Well-Being, with a score of 99.3; however, the data also reveals that the Kentucky Delta 

does the poorest in the area of Human Capital at 74.9.

The Innovation Index takes a broad look at indicators related to innovation from both the input and output 

perspectives. Based on statistical analysis, several factors appear to be especially important for increasing economic growth: educational attainment, young-adult population growth, high-tech employment growth, and the 

number of small business establishments.

A lack of high-paying jobs requiring postsecondary education in the area likely contributed to the weak Human 

Capital score, which in part is scored by the average high-tech employment and technology-based occupations. 

Another factor to account for this score is the young adult population growth. The Kentucky Delta’s young adult 

demographic growth has been minimal. Many rural regions are now confronted with the issue of brain drain – 

not only attracting young, talented individuals, but retaining them. 

Kentucky Delta’s relatively stable manufacturing industries have contributed to the high Economic Well-Being 

score. The Innovation Index uses factors such as the average unemployment rate, poverty rates, and changes in 

wage and salary compensation in order to determine a region’s economic well-being. 

These overall results suggest that the Kentucky Delta region still lags behind the nation in innovative measures; 

indicating the need for regional leadership to continue supporting innovation as a major component of future 

economic planning and development. The Innovation Index provides regions with economic drivers and elements that need to be properly addressed to spur development – particularly the presence of high technology 

firms and improvement in local GDP growth. It is important to point out that regional strategies should include 

not only recruitment of large-scale manufacturing firms but also encouraging the creation of entrepreneurial 

networks to build an innovation ecosystem.

Tri-County Recycling Alliance Wins 2013 Spirit of Kentucky Award

The Tri-County Recycling Alliance is a regional partnership among Henderson, Union and Webster counties 

and the city of Henderson. The group used $1.4 million in federal, state and local funds to construct a state-ofthe art processing center. The Delta Regional Authority invested $100,000 into the facility in 2013.
11

Clusters

Historically, the Kentucky Delta region has been reliant upon a few sectors of the economy to provide stability throughout the region. Much of the economy was dependent on manufacturing and coal mining. Today, the 

Kentucky Delta, as a whole, is quite diverse with large manufacturing firms in the fields of coal, aluminum, 

paper, automotive, wood products, and food processing. Smaller sectors such as apparel, lighting and electrical 

equipment, tobacco, and recreational goods also provide an economic benefit to the region. However, the more 

rural areas, smaller cities and counties continue to rely heavily on single industries.

A strong, growing, sustainable economy is the goal of every city, county, region, and state. A sustainable economy enhances the standard of living by creating wealth and jobs, encouraging the development of new knowledge and technology, and helping to ensure a stable political environment. Having a diverse economy with a 

wide range of profitable sectors has long been thought to play a key role in developing a sustainable economy. 

The Kentucky Delta regional economy should continue to coordinate efforts in order to diversify local economies and prevent them from becoming overly dependent on major shifts affecting the largest industries within 

the region.

As Figure 2 indicates, the Kentucky Delta has a prominent 

distribution and electronic commerce sector – over 11,000 people 

are employed within this sector of 

the regional economy. In addition, 

nearly 8,000 employees are in the 

business services sector. Both of 

these clusters are becoming prominent in regions as more financial 

transactions, communication, and 

innovation are stemming from 

technology and electronic commerce. There is much opportunity 

occurring in these clusters, and as 

the region strives to attract new 

industry and retain a talent base, 

inclusion of these clusters is certainly a necessity. Figure 2: Top Clusters by Employment

Figure 3: EDA Cluster Mapping Project

It is also important to make the distinction between regional traded and local clusters. According to the EDA Cluster Mapping (Figure 3), the 

Kentucky Delta experiences approximately twothirds of its regional clusters as local – “industries 

that are dispersed throughout the nation. Their 

presence in a particular region tends to be proportional to the region’s size, since these industries 

primarily serve the local market.” Only 36 percent of the Kentucky Delta’s clusters are “traded” 

– that is, selling products and services across other

regions.
12 

Industrial Parks

With established regional industrial parks located within the western portions of the Commonwealth, the Kentucky Delta possesses a suitable foundation for fostering economic development opportunities. Regional industrial parks provide affordable blocks of land offering opportunities for industrial expansion and new job growth. 

As regional endeavors, these parks ignore typical geographical boundaries to allow economic growth on a much 

broader scale. With a more globalized economy, comes the importing and exporting of goods and services into 

the international markets, and the region’s industrial parks can play a role in increased import-export activity.

Industrial parks in the Kentucky Delta are at various stages of development, but each has the potential to build 

upon and grow clusters. Throughout the Kentucky Delta, many parks are based on manufacturing industries, 

particularly the automotive cluster. Currently, the Kentucky Delta employs 6,157 people within the automotive 

cluster – this includes the manufacturing of automotive parts, engine parts, motor vehicles, and metal mills and 

foundries. 

Additionally, Kentucky started a new initiative in which industrial parks can now be designated as “buildready.” A Build-Ready site allows companies to bypass much of the red tape required when establishing a new 

location by addressing needs and concerns before they arise. This proactive preparation of sites allows for quick 

site selection decisions. Since October 2014, two of the five industrial Build-Ready sites are located within 

the Kentucky Delta: 4 Star Regional Industrial Park located in Henderson County and Hickory Industrial Park 

located in Graves County.

Industrial park needs include quality of life issues as well as supportive infrastructure. Much of the identified 

projects for the expansion of these parks involve preparing potential sites as fiber ready, construction of better 

transportation access, as well as further development around area parks for quality of place. Some communities 

have expressed interest in affordable housing, daycare services, and restaurant development as amenities for 

workers and businesses within close proximity of an industrial location.

4 Star Industrial Park Becomes Kentucky’s First Build Ready Site

Build-Ready, launched by the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development in 2014, is a cost-effective way for 

communities to distinguish their list of available sites to meet the needs of today’s site selectors. In addition to 

shovel-ready sites and pre-existing buildings, communities now have the option of proactively preparing and 

marketing land to potential companies without assuming all the risk and cost of constructing a building.
13

Agriculture

In Kentucky, agriculture is the number one economic generator statewide accounting for more than $5 Billion 

annually and almost 10% of the state’s economy. There exists in the Kentucky Delta, like the rest of the nation, 

a need and desire to promote the production, processing, distribution, and consumption of locally grown agricultural products. This is evident through the recent proliferation of various initiatives and activities from the 

federal, state, and local level. Consumers and institutional buyers are wanting to know more about what they 

are consuming and looking for healthier, local alternatives to traditional sources of food. As a result, consumers 

are seeking to direct more of their food purchasing dollars to producers located closer to home.

This puts the Kentucky Delta in a position to strategically develop and promote a niche market. There are significant, but not insurmountable challenges to more fully connect consumers to the producers that seek to add 

value to their farming operation. In Kentucky, it is recognized that agricultural development equals economic 

development and that any economic development strategy should include value-added agriculture. 

At the same time, there is a need and opportunity to update and expand many of the existing GIS database 

resources related to economic development sites, assets, and existing industries by integrating agricultural 

information into the economic development landscape of Kentucky. The timely organization and aggregation 

of this information and resource mapping of Kentucky’s existing agricultural infrastructure is critical in moving 

Kentucky’s economy forward.

The Kentucky Delta is part of the Kentucky Agriculture Development Information System (KADIS) which is a 

partnership between the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the Governor’s Office of Agriculture Policy, the 

US Economic Development Administration and the Kentucky Area Development Districts in an effort to promote and develop the agricultural sector of the Kentucky economy. The ADD’s work with each county in their 

respective region to gather data sets that will produce an all-inclusive Geographic Information System (GIS) of 

agricultural resources and assets throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This web-based GIS will create 

an information platform to assist future planning for projects that affect the agricultural economy.

The interactive map, along with other data sets for this project can be found at http://kadisonline.org/.

Some of the datasets included in KADIS are:

• Sites/buildings suitable for agricultural businesses and industry;

• Soils data;

• Existing ag businesses and facilities;

• Disaster prone facilities, crop loss data, etc.;

• Agricultural friendly land use regulations;

• Kentucky Proud facilities, farmers markets, organic products, etc.;

• Bio-energy resources/produce and local food resources;

• Distribution/aggregation facilities;

• Livestock resources;

• Land uses including prime farmland, environmentally sensitive and protected areas, etc.;

• Workforce development/technical training resources and programs;

• Crop production information;

• Transportation resources (rail, ports, etc.); and

• Linkages to other resources such as water, sewer, etc.
14 

Section B: Governor’s and State’s Goals, Priorities, and Programs

On December 8, 2015, Matt Bevin was sworn in as the 62nd Governor of 

the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The administration is first tasked with 

creating a budget to present to the General Assembly in January of 2016. 

The focus the Governor has provided in his first state budget is:

Governor Bevin’s Priorities 

Executive Budget Recommendation

• Strengthen Kentucky’s Financial Foundation 

• Invest in Education and Workforce Development 

• Keep Commitment to All Public Servants 

• Safeguard Kentucky’s Most Vulnerable 

• Protect Those Who Protect Us 

• Fight Substance Abuse 

• Transform Kentucky’s Healthcare Delivery System 

• Build Infrastructure for the Future 

Saving for a Down Payment on Kentucky’s Future

In 2012, the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development completed its most recent strategic plan. Their emphasis for improving the state’s economy are:

• Continue to Create a More Competitive Business Climate

• Attract, Develop, and Retain Business

• Create and Market a Powerful Kentucky Brand

• Work Toward Sustainability

• Foster Innovation and Technology Support

• Create an Entrepreneurial Climate

Governor Matt Bevin
15

Section C: Alignment of State Priorities with DRA Priorities 

& Implementation Plan

In 2000, the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), a partnership between the states and the federal government was 

created to enhance economic and community development in the Mississippi River Delta region. The Commonwealth of Kentucky, along with the Area Development Districts, have utilized DRA concepts and funding 

opportunities to improve the twenty-one county Kentucky Delta region. Through the DRA grant program, 

the Healthy Delta program, and the Delta Leadership Institute, the leaders of the Kentucky Delta region have 

labored to make the region a better place to live.

DRA recently completed a new strategic plan, the Regional Development Plan III (RDP III), to guide its investments in the Region. This new effort builds on the success of existing programs and also widens the range 

of current activates with new initiatives to enhance the region’s workforce competitiveness, infrastructure, and 

community competitiveness. Just as importantly, it defines a new role for the DRA. The new mandate for the 

DRA is a dual imperative of innovation and resiliency: innovation and resiliency in program delivery, in collaboration, and in new approaches towards job creation.

As part of this process, the Commonwealth is offering this Kentucky State Strategic Plan to build upon the goals 

of the RDP III and guide its successful implementation within the Kentucky Delta region. The plan highlights 

the impact DRA has made within the Kentucky Delta region. The plan offers goals and objectives to grow the 

Kentucky Delta, which mirror the strategic goals outlined in the RDP III:

• Advance the productivity and economic competitiveness of the Delta Workforce.

• Strengthen the Delta’s physical, digital, and capital connection to the global economy.

• Facilitate local capacity building within Delta communities, organizations, businesses, and individuals.

This plan is a blueprint to improve the quality of place for the nearly half million residents who live, raise their 

families, and work within the Kentucky Delta region. Now is the time to build upon the success DRA has had 

and continue future growth and development.

In October 2015, the Delta Regional Authority invested States Economic Development Assistance funding for six new 

Western Kentucky projects including a new business incubator, the reopening of a health clinic and other investments in 

the region’s health and safety system, and infrastructure improvements that support economic development. In total DRA 

leveraged $1 million resources into nearly $3 million in total public investment.
16 

Workforce Competitiveness

In today’s global economy it is crucial to have an educated 

workforce. Most people will hold at least five different ca-

reers in their lifetime. In order to be successful, it is important 

to have a world- class education system, and be able to provide training to individuals as they navigate career changes after they complete their formal education. The Commonwealth 

of Kentucky has developed a system of workforce training 

that combines the assets of the state’s community and technical college system with the workforce investment boards.

The Kentucky Community and Technical Colleges have community and economic development specialists that work with 

individuals and businesses to analyze training needs, complete 

employee assessments, and structure specialized workforce 

training. They allow students to gain a Kentucky Employability Certificate which certifies a skill level to any employer 

wishing to hire them. There are four community colleges with 

the Kentucky Delta: Henderson, Hopkinsville, Madisonville, 

and Paducah.

Two workforce investment boards cover the 21 DRA counties 

in Kentucky. The West Kentucky Workforce Investment Board 

consists of the 17 counties in the Purchase and Pennyrile 

Area Development Districts, and the remaining four counties 

are serviced by the Green River Area Development District. 

These organizations are responsible for the implementation of 

all the activities under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA). 

WIOA services are defined as core, intensive, and train-

ing. Core services include eligibility determination, skill 

assessments, labor market information, internet usage, and 

staff-assisted job search assistance and job referrals. Intensive 

services include comprehensive and specialized assessments, 

group/individual counseling, career planning, intensive case 

management, out-of-area job search assistance, relocation 

assistance, and work experience. If it is determined through 

core and intensive services that training services are needed, 

options include occupational skills training, on-the-job training, cooperative education programs, adult education/literacy, or traditional post-secondary training. WIOA customers 

also are eligible to receive assistance with classroom training 

through the payment of expenses such as tuition, books, and 

fees.

Fulton County Industrial Development Authority

KAYSER Automotive Systems, Fulton KY 

$147,928, 2014 SEDAP Funding
17

Workforce Competitiveness Goal:

Advance the productivity and economic competitiveness of the Kentucky Delta Workforce.

Strategies:

• Provide a world class education system from early childhood through post-secondary to ensure Kentuckians 

are equipped to compete in the Global Economy through the development of internships, work co-op programs, and other initiatives with a focus on soft skills and employability. (DRA Strategy 1.1 and 1.2)

• Provide technical training and workforce development programs that are flexible and relevant to meet the 

needs of current and future employers. (DRA Strategy 1.1 and 1.1.2)

• Provide affordable and accessible healthcare with an emphasis on children. (DRA Strategy 1.4)

• Work to significantly decrease diabetes, lung cancer, and smoking among all Kentucky income levels. (DRA 

Strategy 1.4.1)

• Support public health initiatives that educate the region’s citizens on the correlation between good health 

and economic vitality. (DRA Strategy 1.4.1 and 1.4.3)

• Encourage new and innovative approaches to economic development given the realization that the old model of industrial recruitment is not the sole answer to global economic competitiveness. (DRA Strategy 3.5)

• Support and encourage research and development of value added agriculture projects aimed at taking the 

Kentucky agriculture economy to the forefront of innovation worldwide. (DRA Strategy 3.5)

• Become a leader in the development of clean, reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy sources. (DRA 

Strategy 2.1.3)

• Build on the momentum of the Reimagining the Delta Workforce initiative to create a strong pipeline of 

talent to support current and future employers in the Kentucky Delta region. (DRA Strategy 1.1.1 and 1.5.1)

• Pursue initiatives to better leverage and connect Kentucky higher education institutions for workforce development and economic development. (DRA Strategy 1.1 and 1.2)

Kentucky’s Work Ready Communities Program Embraced by Delta Counties

Kentucky’s Delta Counties 

have embraced the Kentucky 

Workforce Innovation 

and Opportunity Board’s 

efforts to certify each of the 

Commonwealth’s 120 counties. 

As of February 2016, 18 of the 

21 Delta counties have become 

involved with seven being 

recognized as Certified Work 

Ready. 
18 

Basic Public Infrastructure

A community’s infrastructure is its basic framework for future development. Quality water and wastewater 

systems, broadband internet access, and adequate cell phone service, are the foundations on which to build a 

thriving, vibrant city, or region. Kentucky has taken a proactive approach to evaluating and prioritizing needed 

infrastructure investments in the Delta region.

The Kentucky Infrastructure Authority, in partnership with the region’s area development districts has implemented a water management planning process. Each area development district established a Water Management 

Council whose membership includes each water and wastewater system in the region and is chaired by a county 

judge/executive from the region. Projects are submitted before being forwarded to the state.

Each year, the council completes a prioritization process which ranks each potential project in the region. This 

prioritization list is used by the legislature in developing its funding list for projects. Currently there is a need 

for hundreds of millions of dollars in water and wastewater improvements in the Kentucky Delta region. These 

projects are planned and ready to move toward construction. More information on these projects and the planning process can be obtained from www.kia.ky.gov.

The first step to creating quality of place is providing basic services. Broadband is essential for education, 

entrepreneurial development, technology jobs, and quality health care. Providing needed infrastructure is a key 

objective of Kentucky’s plan for developing the DRA region.

Transportation Infrastructure

The future vitality of the Kentucky Delta is directly dependent upon its transportation system. The network of 

roads, waterways, airports, railroads, and transit systems all combine to present a unique set of assets and challenges. As the region strives to compete in the global economy, its transportation needs must be met.

Kentucky is committed to a safe and efficient transportation network and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet 

is the state agency leading that charge. The Cabinet maintains all state highways, interstates, and parkways 

within the Commonwealth. The Cabinet develops, with assistance from various groups throughout the state, 

the six year highway plan which sets priorities for all highway construction. There have been serious budgetary 

challenges during the last several years in meeting the funding requirements of the state’s highway needs; these 

challenges are expected to increase. More information on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and proposed 

highway projects can be found at www.transportation.ky.gov.

The Area Development Districts in Kentucky work closely with the Transportation Cabinet in its planning 

efforts for all transportation needs. The partnership is a national model for rural transportation planning. The 

ADDs have Regional Transportation Committees that are comprised of grassroots community members to provide input into regional project needs and priorities. The regional effort results in the eventual construction of 

many of the identified projects.

One major identified need specific to the Kentucky Delta is the completion of Interstate 69. This project directly 

impacts the entire DRA region and will act as a major catalyst for future economic growth. As of November 

2015, approximately 42.6 miles of Kentucky’s parkway system were converted to interstate standards and 

received the official I-69 designation. When complete, Kentucky’s portion of I-69 will run from the Ohio River 

at Henderson to the Tennessee line at Fulton, approximately 155 miles in length. Kentucky has also identified a 

need for the I-69 bridge across the Ohio River that will connect the state with the northern portion of the interstate. The north-south route will eventually run from the U.S.-Canadian border in Michigan all the way to the 

Texas-Mexico border.
19

While Kentucky has made tremendous progress with U.S. 68/80 twin bridges project, the U.S. 60 Tennessee 

River bridge project, and other major projects, the transportation needs are still great. The most recent figures 

from the Kentucky Delta show transportation needs of over $1 billion. A considerable amount of time and effort has gone into planning transportation infrastructure projects; however, state and local officials are hindered 

by an ever decreasing road fund.

Basic Public Infrastructure Goal: 

Strengthen the Kentucky’s Delta physical and digital, and capital connections to the global economy.

Strategies:

• Work to improve all aspects of the Kentucky Delta Transportation network. (DRA Strategy 2.2.1) 

• Complete improvements to Interstate 69 corridor. (DRA Strategy 2.2.1)

• Advance broadband deployment in all communities of the Kentucky Delta. (DRA Strategy 1.1 and 1.2)

• Provide an entrepreneurial climate and infrastructure to support new idea generation and commercialization. 

(DRA Strategy 3.2 and 3.2.2)

• Develop strategies to connect Kentucky Delta business and industries to new worldwide markets. (DRA 

Strategy 3.2.6) 

• Support and develop more multi-modal Transportation projects. (DRA Strategy 2.2)

• Support and improve Port Authorities and Airports in the Kentucky Delta. (DRA Strategy 2.2) 

• Support and Encourage River industry development. (DRA Strategy 2.2)

• Improve rail access for the Kentucky Delta region. (DRA Strategy 2.2)

• Support efforts to improve the Marine Highway in the Kentucky Delta region and promote activities that 

capitalize on the Panama Canal widening. (DRA Strategy 2.2)

• Continue efforts to provide adequate drinking water and wastewater facilities throughout the region. (DRA

Strategy 2.1 and 2.1.1)

Emergency Dredging of Elvis J. Stahr Harbor

Mike Marshall, DRA Alternate Federal Co-Chairman and Greg Curlin, Hickman-Fulton County Riverport Authority Director observe a dredger remove silt from the Elvis J. Stahr Harbor in Hickman. DRA provided

$51,975 in emergency funding in order to keep the port open and operating in 2012.
20 

Community Competitiveness

Capacity building, meant to yield long-term economic prosperity for the region’s businesses and residents, 

should be closely linked to efforts creating a unique quality of place as both share the goal of establishing a robust economic atmosphere. Several indicators showcase a region’s overall ability to build capacity and enhance 

its economic competitiveness. The first of these concerns innovation, which is discussed at length within the 

“Economy” section of this plan. For this section’s purposes, it is important to note that the Kentucky Delta region is not faring well compared to the rest of the nation. No clear solution exists to alleviate this issue, though 

the region does have several assets that may work to improve human capital.

The Kentucky Delta region should continue embracing its manmade and natural assets to create unique senses 

of place in its communities. As already shown, many communities have exceled at this as others are discovering what makes them marketable and attractive to current and future residents. Neighborhood revitalization and 

walkability initiatives, as well as a renewed interest in nature tourism, will help Kentucky Delta communities 

compete for residents, businesses, and a greater quality of life.

Livingston Health and Humans Services Digital Mammography

2012, $227,230 SEDAP Funding
21

Community Competitiveness Goal:

Facilitate local capacity building within Kentucky Delta communities, organizations, businesses, 

and individuals.

Strategies:

• Embrace regional economic development plans and ensure they are attainable and provide best practices for 

future regional development (DRA Strategy 3.1.1 and 3.5)

• Support and encourage leadership development programs to foster leadership from within the Kentucky 

Delta region (DRA Strategy 3.1.3 and 3.1.4)

• Support initiatives for existing industries and small business through the use of revolving loan funds, state 

incentives programs, and federal and loan guarantee programs (DRA Strategy 3.2 and 3.4)

• Support the creation of small business incubators across to region to promote entrepreneurs (DRA Strategy 

3.2.4)

• Enhance the collaboration between regional economic development agencies (DRA Strategy 3.2.5)

• Preserve the character of rural neighborhoods and communities by protecting historic and scenic areas and 

corridors (DRA Strategy 3.3.1)

• Improve the marketability of agricultural products and support projects that promote alternative uses of the 

region’s agricultural products (DRA Strategy 3.3.2)

• Support regional housing development corporations to provide access to decent and fair housing opportunities (DRA Strategy 3.3.3)

• Provide citizens a safe, healthy environment in which to live through the development of affordable single 

and multi-family housing units (DRA Strategy 3.3.3)

• Work to fully protect the natural resources of the Kentucky Delta (DRA Strategy 3.3.4)

• Promote tourism-related businesses as economic development activities (DRA Strategy 3.3.5)

• Coordinate tourism commission activities, along with the private sector, for best potential in tourist attractions (DRA Strategy 3.3.5)

• To develop and connect more trails for walking, hiking, ATV riding, and equestrian activities (DRA Strategy 

3.3.5)

• Creation of a region-wide entrepreneurship initiative that puts into place networks and assets that will foster 

the creation of new homegrown companies (DRA Strategy 3.4)

• Explore methods of increasing business development opportunities using available telecommunications and 

other technology (DRA Strategy 3.5.1) 

• Aim high and think differently about economic resiliency (DRA Strategy 3.5.1 and 3.5.2)
22 

Other Priorities for Kentucky’s Delta Region

Energy

Western Kentucky’s energy sector is undergoing an identity crisis – as tried and true industries become more 

expensive due to increased regulation, unfamiliar yet promising alternatives are beginning to assert prominence. 

Coal, once the unchallenged champion of the region’s energy sector, is now in decline for a variety of reasons. 

According to the Kentucky Quarterly Coal Report, various indicators in the Kentucky Delta region of the state 

showcase that coal mine employment and productivity continue to fall. Revenues for businesses and localities 

are being negatively affected and communities are searching for alternative energy sources that have the ability 

to bring jobs and affordable energy to the people of Kentucky’s Delta region.

The “Intelligent Energy Choices for Kentucky’s Future” plan, first released by the Commonwealth in 2008, sets 

forth strategies to pursue opportunities in renewable energy, biofuels, gas supplies, and nuclear power among 

others. Kentucky’s Delta region has worked to embrace these opportunities by utilizing the area’s abundant 

natural resources. Thus, the Kentucky Delta area takes advantage of its many lakes and rivers to produce energy through hydroelectric processes. Agricultural production has aided many efforts to create a thriving biofuel 

industry; the entire region is blanketed with forest and crop residues that indicate a large potential for biomass 

production according to the US Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center.

Communities experiencing a loss in coal revenues are also investing in coal related technologies which focus on 

efficiency, cleanliness, and production of synthetic natural gas; though coal is in decline, it would be imprudent 

for these communities to give up on it outright – the region produces more coal annually than any part of the 

Commonwealth according to the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Department for Energy Development and Independence. Union County remains Kentucky’s leading coal-producing county. The River View 

Mine in Union County is Kentucky’s single-largest mine, accounts for more than a quarter of the Kentucky 

Delta coal production, and remains among the top 15 producing mines within the United States.

Energy opportunities in Kentucky’s Delta region will always be influenced by national and international trends. 

This strategic plan update continues to embrace the pursuit of alternative energy sources while promoting the 

practicality of employing existing resources to create a diverse and resilient sector. Projects being considered 

by the region’s communities help to support these goals by improving technological capacities and mitigating 

hazards that could threaten the area’s natural resources. The energy sector should continue to assert a vital role 

in the economic development of the Delta region of the Commonwealth.

Environment

The Delta region of Kentucky is home to some of the most abundant natural resources and environmental assets 

in the US. The region contains more miles of inland shoreline than any region in the world. Abundant wildlife, 

coal reserves, timber, limestone, oil, natural gas, and water resources are just a few of the environmental assets 

located in the Kentucky Delta region. The area is also home to the most fertile and productive farmland in Kentucky. The three largest grain producing counties in the Commonwealth are located in the Kentucky Delta and 

the region is home to the state’s only ethanol plant.

Coal mining is a major economic generator for the entire state and specifically the Kentucky Delta region. Coal 

has proven to be one of the least expensive and most abundant resources for generating electricity. Much of the 

West Kentucky Coalfields is in the Kentucky Delta region and it has seen mixed results in coal production in the 

last few years. Coal production has greatly added to the wealth and economic prosperity of many counties of the 

Kentucky Delta region and also has presented some environmental challenges. Thousand acres of the Kentucky 

Delta are reclaimed strip mines and currently are in use for agricultural, recreational, and commercial purposes. 
23

The state along with private industry must stay up to date with the best practices of land reclamation. 

The Commonwealth continues to take a balanced approach to guarding the environment and promoting economic opportunity. In the Kentucky Delta region there has been a long history of utilizing our natural resources 

for both its beauty and economic potential.

Health

A community’s total health maybe one of the best indicators of, or predictors for, poor economic conditions 

and poverty. Likewise, a healthy population is typically found in a well-maintained and growing economy. As 

the region strives for a well-balanced quality of place, significant emphasis should be placed on improving the 

health of all citizens.

The Commonwealth of Kentucky recognizes the importance of health and overall wellness for its constituents 

and their quality of life. The State provides numerous resources to educate Kentuckians on the importance of 

being active, eating better and smoking cessation.

Infant mortality, HIV/AIDS, heart disease and cancer are the most noteworthy conditions to understand the relationship between health and the economy. Infant mortality has long been considered one of the most useful indicators of a country’s health and development. The rate of deaths per live births, the formula used for calculating 

infant mortality, in Kentucky’s 21 Delta counties soars well above the national average of 6.3/1,000. Troubling 

as it may seem, this figure and its relationship to poverty is more compelling when the rates are spliced between 

the white and black population. There is no argument African Americans, especially in the Delta, are economically disadvantaged. The infant mortality rate among blacks in Western Kentucky is disproportionately higher 

Innovative Readiness Training, City of Mayfield

Military personnel from the US Army Reserves 7243D Medical Support Unit set up a temporary medical clinic in the 

former Morgan Haugh Medical Clinic, which had treatment rooms, lab facilities, restrooms, and plenty of patient 

waiting spaces. During the two-week exercise, 1,818 treatment services were provided to 937 individuals.
24 

than that of whites. An overall reduction in the region’s infant mortality rate coupled with parity in the relationship between whites and blacks will significantly benefit Kentucky in its quest to maintain positive quality of 

place.

Diabetes, considered an epidemic throughout the Delta is certainly cause for concern in Kentucky. However, a 

number of other diseases are more prevalent and more accurately indicate serious problems in the overall health 

of the citizenry. Heart disease, cancer (especially lung, breast and prostate), and respiratory diseases all rank 

above diabetes in terms of the number of deaths to which they contribute. Additionally, obesity and HIV/AIDS 

are points of significant concern for Kentucky. While many of these sicknesses may have genetic causes, the 

greatest contributor is lifestyle. On average, the socio- economic status of Kentucky’s Delta population lingers 

below the national average. In areas more affected by poverty the instances of obesity, HIV/AIDS, and various 

types of cancers present themselves much more often than in higher income areas. Cause and effect are debatable but the correlation between preventable diseases and poverty can’t be ignored.

Health care costs are a tremendous drain on Kentucky’s economy. With a proactive economic development 

strategy that leads to positive quality of place and ultimately improves on the other critical economic indicators 

presented in this document, the region should see significant gains in its economy. The positive growth generated economically should translate into a healthier community through greater education, more and better quality 

health care, and healthier lifestyles.

Quality of Place

Quality of Place analyses focus on what makes a community unique. In the realm of economic development, 

place making initiatives are in vogue fueled by a collective understanding that what attracts people and businesses to an area - the cultural and educational opportunities afforded by communities. Quality of place movements consider what may be attractive to both old and young residents as well as those who may become 

residents in the future, and distinguishes between resident satisfaction and attachment – planners now strive to 

ensure that residents feel an affection for their community so that they take part in community affairs and spend 

their money in local markets.

Kentucky’s Delta region is anchored by several larger towns and cities that provide unique cultural and educational amenities. Paducah, straddling the banks of the Ohio River, has endeavored to create a vibrant arts scene 

rivaling those of much larger cities – even being designated a UNESCO Creative City for Crafts and Folk Art in 

2013. Murray State University brings a talented pool of students and educated citizens not just to Murray but to 

satellite campuses in other parts of the region. Hopkinsville has taken advantage of its proximity to Fort Campbell, while Henderson touts a growing blues music scene. All of these and many other communities throughout 

the region have undertaken unique downtown revitalization schemes to improve their attractiveness and sense 

of place.

Other parts of the region have managed to create quality place making initiatives based on the natural beauty 

surrounding them. The Land Between the Lakes region provides ample tourism opportunities for those seeking 

relaxing and picturesque scenery as well as thrill seekers and hardcore recreationalists. A surplus of bicycle 

trails, kayak courses, hiking and fishing opportunities have brought economic prospects from a diverse group 

of visitors and residents to the Delta region of the Commonwealth. The Kentucky Wine Trail also benefits the 

region, with a variety of specialty wines produced in the areas surrounding Henderson, Morganfield, Princeton, 

and Paducah.

Though the region is blessed with both manmade and natural qualities that enhance its uniqueness, Kentucky’s 

Delta counties continue to struggle with economic competitiveness based on indices that compare them to the 

rest of the nation. Strategies promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, the arts, and recreation in the context of 
25

place making must be pursued continually to maintain Western Kentucky’s unique identity and to give the region an edge in an ever competitive economic atmosphere.

After the Great Recession, universities and community colleges throughout Kentucky’s Delta have focused on 

workforce development in order to create graduates with the necessary skills to obtain high- skill employment. 

The region has embraced Kentucky’s Work Ready Community program by training potential workers with 

valuable skills; counties certified as ‘work ready’ have collected information to provide to firms that may wish 

to locate to the area.

Creative occupations also showcase a community’s ability to attract unique talent to create a strong economic foundation based on quality of place initiatives. According to the Kentucky Arts Council’s 2014 Creative 

Industry Report, over 60,000 jobs in the Commonwealth are related to the fields of design, media, visual arts, 

and performing arts. EDA’s Innovation Index places a more narrow scope on the creative industry, stating that 

the fields of art, entertainment, publishing, and broadcasting support roughly 36,000 jobs across Kentucky. The 

Delta Region contains about 4,000 of these jobs, mostly in the more populated areas of Paducah, Madisonville, 

Hopkinsville, and Henderson.

Paducah specifically has developed a successful place making initiative based on its thriving creative industry, 

recently completing a $9 million investment into the Lowertown neighborhood of the city. This initiative combined marketing techniques and downtown revitalization practices to create a more walkable and accessible 

area attractive to artists and others in creative fields. Paducah/McCracken County now boasts the sixth largest 

amount of tourism expenditures in the state, despite having the twelfth largest population.

Technology

The rapid evolution of technology requires constant attention and the resources to adopt and utilize the tools that 

spring from it. Unfortunately, smaller rural communities often lack the resources to embrace technology, which 

can negatively affect the area economy and workforce.

Kentucky works collectively to capture technology’s benefits for citizens. A region that commits to technological advancement not only ensures the development of a stronger workforce, it also enhances its overall strength 

which can attract new businesses, industries and citizens.

According to the 2014 Digital States Survey, Kentucky ranks with a B+. This ranking indicates that the state 

is trending up in smart technology investments. The survey, based on criteria including state priorities and 

policies to improve operations or services, innovative solutions, and effective collaboration, evaluates the 

digital technology practices of all 50 states. Kentucky has been lauded for the successful implementation of the 

Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange platform, which was a multi- agency collaboration that involved a phased 

rollout of its eligibility and enrollment, and plan maintenance and billing systems in accordance with Affordable 

Care Act deadlines.

In 2015, Kentucky announced the implementation of KentuckyWired, a statewide public-private broadband 

infrastructure project that will improve connectivity and speeds, and will offer some of the fastest capacity in 

the United States, all with the potential to lower consumer costs and improve coverage. The modern, high-capacity fiber infrastructure will allow businesses to compete globally; educators will have the ability to expand 

teaching resources, while students gain access to distance learning; health care entities will have the ability to 

collaborate, and first responders will be able to communicate better in emergencies. Once the infrastructure 

has reached the Kentucky Delta, funding assistance from DRA will be necessary in order to provide access to 

broadband to all rural citizens.
26 

DRA Impact on the Kentucky Delta

Project Name DRA Project Funds Other Project Funds Total Project Costs Year

Ballard County Fiscal Court EID Board $307,000 $504,900 $811,900 2013

Ballard County Health Clinic $24,150 $24,150 2011

Caldwell County Hospital Digital Mammography $125,000 $170,255 $295,255 2011

Carlisle County Health Clinic $150,000 $150,000 2011

City of Barlow Wastewater Improvements $200,000 $200,000 2015

City of Murray Retail Development $89,001 $136,286 $225,287 2015

ConnectGRADD $202,738.00 $202,738.00 2010

ConnectGRADD $155,179.00 $155,179.00 2010

ConnectGRADD $55,000.00 $55,000.00 2014

Crittenden Health Systems C-Arm $105,000 $1,450 $106,450 2013

Earlington Water System Improvements $30,000 $25,000 $55,000 2014

Four Star $500,000.00 $500,000.00 2002

Four Star $135,432.00 $72,518.00 $207,950.00 2003

Four Star $84,164.00 $84,164.00 2004

Fulton County Fiscal Court Health Clinic $337,223 $337,223 2016

Fulton County Industrial Development Auth. $147,928 $4,556,380 $4,704,308 2014

Greenville Lift Station $87,223 $20,000 $107,223 2015

Henderson 911 Center $200,000.00 $200,000.00 2015

Henderson County Fiscal Court $207,500.00 $207,500.00 2007

Henderson County Fiscal Court $100,000.00 $100,000.00 2012

Henderson County Fiscal Court $200,000.00 $200,000.00 2014

Hickman-Fulton Co. Riverport Authority $150,000 $550,000 $700,000 2016

Hickman-Fulton Co. Riverport Authority $51,975 $51,975 2013

KYNDLE (formerly NWKF) $50,000.00 $50,000.00 2012

Livingston Health and Humans Services Digital

Mammography $227,230 $71,370 $298,600 2012

Lyon-Caldwell County Broadband $211,000 $94,500 $305,500 2012

Madisonville Community College Simulation $74,001 $26,000 $100,001 2014

Madisonville Innovation Station $150,000 $200,000 $350,000 2015

Marshall County Fiscal Court McFarland Road $157,353 $157,353 2012

Marshall County Fiscal Court Wastewater Plan

Rehab $300,000 $230,000 $530,000 2012

Marshall County Health Clinic $150,000 $2,850,000 $3,000,000 2010
27

DRA Impact on the Kentucky Delta

Project Name DRA Project Funds Other Project Funds Total Project Costs Year

McLean County Fiscal Court $30,000.00 $3,375.00 $33,375.00 2008

McLean County Fiscal Court $145,655.77 $145,655.77 2012

Mortons Gap Water System Improvements $35,000 - $35,000 2014

Muhlenberg County Broadband $119,965 $165,200 $285,165 2013

Muhlenberg County Hospital Expansion $300,000 $13,980,800 $14,280,800 2010

Murray-Calloway EDC West Business Park $216,794 $863,206 $1,080,000 2013

Paducah McCracken Riverport Authority $200,000 $2,800,000 $3,000,000 2012

Paducah-McCracken JSA Massac Creek Intercept II $100,000 $5,077,000 $5,177,000 2012

Purchase Area Regional Industrial Authority $1,000,000 $1,000,000 2009

St. Nicholas Family Clinic $96,926 $26,296 $123,222 2013

Todd County Health Department Renovation $100,000 $50,000 $150,000 2015

Trenton Water/Sewer Line Extension $150,050 $5,000,000 $5,150,050 2014

Trigg County Health Department Renovation $100,000 $50,000 $150,000 2014

Trigg County Hospital $300,000 $300,000 $600,000 2009

Union County Fiscal Court $149,493.00 $149,493.00 2010

Union County Fiscal Court $79,424.00 $79,424.00 2011

Webster County Fiscal Court $150,000.00 $383,800.00 $533,800.00 2007

Webster County Fiscal Court $49,160.00 $49,160.00 2012

West KY Workforce Investment Board $97,877 - $97,877 2012

$8,384,442 $38,208,336 $46,592,778
28 

Resources

DRA Today’s Delta

http://dra.gov/resources/todays-delta-research-database/

Green River Area Development District CEDS 

http://www.gradd.com/files/Banner_Ads/CED_Media/PDF_Files/2015-CEDS.pdf

Innovation Index 

http://www.statsamerica.org/innovation/innovation_index/region-select.html

Kentucky Arts Council – Kentucky Creative Industry Report 

http://artscouncil.ky.gov/Resources/Publications/2014CreativeIndustryReport.pdf

Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development 

http://www.thinkkentucky.com/

Kentucky Center for Education and Workforce Statistics 

https://kcews.ky.gov/

Kentucky Labor Market Information 

https://kylmi.ky.gov/vosnet/Default.aspx

Pennyrile Area Development District CEDS 

http://www.peadd.org/#!ceds/c20yj

Purchase Area Development District CEDS 

http://www.purchaseadd.org/files/PDF/Project_Development/CEDS_2014.pdf

Kentucky Quarterly Coal Reports 

http://energy.ky.gov/Pages/CoalFacts.aspx

Kentucky’s Unbridled Future Strategic Economic Development Plan 

http://kwib.ky.gov/stateplan2012/AttachmentC.pdf

US Census Bureau 

http://www.census.gov/en.html
29

County Profiles 

The Kentucky Center for Education and Workforce Statistics (KCEWS) has prepared the 2015 County Profiles 

that contains a mixture of education, population, employment, and other data about each of Kentucky’s 120 

counties. In this section profiles on the 21 Delta counties have been provided.

KCEWS compiled this information to help policy makers and others have easy access to critical information 

about their regions. The data are compiled from a variety of federal, state, and independent data sources and are 

prepared by KCEWS staff.

BALLARD

CALDWELL

CALLOWAY

CARLISLE

CHRISTIAN

CRITTENDEN

FULTON

GRAVES

HENDERSON

HICKMAN

HOPKINS

LIVINGSTON

MCCRACKEN LYON

MCLEAN

MARSHALL

MUHLENBERG

TODD

TRIGG

UNION

WEBSTER

Service Area

KENTUCKY
What are some basic facts about Ballard County residents? 

What industries provide employment in Ballard County?

County KY US

Total population

Median household income

Per capita income

Living in poverty

Eligible for Medicaid

Without medical insurance

Registered voters who voted in 

the 2012 general election

Unemployment rate

Access to Broadband Internet

8,332 4,395,295 316,128,839

$43,036 $53,046

$23,462 $28,155

14.4% %18.8 %15.4

17.2% %18.9 n/a

15.8% %16.2 %17.0

64.0% %59.7 %68.0

9.1% %8.0 %7.4

98.9% %96.8 %98.6

$24,781

$44,588

2.7%

Finance,

Professional &

Other Services

26.9%

Health &

Education

Services

2.1%

Information and

Communications

37.2%

Manufacturing and

Construction

17.5%

State and Local

Government and

Public Education

13.7%

Utilities, Trade, &

Transportation

2013 Employment by Sector

What is the educational attainment of Ballard County residents?

County KY US

Less than a high school diploma or 

equivalent

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college but no degree

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Graduate or professional degree

15.6 %17.0 % %13.9

40.3% %33.9 %28.1

23.5% %20.5 %21.2

7.5% %7.1 %7.8

7.0% %12.8 %18.0

6.0% %8.8 %10.8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

17.6

14.8

19.0 18.5

15.8 13.6

17.7

13.0

18.1

14.5

18.6

13.2

18.8

14.4

Percentage of Ballard County Population Living in Poverty, 1980-2013 

1980 1990 2000 2010

Are Ballard County public high school graduates prepared for college and 

career?

County KY

Average GPA for 2014 graduates

Average junior year ACT scores for 2014 

graduates

Mathematics

English

Reading

2.92 2.89

Ready for career by graduation

Science

62.9% %17.8

18.6 19.5

18.7 19.1

17.3 18.7

18.7 19.7

19.1 19.7

Ready for college by graduation 50.6% %56.2

Ready for college and/or career by graduation 86.5% %62.8

Composite

2015 Kentucky County Profile

Ballard County

The 2015 County Profile is produced by the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics utilizing data from the Kentucky Longitudinal Data System (KLDS), which

includes data from the Department of Education, Council on Postsecondary Education, Education Professional Standards Board, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, and

the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The report includes the most current data available for Kentucky counties, Area Development Districts (ADDs), and

Workforce Investment Areas (WIAs) on demographics, employment, college readiness and educational attainment. 

2011

County

KY

2012 2013

- 30 -
What is the education pipeline for Ballard County?

County KY

n/a

Public K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Private K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Special education population in 2013-2014

Students qualifying for free and reduced lunch in 2013-2014

Public high school graduates in 2011-2012

Kentucky Adult Education enrollments for 2012-2013

GEDs awarded in 2012-2013

Public high school graduates entering postsecondary 

education in 2012-2013

In-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Out-of-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Students earning an associate degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in science, 

technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in

2012-2013

Students earning a graduate or professional degree in 

2012-2013

Bachelor’s degree six-year graduation rate for 

2007 cohort

Associate degree three-year graduation rate for 

2010 cohort

Students earning a postsecondary certificate or 

diploma in 2012-2013

National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRC) awarded 

in 2013-2014

1,276 654,455

97 43,176

53 37,022

17 7,746

59 26,413

57.7 %56.2 %

3.1 %5.5 %

45 8,713

26 9,089

19 15,947

6 5,270

14 7,673

53.4 %58.3 %

58 17,613

53 69,258

10.7 %13.2 %

54.2%

n/a 11.0%

63.3%

20.0%

Entering students ready for kindergarten in fall 2014 % 47.7 %50.0

What were the top college choices for Ballard County public high school 

graduates? 

60.8%

39.2% Attended College

Did Not Attend College

How much financial aid did 2012 public high school graduates from Ballard 

County receive in 2013?

Average Awards

Kentucky Ed. Excellence Scholarships (KEES)

State need-based grants

State non-need-based grants

Federal Pell grants

Federal need-based loans

Federal non-need-based loans

Institutional grants

92

4

46

17

13

11

8

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$1,115

$1,291

$1,354

$832

$643

0

10

20

30

40

50

11.1

7.7

13.6

8.7

17.1

10.6

20.3

10.7

20.7

11.8

21.0

12.0

21.5

13.1

Percentage of Adults with a Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Ballard County, 1980-2013

1980 1990 2000 2010

Ballard County 2015 - continued

Sources: US Census 2009-2013 American Community Survey, US Department of Education, Kentucky Department of Education, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, Kentucky State

Board of Elections, US Census Small Area Health Insurance Estimates Program, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Kentucky Adult Education, and the Council on

Postsecondary Education. Complete descriptions of sources and methodologies may be found in the technical notes at the end of the County Profiles or through the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics website at the

address below:

2011

County

KY

2012

West Ky Community & Technical College 44

Murray State University 6

Midcontinent University 4

University of Kentucky 3

University Of Northwestern Ohio Coll Of Bus 1

Campbellsville University 1

University of Louisville 1

Daymar College - Paducah 1

Missouri University Of Science And Technology 1

Shawnee Community College 1

Other Institutions 1

Overall College Going Rates for 2012 Public High School Graduates

Top 10 Colleges and Universities Attended Number of Enrollments

2013

- 31 -
What are some basic facts about Caldwell County residents? 

What industries provide employment in Caldwell County?

County KY US

Total population

Median household income

Per capita income

Living in poverty

Eligible for Medicaid

Without medical insurance

Registered voters who voted in 

the 2012 general election

Unemployment rate

Access to Broadband Internet

12,823 4,395,295 316,128,839

$43,036 $53,046

$23,462 $28,155

21.4% %18.8 %15.4

20.7% %18.9 n/a

17.8% %16.2 %17.0

60.2% %59.7 %68.0

8.0% %8.0 %7.4

96.1% %96.8 %98.6

$20,327

$37,127

2.1%

Agriculture,

Mining, and Other

Natural Resources

3.5%

Finance,

Professional &

Other Services

31.0%

Health &

Education

Services

1.4%

Information and

Communications

23.1%

Manufacturing and

Construction

16.4%

State and Local

Government and

Public Education

22.5%

Utilities, Trade, &

Transportation

2013 Employment by Sector

What is the educational attainment of Caldwell County residents?

County KY US

Less than a high school diploma or 

equivalent

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college but no degree

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Graduate or professional degree

16.0 %17.0 % %13.9

41.5% %33.9 %28.1

20.7% %20.5 %21.2

5.1% %7.1 %7.8

9.0% %12.8 %18.0

7.7% %8.8 %10.8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

17.6

12.2

19.0 19.9

15.8 15.9 17.7 18.6 18.1

23.2

18.6

21.4 18.8 21.4

Percentage of Caldwell County Population Living in Poverty, 1980-2013 

1980 1990 2000 2010

Are Caldwell County public high school graduates prepared for college 

and career?

County KY

Average GPA for 2014 graduates

Average junior year ACT scores for 2014 

graduates

Mathematics

English

Reading

2.86 2.89

Ready for career by graduation

Science

37.0% %17.8

19.6 19.5

19.1 19.1

19.0 18.7

20.0 19.7

19.9 19.7

Ready for college by graduation 52.2% %56.2

Ready for college and/or career by graduation 65.9% %62.8

Composite

2015 Kentucky County Profile

Caldwell County

The 2015 County Profile is produced by the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics utilizing data from the Kentucky Longitudinal Data System (KLDS), which

includes data from the Department of Education, Council on Postsecondary Education, Education Professional Standards Board, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, and

the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The report includes the most current data available for Kentucky counties, Area Development Districts (ADDs), and

Workforce Investment Areas (WIAs) on demographics, employment, college readiness and educational attainment. 

2011

County

KY

2012 2013

- 32 -
What is the education pipeline for Caldwell County?

County KY

n/a

Public K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Private K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Special education population in 2013-2014

Students qualifying for free and reduced lunch in 2013-2014

Public high school graduates in 2011-2012

Kentucky Adult Education enrollments for 2012-2013

GEDs awarded in 2012-2013

Public high school graduates entering postsecondary 

education in 2012-2013

In-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Out-of-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Students earning an associate degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in science, 

technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in

2012-2013

Students earning a graduate or professional degree in 

2012-2013

Bachelor’s degree six-year graduation rate for 

2007 cohort

Associate degree three-year graduation rate for 

2010 cohort

Students earning a postsecondary certificate or 

diploma in 2012-2013

National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRC) awarded 

in 2013-2014

2,000 654,455

156 43,176

48 37,022

19 7,746

92 26,413

57.1 %56.2 %

1.9 %5.5 %

31 8,713

37 9,089

45 15,947

14 5,270

17 7,673

60.6 %58.3 %

67 17,613

62 69,258

9.7 %13.2 %

54.2%

n/a 11.0%

50.0%

23.1%

Entering students ready for kindergarten in fall 2014 % 56.6 %50.0

What were the top college choices for Caldwell County public high school 

graduates? 

59.0%

41.0% Attended College

Did Not Attend College

How much financial aid did 2012 public high school graduates from Caldwell 

County receive in 2013?

Average Awards

Kentucky Ed. Excellence Scholarships (KEES)

State need-based grants

State non-need-based grants

Federal Pell grants

Federal need-based loans

Federal non-need-based loans

Institutional grants

137

37

78

56

26

31

23

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$997

$1,171

$2,431

$1,034

$1,108

$1,154

$741

0

10

20

30

40

50

11.1

7.6

13.6

8.2

17.1

10.0

20.3

14.0

20.7

14.3

21.0

16.6

21.5

16.8

Percentage of Adults with a Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Caldwell County, 1980-2013

1980 1990 2000 2010

Caldwell County 2015 - continued

Sources: US Census 2009-2013 American Community Survey, US Department of Education, Kentucky Department of Education, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, Kentucky State

Board of Elections, US Census Small Area Health Insurance Estimates Program, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Kentucky Adult Education, and the Council on

Postsecondary Education. Complete descriptions of sources and methodologies may be found in the technical notes at the end of the County Profiles or through the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics website at the

address below:

2011

County

KY

2012

Murray State University 25

Madisonville Community College 23

Hopkinsville Community College 14

West Ky Community & Technical College 11

University of Kentucky 9

Western Kentucky University 6

Brescia University 4

University of Louisville 1

ITT TECHNICAL INSTITUTE 1

Midcontinent University 1

Other Institutions 3

Overall College Going Rates for 2012 Public High School Graduates

Top 10 Colleges and Universities Attended Number of Enrollments

2013

- 33 -
What are some basic facts about Calloway County residents? 

What industries provide employment in Calloway County?

County KY US

Total population

Median household income

Per capita income

Living in poverty

Eligible for Medicaid

Without medical insurance

Registered voters who voted in 

the 2012 general election

Unemployment rate

Access to Broadband Internet

37,657 4,395,295 316,128,839

$43,036 $53,046

$23,462 $28,155

20.1% %18.8 %15.4

13.0% %18.9 n/a

17.6% %16.2 %17.0

58.5% %59.7 %68.0

7.3% %8.0 %7.4

99.5% %96.8 %98.6

$21,490

$39,677

3.0%

Finance,

Professional &

Other Services

22.0%

Health &

Education

Services

1.3%

Information and

Communications

16.3%

Manufacturing and

Construction

30.9%

State and Local

Government and

Public Education

26.5%

Utilities, Trade, &

Transportation

2013 Employment by Sector

What is the educational attainment of Calloway County residents?

County KY US

Less than a high school diploma or 

equivalent

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college but no degree

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Graduate or professional degree

13.9 %17.0 % %13.9

32.0% %33.9 %28.1

21.0% %20.5 %21.2

5.5% %7.1 %7.8

15.8% %12.8 %18.0

11.9% %8.8 %10.8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

17.6 15.3

19.0 17.7 15.8 16.6 17.7 17.0 18.1 17.4 18.6 18.2 18.8 20.1

Percentage of Calloway County Population Living in Poverty, 1980-2013 

1980 1990 2000 2010

Are Calloway County public high school graduates prepared for college 

and career?

County KY

Average GPA for 2014 graduates

Average junior year ACT scores for 2014 

graduates

Mathematics

English

Reading

3.08 2.89

Ready for career by graduation

Science

29.2% %17.8

20.7 19.5

20.4 19.1

20.2 18.7

20.8 19.7

21.0 19.7

Ready for college by graduation 59.2% %56.2

Ready for college and/or career by graduation 74.0% %62.8

Composite

2015 Kentucky County Profile

Calloway County

The 2015 County Profile is produced by the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics utilizing data from the Kentucky Longitudinal Data System (KLDS), which

includes data from the Department of Education, Council on Postsecondary Education, Education Professional Standards Board, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, and

the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The report includes the most current data available for Kentucky counties, Area Development Districts (ADDs), and

Workforce Investment Areas (WIAs) on demographics, employment, college readiness and educational attainment. 

2011

County

KY

2012 2013

- 34 -
What is the education pipeline for Calloway County?

County KY

n/a

Public K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Private K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Special education population in 2013-2014

Students qualifying for free and reduced lunch in 2013-2014

Public high school graduates in 2011-2012

Kentucky Adult Education enrollments for 2012-2013

GEDs awarded in 2012-2013

Public high school graduates entering postsecondary 

education in 2012-2013

In-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Out-of-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Students earning an associate degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in science, 

technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in

2012-2013

Students earning a graduate or professional degree in 

2012-2013

Bachelor’s degree six-year graduation rate for 

2007 cohort

Associate degree three-year graduation rate for 

2010 cohort

Students earning a postsecondary certificate or 

diploma in 2012-2013

National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRC) awarded 

in 2013-2014

4,511 654,455

349 43,176

176 37,022

51 7,746

226 26,413

61.9 %56.2 %

3.2 %5.5 %

78 8,713

56 9,089

176 15,947

68 5,270

66 7,673

51.6 %58.3 %

97 17,613

213 69,258

13.4 %13.2 %

54.2%

n/a 11.0%

50.8%

14.3%

Entering students ready for kindergarten in fall 2014 % 52.3 %50.0

What were the top college choices for Calloway County public high school 

graduates? 

64.8%

35.2%

Attended College

Did Not Attend College

How much financial aid did 2012 public high school graduates from Calloway 

County receive in 2013?

Average Awards

Kentucky Ed. Excellence Scholarships (KEES)

State need-based grants

State non-need-based grants

Federal Pell grants

Federal need-based loans

Federal non-need-based loans

Institutional grants

320

53

187

92

62

70

121

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$1,236

$1,458

$1,710

$890

$1,056

$2,556

$459

0

10

20

30

40

50

11.1

18.1

13.6

19.4 17.1

24.0

20.3

28.2

20.7

28.6

21.0

28.1

21.5

27.7

Percentage of Adults with a Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Calloway County, 1980-2013

1980 1990 2000 2010

Calloway County 2015 - continued

Sources: US Census 2009-2013 American Community Survey, US Department of Education, Kentucky Department of Education, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, Kentucky State

Board of Elections, US Census Small Area Health Insurance Estimates Program, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Kentucky Adult Education, and the Council on

Postsecondary Education. Complete descriptions of sources and methodologies may be found in the technical notes at the end of the County Profiles or through the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics website at the

address below:

2011

County

KY

2012

Murray State University 169

West Ky Community & Technical College 20

University of Kentucky 15

Western Kentucky University 3

Centre College 2

University of Louisville 2

Bellarmine University 1

University Of Nevada Las Vegas 1

University Of Phoenix 1

Campbellsville University 1

Other Institutions 15

Overall College Going Rates for 2012 Public High School Graduates

Top 10 Colleges and Universities Attended Number of Enrollments

2013

- 35 -
What are some basic facts about Carlisle County residents? 

What industries provide employment in Carlisle County?

County KY US

Total population

Median household income

Per capita income

Living in poverty

Eligible for Medicaid

Without medical insurance

Registered voters who voted in 

the 2012 general election

Unemployment rate

Access to Broadband Internet

5,001 4,395,295 316,128,839

$43,036 $53,046

$23,462 $28,155

16.2% %18.8 %15.4

21.4% %18.9 n/a

19.2% %16.2 %17.0

66.9% %59.7 %68.0

7.1% %8.0 %7.4

99.3% %96.8 %98.6

$21,500

$39,049

5.0%

Agriculture,

Mining, and Other

Natural Resources

16.3%

Finance,

Professional &

Other Services

24.3%

Health &

Education

Services

14.0%

Manufacturing and

Construction

27.7%

State and Local

Government and

Public Education

12.7%

Utilities, Trade, &

Transportation

2013 Employment by Sector

What is the educational attainment of Carlisle County residents?

County KY US

Less than a high school diploma or 

equivalent

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college but no degree

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Graduate or professional degree

17.1 %17.0 % %13.9

37.9% %33.9 %28.1

22.9% %20.5 %21.2

6.6% %7.1 %7.8

8.6% %12.8 %18.0

6.9% %8.8 %10.8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

17.6 15.7

19.0 17.7 15.8 13.1

17.7 15.7 18.1 17.0 18.6

15.1

18.8 16.2

Percentage of Carlisle County Population Living in Poverty, 1980-2013 

1980 1990 2000 2010

Are Carlisle County public high school graduates prepared for college and 

career?

County KY

Average GPA for 2014 graduates

Average junior year ACT scores for 2014 

graduates

Mathematics

English

Reading

2.97 2.89

Ready for career by graduation

Science

23.9% %17.8

18.2 19.5

17.8 19.1

17.5 18.7

18.0 19.7

19.2 19.7

Ready for college by graduation 45.7% %56.2

Ready for college and/or career by graduation 54.3% %62.8

Composite

2015 Kentucky County Profile

Carlisle County

The 2015 County Profile is produced by the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics utilizing data from the Kentucky Longitudinal Data System (KLDS), which

includes data from the Department of Education, Council on Postsecondary Education, Education Professional Standards Board, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, and

the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The report includes the most current data available for Kentucky counties, Area Development Districts (ADDs), and

Workforce Investment Areas (WIAs) on demographics, employment, college readiness and educational attainment. 

2011

County

KY

2012 2013

- 36 -
What is the education pipeline for Carlisle County?

County KY

n/a

Public K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Private K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Special education population in 2013-2014

Students qualifying for free and reduced lunch in 2013-2014

Public high school graduates in 2011-2012

Kentucky Adult Education enrollments for 2012-2013

GEDs awarded in 2012-2013

Public high school graduates entering postsecondary 

education in 2012-2013

In-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Out-of-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Students earning an associate degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in science, 

technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in

2012-2013

Students earning a graduate or professional degree in 

2012-2013

Bachelor’s degree six-year graduation rate for 

2007 cohort

Associate degree three-year graduation rate for 

2010 cohort

Students earning a postsecondary certificate or 

diploma in 2012-2013

National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRC) awarded 

in 2013-2014

726 654,455

49 43,176

31 37,022

3 7,746

36 26,413

69.4 %56.2 %

4.1 %5.5 %

28 8,713

18 9,089

16 15,947

3 5,270

5 7,673

56.7 %58.3 %

29 17,613

87 69,258

14.9 %13.2 %

54.2%

n/a 11.0%

Entering students ready for kindergarten in fall 2014 67.2 %50.0 %

What were the top college choices for Carlisle County public high school 

graduates? 

73.5%

26.5%

Attended College

Did Not Attend College

How much financial aid did 2012 public high school graduates from Carlisle 

County receive in 2013?

Average Awards

Kentucky Ed. Excellence Scholarships (KEES)

State need-based grants

State non-need-based grants

Federal Pell grants

Federal need-based loans

Federal non-need-based loans

Institutional grants

47

22

28

22

5

8

5

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$987

$1,117

$2,640

$1,137

0

10

20

30

40

50

11.1

4.6

13.6

6.6

17.1

10.6

20.3

10.6

20.7

11.4

21.0

15.1

21.5

15.5

Percentage of Adults with a Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Carlisle County, 1980-2013

1980 1990 2000 2010

Carlisle County 2015 - continued

Sources: US Census 2009-2013 American Community Survey, US Department of Education, Kentucky Department of Education, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, Kentucky State

Board of Elections, US Census Small Area Health Insurance Estimates Program, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Kentucky Adult Education, and the Council on

Postsecondary Education. Complete descriptions of sources and methodologies may be found in the technical notes at the end of the County Profiles or through the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics website at the

address below:

2011

County

KY

2012

West Ky Community & Technical College 28

University of Kentucky 3

Murray State University 2

Midcontinent University 1

Morehead State University 1

University Of Tennessee - Martin 1

University Of Maryland - University College 1

Other Institutions 0

Overall College Going Rates for 2012 Public High School Graduates

Top 10 Colleges and Universities Attended Number of Enrollments

2013

- 37 -
What are some basic facts about Christian County residents? 

What industries provide employment in Christian County?

County KY US

Total population

Median household income

Per capita income

Living in poverty

Eligible for Medicaid

Without medical insurance

Registered voters who voted in 

the 2012 general election

Unemployment rate

Access to Broadband Internet

74,167 4,395,295 316,128,839

$43,036 $53,046

$23,462 $28,155

20.5% %18.8 %15.4

16.1% %18.9 n/a

17.0% %16.2 %17.0

50.1% %59.7 %68.0

9.5% %8.0 %7.4

98.2% %96.8 %98.6

$19,773

$38,904

0.6%

Agriculture,

Mining, and Other

Natural Resources

3.7%

Finance,

Professional &

Other Services

40.6%

Health &

Education

Services

1.0%

Information and

Communications

20.3%

Manufacturing and

Construction

13.7%

State and Local

Government and

Public Education

20.1%

Utilities, Trade, &

Transportation

2013 Employment by Sector

What is the educational attainment of Christian County residents?

County KY US

Less than a high school diploma or 

equivalent

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college but no degree

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Graduate or professional degree

14.8 %17.0 % %13.9

34.5% %33.9 %28.1

27.4% %20.5 %21.2

8.2% %7.1 %7.8

9.5% %12.8 %18.0

5.6% %8.8 %10.8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

17.6 20.2 19.0 18.1 15.8 15.0 17.7 20.0 18.1

21.1 18.6 21.3 18.8 20.5

Percentage of Christian County Population Living in Poverty, 1980-2013 

1980 1990 2000 2010

Are Christian County public high school graduates prepared for college 

and career?

County KY

Average GPA for 2014 graduates

Average junior year ACT scores for 2014 

graduates

Mathematics

English

Reading

2.76 2.89

Ready for career by graduation

Science

15.0% %17.8

18.6 19.5

18.0 19.1

18.0 18.7

19.0 19.7

18.8 19.7

Ready for college by graduation 52.1% %56.2

Ready for college and/or career by graduation 58.8% %62.8

Composite

2015 Kentucky County Profile

Christian County

The 2015 County Profile is produced by the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics utilizing data from the Kentucky Longitudinal Data System (KLDS), which

includes data from the Department of Education, Council on Postsecondary Education, Education Professional Standards Board, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, and

the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The report includes the most current data available for Kentucky counties, Area Development Districts (ADDs), and

Workforce Investment Areas (WIAs) on demographics, employment, college readiness and educational attainment. 

2011

County

KY

2012 2013

- 38 -
What is the education pipeline for Christian County?

County KY

n/a

Public K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Private K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Special education population in 2013-2014

Students qualifying for free and reduced lunch in 2013-2014

Public high school graduates in 2011-2012

Kentucky Adult Education enrollments for 2012-2013

GEDs awarded in 2012-2013

Public high school graduates entering postsecondary 

education in 2012-2013

In-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Out-of-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Students earning an associate degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in science, 

technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in

2012-2013

Students earning a graduate or professional degree in 

2012-2013

Bachelor’s degree six-year graduation rate for 

2007 cohort

Associate degree three-year graduation rate for 

2010 cohort

Students earning a postsecondary certificate or 

diploma in 2012-2013

National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRC) awarded 

in 2013-2014

8,640 654,455

539 43,176

626 37,022

147 7,746

317 26,413

56.4 %56.2 %

3.2 %5.5 %

190 8,713

252 9,089

175 15,947

56 5,270

64 7,673

71.1 %58.3 %

84 17,613

1,497 69,258

11.4 %13.2 %

54.2%

n/a 11.0%

54.2%

18.8%

Entering students ready for kindergarten in fall 2014 % 44.9 %50.0

What were the top college choices for Christian County public high school 

graduates? 

58.8%

41.2% Attended College

Did Not Attend College

How much financial aid did 2012 public high school graduates from Christian 

County receive in 2013?

Average Awards

Kentucky Ed. Excellence Scholarships (KEES)

State need-based grants

State non-need-based grants

Federal Pell grants

Federal need-based loans

Federal non-need-based loans

Institutional grants

466

67

248

173

86

96

74

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$882

$1,217

$2,398

$1,200

$1,068

$1,608

$419

0

10

20

30

40

50

11.1

8.7

13.6

10.4

17.1

12.5

20.3

13.7

20.7

13.5

21.0

14.2

21.5

15.1

Percentage of Adults with a Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Christian County, 1980-2013

1980 1990 2000 2010

Christian County 2015 - continued

Sources: US Census 2009-2013 American Community Survey, US Department of Education, Kentucky Department of Education, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, Kentucky State

Board of Elections, US Census Small Area Health Insurance Estimates Program, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Kentucky Adult Education, and the Council on

Postsecondary Education. Complete descriptions of sources and methodologies may be found in the technical notes at the end of the County Profiles or through the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics website at the

address below:

2011

County

KY

2012

Hopkinsville Community College 169

University of Kentucky 35

Western Kentucky University 33

Murray State University 28

University of Louisville 9

Kentucky State University 6

Lindsey Wilson College 3

Brescia University 3

Austin Peay State University Main Campus 3

Union College 2

Other Institutions 35

Overall College Going Rates for 2012 Public High School Graduates

Top 10 Colleges and Universities Attended Number of Enrollments

2013

- 39 -
What are some basic facts about Crittenden County residents? 

What industries provide employment in Crittenden County?

County KY US

Total population

Median household income

Per capita income

Living in poverty

Eligible for Medicaid

Without medical insurance

Registered voters who voted in 

the 2012 general election

Unemployment rate

Access to Broadband Internet

9,255 4,395,295 316,128,839

$43,036 $53,046

$23,462 $28,155

20.8% %18.8 %15.4

15.8% %18.9 n/a

18.7% %16.2 %17.0

60.5% %59.7 %68.0

7.4% %8.0 %7.4

87.0% %96.8 %98.6

$21,375

$34,261

4.7%

Finance,

Professional &

Other Services

35.9%

Health &

Education

Services

0.9%

Information and

Communications

22.8%

Manufacturing and

Construction

20.4%

State and Local

Government and

Public Education

14.5%

Utilities, Trade, &

Transportation

0.8%

Suppressed

2013 Employment by Sector

What is the educational attainment of Crittenden County residents?

County KY US

Less than a high school diploma or 

equivalent

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college but no degree

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Graduate or professional degree

21.0 %17.0 % %13.9

40.9% %33.9 %28.1

19.7% %20.5 %21.2

7.1% %7.1 %7.8

7.2% %12.8 %18.0

4.2% %8.8 %10.8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

17.6 17.3 19.0 18.7

15.8

19.1 17.7 17.0 18.1 18.4 18.6 19.6 18.8 20.8

Percentage of Crittenden County Population Living in Poverty, 1980-2013 

1980 1990 2000 2010

Are Crittenden County public high school graduates prepared for college 

and career?

County KY

Average GPA for 2014 graduates

Average junior year ACT scores for 2014 

graduates

Mathematics

English

Reading

2.95 2.89

Ready for career by graduation

Science

17.5% %17.8

19.8 19.5

18.7 19.1

19.5 18.7

21.0 19.7

19.6 19.7

Ready for college by graduation 45.0% %56.2

Ready for college and/or career by graduation 56.3% %62.8

Composite

2015 Kentucky County Profile

Crittenden County

The 2015 County Profile is produced by the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics utilizing data from the Kentucky Longitudinal Data System (KLDS), which

includes data from the Department of Education, Council on Postsecondary Education, Education Professional Standards Board, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, and

the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The report includes the most current data available for Kentucky counties, Area Development Districts (ADDs), and

Workforce Investment Areas (WIAs) on demographics, employment, college readiness and educational attainment. 

2011

County

KY

2012 2013

- 40 -
What is the education pipeline for Crittenden County?

County KY

n/a

Public K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Private K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Special education population in 2013-2014

Students qualifying for free and reduced lunch in 2013-2014

Public high school graduates in 2011-2012

Kentucky Adult Education enrollments for 2012-2013

GEDs awarded in 2012-2013

Public high school graduates entering postsecondary 

education in 2012-2013

In-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Out-of-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Students earning an associate degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in science, 

technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in

2012-2013

Students earning a graduate or professional degree in 

2012-2013

Bachelor’s degree six-year graduation rate for 

2007 cohort

Associate degree three-year graduation rate for 

2010 cohort

Students earning a postsecondary certificate or 

diploma in 2012-2013

National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRC) awarded 

in 2013-2014

1,268 654,455

86 43,176

101 37,022

36 7,746

47 26,413

50.0 %56.2 %

4.7 %5.5 %

34 8,713

23 9,089

27 15,947

6 5,270

9 7,673

55.4 %58.3 %

38 17,613

139 69,258

13.5 %13.2 %

54.2%

n/a 11.0%

36.8%

7.1%

Entering students ready for kindergarten in fall 2014 % 46.9 %50.0

What were the top college choices for Crittenden County public high school 

graduates? 

54.7%

45.3% Attended College

Did Not Attend College

How much financial aid did 2012 public high school graduates from Crittenden 

County receive in 2013?

Average Awards

Kentucky Ed. Excellence Scholarships (KEES)

State need-based grants

State non-need-based grants

Federal Pell grants

Federal need-based loans

Federal non-need-based loans

Institutional grants

77

7

33

17

13

11

19

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$1,119

$1,500

$1,936

$1,504

$1,036

$2,411

0

10

20

30

40

50

11.1

5.9

13.6

5.1

17.1

7.3

20.3

9.3

20.7

9.7

21.0

10.4

21.5

11.4

Percentage of Adults with a Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Crittenden County, 1980-2013

1980 1990 2000 2010

Crittenden County 2015 - continued

Sources: US Census 2009-2013 American Community Survey, US Department of Education, Kentucky Department of Education, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, Kentucky State

Board of Elections, US Census Small Area Health Insurance Estimates Program, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Kentucky Adult Education, and the Council on

Postsecondary Education. Complete descriptions of sources and methodologies may be found in the technical notes at the end of the County Profiles or through the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics website at the

address below:

2011

County

KY

2012

West Ky Community & Technical College 11

Madisonville Community College 9

Murray State University 9

Western Kentucky University 6

University of Kentucky 3

Kentucky Wesleyan College 2

Bellarmine University 1

Brescia University 1

Campbellsville University 1

Manhattanville College 1

Other Institutions 5

Overall College Going Rates for 2012 Public High School Graduates

Top 10 Colleges and Universities Attended Number of Enrollments

2013

- 41 -
What are some basic facts about Daviess County residents? 

What industries provide employment in Daviess County?

County KY US

Total population

Median household income

Per capita income

Living in poverty

Eligible for Medicaid

Without medical insurance

Registered voters who voted in 

the 2012 general election

Unemployment rate

Access to Broadband Internet

98,218 4,395,295 316,128,839

$43,036 $53,046

$23,462 $28,155

15.2% %18.8 %15.4

17.9% %18.9 n/a

14.1% %16.2 %17.0

62.5% %59.7 %68.0

6.9% %8.0 %7.4

99.9% %96.8 %98.6

$22,963

$46,555

0.8%

Agriculture,

Mining, and Other

Natural Resources

7.3%

Finance,

Professional &

Other Services

35.1%

Health &

Education

Services

0.9%

Information and

Communications

16.4%

Manufacturing and

Construction

19.0%

State and Local

Government and

Public Education

20.5%

Utilities, Trade, &

Transportation

2013 Employment by Sector

What is the educational attainment of Daviess County residents?

County KY US

Less than a high school diploma or 

equivalent

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college but no degree

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Graduate or professional degree

12.0 %17.0 % %13.9

39.2% %33.9 %28.1

21.4% %20.5 %21.2

8.5% %7.1 %7.8

10.9% %12.8 %18.0

8.0% %8.8 %10.8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

17.6

12.5

19.0

15.4 15.8

12.3

17.7

14.6

18.1

14.2

18.6

14.9

18.8

15.2

Percentage of Daviess County Population Living in Poverty, 1980-2013 

1980 1990 2000 2010

Are Daviess County public high school graduates prepared for college and

career?

County KY

Average GPA for 2014 graduates

Average junior year ACT scores for 2014 

graduates

Mathematics

English

Reading

2.97 2.89

Ready for career by graduation

Science

13.7% %17.8

19.7 19.5

19.0 19.1

19.4 18.7

20.0 19.7

19.9 19.7

Ready for college by graduation 61.5% %56.2

Ready for college and/or career by graduation 66.1% %62.8

Composite

2015 Kentucky County Profile

Daviess County

The 2015 County Profile is produced by the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics utilizing data from the Kentucky Longitudinal Data System (KLDS), which

includes data from the Department of Education, Council on Postsecondary Education, Education Professional Standards Board, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, and

the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The report includes the most current data available for Kentucky counties, Area Development Districts (ADDs), and

Workforce Investment Areas (WIAs) on demographics, employment, college readiness and educational attainment. 

2011

County

KY

2012 2013

- 42 -
What is the education pipeline for Daviess County?

County KY

n/a

Public K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Private K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Special education population in 2013-2014

Students qualifying for free and reduced lunch in 2013-2014

Public high school graduates in 2011-2012

Kentucky Adult Education enrollments for 2012-2013

GEDs awarded in 2012-2013

Public high school graduates entering postsecondary 

education in 2012-2013

In-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Out-of-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Students earning an associate degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in science, 

technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in

2012-2013

Students earning a graduate or professional degree in 

2012-2013

Bachelor’s degree six-year graduation rate for 

2007 cohort

Associate degree three-year graduation rate for 

2010 cohort

Students earning a postsecondary certificate or 

diploma in 2012-2013

National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRC) awarded 

in 2013-2014

15,399 654,455

980 43,176

673 37,022

184 7,746

647 26,413

63.4 %56.2 %

3.4 %5.5 %

360 8,713

436 9,089

452 15,947

143 5,270

159 7,673

56.9 %58.3 %

792 17,613

2,805 69,258

13.4 %13.2 %

54.2%

n/a 11.0%

61.7%

18.2%

Entering students ready for kindergarten in fall 2014 % 50.0 %50.0

What were the top college choices for Daviess County public high school 

graduates? 

66.0%

34.0%

Attended College

Did Not Attend College

How much financial aid did 2012 public high school graduates from Daviess 

County receive in 2013?

Average Awards

Kentucky Ed. Excellence Scholarships (KEES)

State need-based grants

State non-need-based grants

Federal Pell grants

Federal need-based loans

Federal non-need-based loans

Institutional grants

926

103

494

236

145

140

112

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$1,126

$1,194

$1,644

$1,358

$764

$1,029

$346

0

10

20

30

40

50

11.1 11.0

13.6 14.1

17.1 17.0

20.3 18.2

20.7 18.5

21.0 19.0

21.5

18.8

Percentage of Adults with a Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Daviess County, 1980-2013

1980 1990 2000 2010

Daviess County 2015 - continued

Sources: US Census 2009-2013 American Community Survey, US Department of Education, Kentucky Department of Education, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, Kentucky State

Board of Elections, US Census Small Area Health Insurance Estimates Program, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Kentucky Adult Education, and the Council on

Postsecondary Education. Complete descriptions of sources and methodologies may be found in the technical notes at the end of the County Profiles or through the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics website at the

address below:

2011

County

KY

2012

Owensboro Community & Technical College 343

University of Kentucky 68

Western Kentucky University 64

Brescia University 36

Murray State University 30

Kentucky Wesleyan College 30

University of Louisville 30

Eastern Kentucky University 10

University Of Southern Indiana 7

Campbellsville University 6

Other Institutions 69

Overall College Going Rates for 2012 Public High School Graduates

Top 10 Colleges and Universities Attended Number of Enrollments

2013

- 43 -
What are some basic facts about Fulton County residents? 

What industries provide employment in Fulton County?

County KY US

Total population

Median household income

Per capita income

Living in poverty

Eligible for Medicaid

Without medical insurance

Registered voters who voted in 

the 2012 general election

Unemployment rate

Access to Broadband Internet

6,385 4,395,295 316,128,839

$43,036 $53,046

$23,462 $28,155

22.2% %18.8 %15.4

31.3% %18.9 n/a

16.2% %16.2 %17.0

49.0% %59.7 %68.0

10.8% %8.0 %7.4

97.6% %96.8 %98.6

$18,602

$33,582

1.7%

Agriculture,

Mining, and Other

Natural Resources

4.5%

Finance,

Professional &

Other Services

27.1%

Health &

Education

Services

17.2%

Manufacturing and

Construction

21.7%

State and Local

Government and

Public Education

27.8%

Utilities, Trade, &

Transportation

2013 Employment by Sector

What is the educational attainment of Fulton County residents?

County KY US

Less than a high school diploma or 

equivalent

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college but no degree

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Graduate or professional degree

23.5 %17.0 % %13.9

38.1% %33.9 %28.1

21.0% %20.5 %21.2

4.3% %7.1 %7.8

8.9% %12.8 %18.0

4.2% %8.8 %10.8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

17.6

27.1

19.0

30.3

15.8

23.1

17.7

27.6

18.1

26.7

18.6

24.2

18.8

22.2

Percentage of Fulton County Population Living in Poverty, 1980-2013 

1980 1990 2000 2010

Are Fulton County public high school graduates prepared for college and 

career?

County KY

Average GPA for 2014 graduates

Average junior year ACT scores for 2014 

graduates

Mathematics

English

Reading

2.95 2.89

Ready for career by graduation

Science

28.6% %17.8

17.0 19.5

17.4 19.1

15.6 18.7

16.5 19.7

17.9 19.7

Ready for college by graduation 53.2% %56.2

Ready for college and/or career by graduation 61.0% %62.8

Composite

2015 Kentucky County Profile

Fulton County

The 2015 County Profile is produced by the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics utilizing data from the Kentucky Longitudinal Data System (KLDS), which

includes data from the Department of Education, Council on Postsecondary Education, Education Professional Standards Board, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, and

the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The report includes the most current data available for Kentucky counties, Area Development Districts (ADDs), and

Workforce Investment Areas (WIAs) on demographics, employment, college readiness and educational attainment. 

2011

County

KY

2012 2013

- 44 -
What is the education pipeline for Fulton County?

County KY

n/a

Public K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Private K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Special education population in 2013-2014

Students qualifying for free and reduced lunch in 2013-2014

Public high school graduates in 2011-2012

Kentucky Adult Education enrollments for 2012-2013

GEDs awarded in 2012-2013

Public high school graduates entering postsecondary 

education in 2012-2013

In-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Out-of-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Students earning an associate degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in science, 

technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in

2012-2013

Students earning a graduate or professional degree in 

2012-2013

Bachelor’s degree six-year graduation rate for 

2007 cohort

Associate degree three-year graduation rate for 

2010 cohort

Students earning a postsecondary certificate or 

diploma in 2012-2013

National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRC) awarded 

in 2013-2014

891 654,455

67 43,176

93 37,022

31 7,746

40 26,413

55.2 %56.2 %

4.5 %5.5 %

32 8,713

13 9,089

17 15,947

5 5,270

5 7,673

79.8 %58.3 %

49 17,613

23 69,258

18.1 %13.2 %

54.2%

n/a 11.0%

11.8%

Entering students ready for kindergarten in fall 2014 % 47.6 %50.0

What were the top college choices for Fulton County public high school 

graduates? 

59.7%

40.3% Attended College

Did Not Attend College

How much financial aid did 2012 public high school graduates from Fulton 

County receive in 2013?

Average Awards

Kentucky Ed. Excellence Scholarships (KEES)

State need-based grants

State non-need-based grants

Federal Pell grants

Federal need-based loans

Federal non-need-based loans

Institutional grants

56

24

26

32

13

23

14

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$891

$905

$3,694

$1,062

$2,088

$978

$1,113

0

10

20

30

40

50

11.1

6.6

13.6

10.3

17.1

11.5

20.3

10.9

20.7

11.3

21.0

12.3

21.5

13.1

Percentage of Adults with a Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Fulton County, 1980-2013

1980 1990 2000 2010

Fulton County 2015 - continued

Sources: US Census 2009-2013 American Community Survey, US Department of Education, Kentucky Department of Education, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, Kentucky State

Board of Elections, US Census Small Area Health Insurance Estimates Program, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Kentucky Adult Education, and the Council on

Postsecondary Education. Complete descriptions of sources and methodologies may be found in the technical notes at the end of the County Profiles or through the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics website at the

address below:

2011

County

KY

2012

Murray State University 20

West Ky Community & Technical College 16

Western Kentucky University 3

University Of Tennessee - Martin 2

Berea College 1

University of Kentucky 1

Centre College 1

Jackson State Community College 1

Other Institutions 0

Overall College Going Rates for 2012 Public High School Graduates

Top 10 Colleges and Universities Attended Number of Enrollments

2013

- 45 -
What are some basic facts about Graves County residents? 

What industries provide employment in Graves County?

County KY US

Total population

Median household income

Per capita income

Living in poverty

Eligible for Medicaid

Without medical insurance

Registered voters who voted in 

the 2012 general election

Unemployment rate

Access to Broadband Internet

37,451 4,395,295 316,128,839

$43,036 $53,046

$23,462 $28,155

18.6% %18.8 %15.4

20.1% %18.9 n/a

19.3% %16.2 %17.0

64.6% %59.7 %68.0

8.5% %8.0 %7.4

99.9% %96.8 %98.6

$20,746

$38,394

3.4%

Finance,

Professional &

Other Services

31.9%

Health &

Education

Services

1.4%

Information and

Communications

20.4%

Manufacturing and

Construction

16.2%

State and Local

Government and

Public Education

25.1%

Utilities, Trade, &

Transportation

1.6%

Suppressed

2013 Employment by Sector

What is the educational attainment of Graves County residents?

County KY US

Less than a high school diploma or 

equivalent

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college but no degree

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Graduate or professional degree

19.3 %17.0 % %13.9

36.2% %33.9 %28.1

20.3% %20.5 %21.2

7.4% %7.1 %7.8

10.8% %12.8 %18.0

6.1% %8.8 %10.8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

17.6

13.9

19.0 16.9 15.8 16.4 17.7 19.9 18.1 20.3 18.6 20.5 18.8 18.6

Percentage of Graves County Population Living in Poverty, 1980-2013 

1980 1990 2000 2010

Are Graves County public high school graduates prepared for college and 

career?

County KY

Average GPA for 2014 graduates

Average junior year ACT scores for 2014 

graduates

Mathematics

English

Reading

2.81 2.89

Ready for career by graduation

Science

23.3% %17.8

19.2 19.5

19.4 19.1

18.3 18.7

19.0 19.7

19.6 19.7

Ready for college by graduation 54.4% %56.2

Ready for college and/or career by graduation 61.7% %62.8

Composite

2015 Kentucky County Profile

Graves County

The 2015 County Profile is produced by the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics utilizing data from the Kentucky Longitudinal Data System (KLDS), which

includes data from the Department of Education, Council on Postsecondary Education, Education Professional Standards Board, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, and

the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The report includes the most current data available for Kentucky counties, Area Development Districts (ADDs), and

Workforce Investment Areas (WIAs) on demographics, employment, college readiness and educational attainment. 

2011

County

KY

2012 2013

- 46 -
What is the education pipeline for Graves County?

County KY

n/a

Public K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Private K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Special education population in 2013-2014

Students qualifying for free and reduced lunch in 2013-2014

Public high school graduates in 2011-2012

Kentucky Adult Education enrollments for 2012-2013

GEDs awarded in 2012-2013

Public high school graduates entering postsecondary 

education in 2012-2013

In-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Out-of-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Students earning an associate degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in science, 

technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in

2012-2013

Students earning a graduate or professional degree in 

2012-2013

Bachelor’s degree six-year graduation rate for 

2007 cohort

Associate degree three-year graduation rate for 

2010 cohort

Students earning a postsecondary certificate or 

diploma in 2012-2013

National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRC) awarded 

in 2013-2014

6,003 654,455

399 43,176

129 37,022

18 7,746

275 26,413

67.7 %56.2 %

2.0 %5.5 %

197 8,713

124 9,089

123 15,947

47 5,270

57 7,673

64.1 %58.3 %

168 17,613

221 69,258

13.2 %13.2 %

54.2%

n/a 11.0%

62.8%

17.4%

Entering students ready for kindergarten in fall 2014 % 58.4 %50.0

What were the top college choices for Graves County public high school 

graduates? 

68.9%

31.1%

Attended College

Did Not Attend College

How much financial aid did 2012 public high school graduates from Graves 

County receive in 2013?

Average Awards

Kentucky Ed. Excellence Scholarships (KEES)

State need-based grants

State non-need-based grants

Federal Pell grants

Federal need-based loans

Federal non-need-based loans

Institutional grants

370

82

223

139

59

63

84

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$1,093

$1,301

$2,192

$727

$663

$1,553

$546

0

10

20

30

40

50

11.1

7.9

13.6

8.8

17.1

12.6

20.3

14.4

20.7

14.7

21.0

15.5

21.5

16.9

Percentage of Adults with a Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Graves County, 1980-2013

1980 1990 2000 2010

Graves County 2015 - continued

Sources: US Census 2009-2013 American Community Survey, US Department of Education, Kentucky Department of Education, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, Kentucky State

Board of Elections, US Census Small Area Health Insurance Estimates Program, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Kentucky Adult Education, and the Council on

Postsecondary Education. Complete descriptions of sources and methodologies may be found in the technical notes at the end of the County Profiles or through the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics website at the

address below:

2011

County

KY

2012

West Ky Community & Technical College 144

Murray State University 94

University of Kentucky 13

University of Louisville 8

Western Kentucky University 6

Midcontinent University 5

Campbellsville University 3

Morehead State University 2

Lindsey Wilson College 2

Union University 2

Other Institutions 9

Overall College Going Rates for 2012 Public High School Graduates

Top 10 Colleges and Universities Attended Number of Enrollments

2013

- 47 -
What are some basic facts about Hancock County residents? 

What industries provide employment in Hancock County?

County KY US

Total population

Median household income

Per capita income

Living in poverty

Eligible for Medicaid

Without medical insurance

Registered voters who voted in 

the 2012 general election

Unemployment rate

Access to Broadband Internet

8,687 4,395,295 316,128,839

$43,036 $53,046

$23,462 $28,155

14.2% %18.8 %15.4

14.9% %18.9 n/a

13.9% %16.2 %17.0

65.7% %59.7 %68.0

7.2% %8.0 %7.4

96.8% %96.8 %98.6

$22,686

$51,189

1.9%

Finance,

Professional &

Other Services

9.5%

Health &

Education

Services

72.1%

Manufacturing and

Construction

9.8%

State and Local

Government and

Public Education

6.8%

Utilities, Trade, &

Transportation

2013 Employment by Sector

What is the educational attainment of Hancock County residents?

County KY US

Less than a high school diploma or 

equivalent

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college but no degree

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Graduate or professional degree

13.2 %17.0 % %13.9

47.2% %33.9 %28.1

21.2% %20.5 %21.2

6.9% %7.1 %7.8

8.1% %12.8 %18.0

3.4% %8.8 %10.8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

17.6

14.6

19.0 16.8 15.8 13.6

17.7 15.5 18.1

14.0

18.6

12.8

18.8

14.2

Percentage of Hancock County Population Living in Poverty, 1980-2013 

1980 1990 2000 2010

Are Hancock County public high school graduates prepared for college 

and career?

County KY

Average GPA for 2014 graduates

Average junior year ACT scores for 2014 

graduates

Mathematics

English

Reading

2.96 2.89

Ready for career by graduation

Science

34.1% %17.8

20.0 19.5

19.3 19.1

19.4 18.7

20.3 19.7

20.5 19.7

Ready for college by graduation 61.4% %56.2

Ready for college and/or career by graduation 73.9% %62.8

Composite

2015 Kentucky County Profile

Hancock County

The 2015 County Profile is produced by the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics utilizing data from the Kentucky Longitudinal Data System (KLDS), which

includes data from the Department of Education, Council on Postsecondary Education, Education Professional Standards Board, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, and

the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The report includes the most current data available for Kentucky counties, Area Development Districts (ADDs), and

Workforce Investment Areas (WIAs) on demographics, employment, college readiness and educational attainment. 

2011

County

KY

2012 2013

- 48 -
What is the education pipeline for Hancock County?

County KY

n/a

Public K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Private K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Special education population in 2013-2014

Students qualifying for free and reduced lunch in 2013-2014

Public high school graduates in 2011-2012

Kentucky Adult Education enrollments for 2012-2013

GEDs awarded in 2012-2013

Public high school graduates entering postsecondary 

education in 2012-2013

In-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Out-of-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Students earning an associate degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in science, 

technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in

2012-2013

Students earning a graduate or professional degree in 

2012-2013

Bachelor’s degree six-year graduation rate for 

2007 cohort

Associate degree three-year graduation rate for 

2010 cohort

Students earning a postsecondary certificate or 

diploma in 2012-2013

National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRC) awarded 

in 2013-2014

1,630 654,455

109 43,176

74 37,022

12 7,746

71 26,413

61.5 %56.2 %

3.7 %5.5 %

35 8,713

45 9,089

44 15,947

15 5,270

11 7,673

46.3 %58.3 %

163 17,613

40 69,258

15.5 %13.2 %

54.2%

n/a 11.0%

61.5%

22.0%

Entering students ready for kindergarten in fall 2014 % 55.1 %50.0

What were the top college choices for Hancock County public high school 

graduates? 

65.1%

34.9%

Attended College

Did Not Attend College

How much financial aid did 2012 public high school graduates from Hancock 

County receive in 2013?

Average Awards

Kentucky Ed. Excellence Scholarships (KEES)

State need-based grants

State non-need-based grants

Federal Pell grants

Federal need-based loans

Federal non-need-based loans

Institutional grants

106

12

54

29

16

16

9

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$1,219

$1,159

$1,917

$1,131

$783

$317

0

10

20

30

40

50

11.1

6.3

13.6

6.9

17.1

8.1

20.3

10.8

20.7

10.9

21.0

11.4

21.5

11.5

Percentage of Adults with a Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Hancock County, 1980-2013

1980 1990 2000 2010

Hancock County 2015 - continued

Sources: US Census 2009-2013 American Community Survey, US Department of Education, Kentucky Department of Education, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, Kentucky State

Board of Elections, US Census Small Area Health Insurance Estimates Program, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Kentucky Adult Education, and the Council on

Postsecondary Education. Complete descriptions of sources and methodologies may be found in the technical notes at the end of the County Profiles or through the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics website at the

address below:

2011

County

KY

2012

Owensboro Community & Technical College 41

Western Kentucky University 10

Brescia University 3

University of Kentucky 3

Eastern Kentucky University 3

Dartmouth College 1

Transylvania University 1

ITT TECHNICAL INSTITUTE 1

Maryland Institute, College Of Art 1

University of Louisville 1

Other Institutions 6

Overall College Going Rates for 2012 Public High School Graduates

Top 10 Colleges and Universities Attended Number of Enrollments

2013

- 49 -
What are some basic facts about Henderson County residents? 

What industries provide employment in Henderson County?

County KY US

Total population

Median household income

Per capita income

Living in poverty

Eligible for Medicaid

Without medical insurance

Registered voters who voted in 

the 2012 general election

Unemployment rate

Access to Broadband Internet

46,347 4,395,295 316,128,839

$43,036 $53,046

$23,462 $28,155

17.7% %18.8 %15.4

18.9% %18.9 n/a

14.9% %16.2 %17.0

58.4% %59.7 %68.0

7.5% %8.0 %7.4

99.9% %96.8 %98.6

$22,746

$41,940

1.0%

Agriculture,

Mining, and Other

Natural Resources

2.8%

Finance,

Professional &

Other Services

34.8%

Health &

Education

Services

1.0%

Information and

Communications

27.8%

Manufacturing and

Construction

13.7%

State and Local

Government and

Public Education

18.8%

Utilities, Trade, &

Transportation

2013 Employment by Sector

What is the educational attainment of Henderson County residents?

County KY US

Less than a high school diploma or 

equivalent

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college but no degree

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Graduate or professional degree

15.0 %17.0 % %13.9

37.7% %33.9 %28.1

23.2% %20.5 %21.2

7.8% %7.1 %7.8

9.8% %12.8 %18.0

6.6% %8.8 %10.8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

17.6

11.0

19.0

14.6 15.8

12.3

17.7

14.4

18.1

15.0

18.6 16.3 18.8 17.7

Percentage of Henderson County Population Living in Poverty, 1980-2013 

1980 1990 2000 2010

Are Henderson County public high school graduates prepared for college 

and career?

County KY

Average GPA for 2014 graduates

Average junior year ACT scores for 2014 

graduates

Mathematics

English

Reading

2.83 2.89

Ready for career by graduation

Science

45.2% %17.8

19.7 19.5

19.2 19.1

19.1 18.7

19.9 19.7

20.0 19.7

Ready for college by graduation 55.4% %56.2

Ready for college and/or career by graduation 67.0% %62.8

Composite

2015 Kentucky County Profile

Henderson County

The 2015 County Profile is produced by the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics utilizing data from the Kentucky Longitudinal Data System (KLDS), which

includes data from the Department of Education, Council on Postsecondary Education, Education Professional Standards Board, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, and

the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The report includes the most current data available for Kentucky counties, Area Development Districts (ADDs), and

Workforce Investment Areas (WIAs) on demographics, employment, college readiness and educational attainment. 

2011

County

KY

2012 2013

- 50 -
What is the education pipeline for Henderson County?

County KY

n/a

Public K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Private K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Special education population in 2013-2014

Students qualifying for free and reduced lunch in 2013-2014

Public high school graduates in 2011-2012

Kentucky Adult Education enrollments for 2012-2013

GEDs awarded in 2012-2013

Public high school graduates entering postsecondary 

education in 2012-2013

In-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Out-of-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Students earning an associate degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in science, 

technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in

2012-2013

Students earning a graduate or professional degree in 

2012-2013

Bachelor’s degree six-year graduation rate for 

2007 cohort

Associate degree three-year graduation rate for 

2010 cohort

Students earning a postsecondary certificate or 

diploma in 2012-2013

National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRC) awarded 

in 2013-2014

7,145 654,455

443 43,176

334 37,022

88 7,746

269 26,413

47.4 %56.2 %

15.1 %5.5 %

128 8,713

135 9,089

102 15,947

32 5,270

49 7,673

55.6 %58.3 %

419 17,613

492 69,258

14.3 %13.2 %

54.2%

n/a 11.0%

58.3%

13.8%

Entering students ready for kindergarten in fall 2014 % 55.9 %50.0

What were the top college choices for Henderson County public high school 

graduates? 

60.7%

39.3% Attended College

Did Not Attend College

How much financial aid did 2012 public high school graduates from Henderson 

County receive in 2013?

Average Awards

Kentucky Ed. Excellence Scholarships (KEES)

State need-based grants

State non-need-based grants

Federal Pell grants

Federal need-based loans

Federal non-need-based loans

Institutional grants

392

32

141

92

46

54

67

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$965

$899

$1,877

$1,338

$1,025

$1,326

$426

0

10

20

30

40

50

11.1 10.2

13.6

11.1

17.1

13.8

20.3

16.1

20.7

16.6

21.0

16.6

21.5

16.4

Percentage of Adults with a Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Henderson County, 1980-2013

1980 1990 2000 2010

Henderson County 2015 - continued

Sources: US Census 2009-2013 American Community Survey, US Department of Education, Kentucky Department of Education, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, Kentucky State

Board of Elections, US Census Small Area Health Insurance Estimates Program, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Kentucky Adult Education, and the Council on

Postsecondary Education. Complete descriptions of sources and methodologies may be found in the technical notes at the end of the County Profiles or through the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics website at the

address below:

2011

County

KY

2012

Henderson Community College 123

University Of Southern Indiana 37

Murray State University 17

Western Kentucky University 11

Kentucky Wesleyan College 9

Brescia University 9

University of Cumberlands 8

University of Louisville 7

Ivy Tech Community College 6

University of Kentucky 5

Other Institutions 54

Overall College Going Rates for 2012 Public High School Graduates

Top 10 Colleges and Universities Attended Number of Enrollments

2013

- 51 -
What are some basic facts about Hickman County residents? 

What industries provide employment in Hickman County?

County KY US

Total population

Median household income

Per capita income

Living in poverty

Eligible for Medicaid

Without medical insurance

Registered voters who voted in 

the 2012 general election

Unemployment rate

Access to Broadband Internet

4,745 4,395,295 316,128,839

$43,036 $53,046

$23,462 $28,155

18.3% %18.8 %15.4

17.5% %18.9 n/a

17.5% %16.2 %17.0

60.4% %59.7 %68.0

7.2% %8.0 %7.4

98.6% %96.8 %98.6

$19,292

$34,029

5.7%

Agriculture,

Mining, and Other

Natural Resources

6.4%

Finance,

Professional &

Other Services

30.5%

Health &

Education

Services

17.2%

Manufacturing and

Construction

24.0%

State and Local

Government and

Public Education

16.3%

Utilities, Trade, &

Transportation

2013 Employment by Sector

What is the educational attainment of Hickman County residents?

County KY US

Less than a high school diploma or 

equivalent

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college but no degree

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Graduate or professional degree

21.0 %17.0 % %13.9

36.8% %33.9 %28.1

24.8% %20.5 %21.2

7.1% %7.1 %7.8

6.8% %12.8 %18.0

3.5% %8.8 %10.8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

17.6 18.0 19.0 20.1

15.8 17.4 17.7 16.1 18.1 15.6

18.6 17.4 18.8 18.3

Percentage of Hickman County Population Living in Poverty, 1980-2013 

1980 1990 2000 2010

Are Hickman County public high school graduates prepared for college 

and career?

County KY

Average GPA for 2014 graduates

Average junior year ACT scores for 2014 

graduates

Mathematics

English

Reading

3.22 2.89

Ready for career by graduation

Science

61.5% %17.8

20.2 19.5

19.8 19.1

19.7 18.7

20.3 19.7

20.2 19.7

Ready for college by graduation 61.5% %56.2

Ready for college and/or career by graduation 76.9% %62.8

Composite

2015 Kentucky County Profile

Hickman County

The 2015 County Profile is produced by the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics utilizing data from the Kentucky Longitudinal Data System (KLDS), which

includes data from the Department of Education, Council on Postsecondary Education, Education Professional Standards Board, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, and

the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The report includes the most current data available for Kentucky counties, Area Development Districts (ADDs), and

Workforce Investment Areas (WIAs) on demographics, employment, college readiness and educational attainment. 

2011

County

KY

2012 2013

- 52 -
What is the education pipeline for Hickman County?

County KY

n/a

Public K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Private K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Special education population in 2013-2014

Students qualifying for free and reduced lunch in 2013-2014

Public high school graduates in 2011-2012

Kentucky Adult Education enrollments for 2012-2013

GEDs awarded in 2012-2013

Public high school graduates entering postsecondary 

education in 2012-2013

In-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Out-of-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Students earning an associate degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in science, 

technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in

2012-2013

Students earning a graduate or professional degree in 

2012-2013

Bachelor’s degree six-year graduation rate for 

2007 cohort

Associate degree three-year graduation rate for 

2010 cohort

Students earning a postsecondary certificate or 

diploma in 2012-2013

National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRC) awarded 

in 2013-2014

720 654,455

50 43,176

55 37,022

6 7,746

35 26,413

70.0 %56.2 %

0.0 %5.5 %

11 8,713

11 9,089

20 15,947

7 5,270

2 7,673

62.5 %58.3 %

39 17,613

16 69,258

17.2 %13.2 %

54.2%

n/a 11.0%

58.3%

Entering students ready for kindergarten in fall 2014 % 59.5 %50.0

What were the top college choices for Hickman County public high school 

graduates? 

70.0%

30.0%

Attended College

Did Not Attend College

How much financial aid did 2012 public high school graduates from Hickman 

County receive in 2013?

Average Awards

Kentucky Ed. Excellence Scholarships (KEES)

State need-based grants

State non-need-based grants

Federal Pell grants

Federal need-based loans

Federal non-need-based loans

Institutional grants

49

17

33

20

9

6

10

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$1,444

$1,433

$2,323

$1,385

$768

0

10

20

30

40

50

11.1

7.5

13.6

7.6

17.1

8.8

20.3

16.5

20.7

13.8

21.0

13.0

21.5

10.3

Percentage of Adults with a Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Hickman County, 1980-2013

1980 1990 2000 2010

Hickman County 2015 - continued

Sources: US Census 2009-2013 American Community Survey, US Department of Education, Kentucky Department of Education, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, Kentucky State

Board of Elections, US Census Small Area Health Insurance Estimates Program, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Kentucky Adult Education, and the Council on

Postsecondary Education. Complete descriptions of sources and methodologies may be found in the technical notes at the end of the County Profiles or through the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics website at the

address below:

2011

County

KY

2012

West Ky Community & Technical College 18

Murray State University 12

Western Kentucky University 2

University of Kentucky 2

Midcontinent University 1

Elizabethtown Community & Technical College 1

Brescia University 1

Other Institutions 0

Overall College Going Rates for 2012 Public High School Graduates

Top 10 Colleges and Universities Attended Number of Enrollments

2013

- 53 -
What are some basic facts about Hopkins County residents? 

What industries provide employment in Hopkins County?

County KY US

Total population

Median household income

Per capita income

Living in poverty

Eligible for Medicaid

Without medical insurance

Registered voters who voted in 

the 2012 general election

Unemployment rate

Access to Broadband Internet

46,634 4,395,295 316,128,839

$43,036 $53,046

$23,462 $28,155

18.8% %18.8 %15.4

19.5% %18.9 n/a

15.7% %16.2 %17.0

61.5% %59.7 %68.0

7.9% %8.0 %7.4

98.7% %96.8 %98.6

$22,132

$40,891

9.2%

Agriculture,

Mining, and Other

Natural Resources

3.1%

Finance,

Professional &

Other Services

32.8%

Health &

Education

Services

0.9%

Information and

Communications

15.5%

Manufacturing and

Construction

18.6%

State and Local

Government and

Public Education

19.9%

Utilities, Trade, &

Transportation

2013 Employment by Sector

What is the educational attainment of Hopkins County residents?

County KY US

Less than a high school diploma or 

equivalent

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college but no degree

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Graduate or professional degree

17.4 %17.0 % %13.9

39.0% %33.9 %28.1

21.2% %20.5 %21.2

8.2% %7.1 %7.8

8.3% %12.8 %18.0

5.9% %8.8 %10.8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

17.6

14.5

19.0 17.2 15.8 16.5 17.7 18.2 18.1 19.6 18.6 19.5 18.8 18.8

Percentage of Hopkins County Population Living in Poverty, 1980-2013 

1980 1990 2000 2010

Are Hopkins County public high school graduates prepared for college 

and career?

County KY

Average GPA for 2014 graduates

Average junior year ACT scores for 2014 

graduates

Mathematics

English

Reading

2.97 2.89

Ready for career by graduation

Science

23.3% %17.8

19.5 19.5

19.0 19.1

19.0 18.7

19.9 19.7

19.5 19.7

Ready for college by graduation 66.1% %56.2

Ready for college and/or career by graduation 70.0% %62.8

Composite

2015 Kentucky County Profile

Hopkins County

The 2015 County Profile is produced by the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics utilizing data from the Kentucky Longitudinal Data System (KLDS), which

includes data from the Department of Education, Council on Postsecondary Education, Education Professional Standards Board, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, and

the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The report includes the most current data available for Kentucky counties, Area Development Districts (ADDs), and

Workforce Investment Areas (WIAs) on demographics, employment, college readiness and educational attainment. 

2011

County

KY

2012 2013

- 54 -
What is the education pipeline for Hopkins County?

County KY

n/a

Public K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Private K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Special education population in 2013-2014

Students qualifying for free and reduced lunch in 2013-2014

Public high school graduates in 2011-2012

Kentucky Adult Education enrollments for 2012-2013

GEDs awarded in 2012-2013

Public high school graduates entering postsecondary 

education in 2012-2013

In-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Out-of-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Students earning an associate degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in science, 

technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in

2012-2013

Students earning a graduate or professional degree in 

2012-2013

Bachelor’s degree six-year graduation rate for 

2007 cohort

Associate degree three-year graduation rate for 

2010 cohort

Students earning a postsecondary certificate or 

diploma in 2012-2013

National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRC) awarded 

in 2013-2014

7,470 654,455

473 43,176

436 37,022

100 7,746

280 26,413

56.0 %56.2 %

3.8 %5.5 %

219 8,713

177 9,089

165 15,947

53 5,270

95 7,673

57.5 %58.3 %

711 17,613

372 69,258

16.0 %13.2 %

54.2%

n/a 11.0%

64.5%

15.5%

Entering students ready for kindergarten in fall 2014 % 57.9 %50.0

What were the top college choices for Hopkins County public high school 

graduates? 

59.2%

40.8% Attended College

Did Not Attend College

How much financial aid did 2012 public high school graduates from Hopkins 

County receive in 2013?

Average Awards

Kentucky Ed. Excellence Scholarships (KEES)

State need-based grants

State non-need-based grants

Federal Pell grants

Federal need-based loans

Federal non-need-based loans

Institutional grants

439

59

225

122

55

49

102

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$1,208

$1,367

$1,853

$995

$606

$2,105

$415

0

10

20

30

40

50

11.1

7.5

13.6

9.6

17.1

10.6

20.3

13.2

20.7

13.3

21.0

14.3

21.5

14.2

Percentage of Adults with a Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Hopkins County, 1980-2013

1980 1990 2000 2010

Hopkins County 2015 - continued

Sources: US Census 2009-2013 American Community Survey, US Department of Education, Kentucky Department of Education, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, Kentucky State

Board of Elections, US Census Small Area Health Insurance Estimates Program, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Kentucky Adult Education, and the Council on

Postsecondary Education. Complete descriptions of sources and methodologies may be found in the technical notes at the end of the County Profiles or through the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics website at the

address below:

2011

County

KY

2012

Madisonville Community College 173

University of Kentucky 33

Western Kentucky University 25

Murray State University 19

University Of Southern Indiana 8

Kentucky Wesleyan College 6

University of Louisville 4

Brescia University 3

Eastern Kentucky University 2

Southern Baptist Theological Seminary 2

Other Institutions 24

Overall College Going Rates for 2012 Public High School Graduates

Top 10 Colleges and Universities Attended Number of Enrollments

2013

- 55 -
What are some basic facts about Livingston County residents? 

What industries provide employment in Livingston County?

County KY US

Total population

Median household income

Per capita income

Living in poverty

Eligible for Medicaid

Without medical insurance

Registered voters who voted in 

the 2012 general election

Unemployment rate

Access to Broadband Internet

9,359 4,395,295 316,128,839

$43,036 $53,046

$23,462 $28,155

16.9% %18.8 %15.4

17.6% %18.9 n/a

17.4% %16.2 %17.0

61.6% %59.7 %68.0

9.6% %8.0 %7.4

94.3% %96.8 %98.6

$19,795

$40,313

14.1%

Agriculture,

Mining, and Other

Natural Resources

2.1%

Finance,

Professional &

Other Services

31.0%

Health &

Education

Services

19.1%

Manufacturing and

Construction

17.5%

State and Local

Government and

Public Education

16.2%

Utilities, Trade, &

Transportation

2013 Employment by Sector

What is the educational attainment of Livingston County residents?

County KY US

Less than a high school diploma or 

equivalent

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college but no degree

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Graduate or professional degree

17.8 %17.0 % %13.9

44.3% %33.9 %28.1

19.9% %20.5 %21.2

6.7% %7.1 %7.8

5.6% %12.8 %18.0

5.7% %8.8 %10.8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

17.6

14.7

19.0

15.5 15.8

10.3

17.7

11.2

18.1

13.6

18.6

13.8

18.8 16.9

Percentage of Livingston County Population Living in Poverty, 1980-2013 

1980 1990 2000 2010

Are Livingston County public high school graduates prepared for college 

and career?

County KY

Average GPA for 2014 graduates

Average junior year ACT scores for 2014 

graduates

Mathematics

English

Reading

3.09 2.89

Ready for career by graduation

Science

32.4% %17.8

19.4 19.5

18.7 19.1

18.6 18.7

19.7 19.7

20.1 19.7

Ready for college by graduation 57.7% %56.2

Ready for college and/or career by graduation 67.6% %62.8

Composite

2015 Kentucky County Profile

Livingston County

The 2015 County Profile is produced by the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics utilizing data from the Kentucky Longitudinal Data System (KLDS), which

includes data from the Department of Education, Council on Postsecondary Education, Education Professional Standards Board, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, and

the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The report includes the most current data available for Kentucky counties, Area Development Districts (ADDs), and

Workforce Investment Areas (WIAs) on demographics, employment, college readiness and educational attainment. 

2011

County

KY

2012 2013

- 56 -
What is the education pipeline for Livingston County?

County KY

n/a

Public K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Private K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Special education population in 2013-2014

Students qualifying for free and reduced lunch in 2013-2014

Public high school graduates in 2011-2012

Kentucky Adult Education enrollments for 2012-2013

GEDs awarded in 2012-2013

Public high school graduates entering postsecondary 

education in 2012-2013

In-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Out-of-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Students earning an associate degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in science, 

technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in

2012-2013

Students earning a graduate or professional degree in 

2012-2013

Bachelor’s degree six-year graduation rate for 

2007 cohort

Associate degree three-year graduation rate for 

2010 cohort

Students earning a postsecondary certificate or 

diploma in 2012-2013

National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRC) awarded 

in 2013-2014

1,142 654,455

106 43,176

45 37,022

16 7,746

59 26,413

52.8 %56.2 %

2.8 %5.5 %

41 8,713

37 9,089

21 15,947

6 5,270

9 7,673

63.6 %58.3 %

26 17,613

77 69,258

14.1 %13.2 %

54.2%

n/a 11.0%

35.0%

33.3%

Entering students ready for kindergarten in fall 2014 % 43.7 %50.0

What were the top college choices for Livingston County public high school 

graduates? 

55.7%

44.3% Attended College

Did Not Attend College

How much financial aid did 2012 public high school graduates from Livingston 

County receive in 2013?

Average Awards

Kentucky Ed. Excellence Scholarships (KEES)

State need-based grants

State non-need-based grants

Federal Pell grants

Federal need-based loans

Federal non-need-based loans

Institutional grants

88

11

43

25

6

6

9

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$795

$1,051

$1,981

$380

0

10

20

30

40

50

11.1

5.4

13.6

5.4

17.1

8.4

20.3

10.7

20.7

9.4

21.0

11.2

21.5

11.3

Percentage of Adults with a Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Livingston County, 1980-2013

1980 1990 2000 2010

Livingston County 2015 - continued

Sources: US Census 2009-2013 American Community Survey, US Department of Education, Kentucky Department of Education, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, Kentucky State

Board of Elections, US Census Small Area Health Insurance Estimates Program, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Kentucky Adult Education, and the Council on

Postsecondary Education. Complete descriptions of sources and methodologies may be found in the technical notes at the end of the County Profiles or through the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics website at the

address below:

2011

County

KY

2012

West Ky Community & Technical College 51

Murray State University 5

University of Kentucky 2

Shawnee Community College 1

University of Louisville 1

ITT TECHNICAL INSTITUTE 1

Brigham Young University 1

Western Kentucky University 1

Other Institutions 0

Overall College Going Rates for 2012 Public High School Graduates

Top 10 Colleges and Universities Attended Number of Enrollments

2013

- 57 -
What are some basic facts about Lyon County residents? 

What industries provide employment in Lyon County?

County KY US

Total population

Median household income

Per capita income

Living in poverty

Eligible for Medicaid

Without medical insurance

Registered voters who voted in 

the 2012 general election

Unemployment rate

Access to Broadband Internet

8,451 4,395,295 316,128,839

$43,036 $53,046

$23,462 $28,155

16.8% %18.8 %15.4

12.6% %18.9 n/a

17.4% %16.2 %17.0

64.1% %59.7 %68.0

8.2% %8.0 %7.4

100.0% %96.8 %98.6

$22,123

$40,112

1.1%

Finance,

Professional &

Other Services

38.2%

Health &

Education

Services

0.4%

Information and

Communications

5.1%

Manufacturing and

Construction

44.4%

State and Local

Government and

Public Education

9.9%

Utilities, Trade, &

Transportation

0.9%

Suppressed

2013 Employment by Sector

What is the educational attainment of Lyon County residents?

County KY US

Less than a high school diploma or 

equivalent

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college but no degree

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Graduate or professional degree

16.6 %17.0 % %13.9

39.8% %33.9 %28.1

23.9% %20.5 %21.2

6.5% %7.1 %7.8

8.6% %12.8 %18.0

4.7% %8.8 %10.8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

17.6

13.5

19.0

14.3 15.8

12.7

17.7

14.0

18.1

15.3

18.6 16.0

18.8 16.8

Percentage of Lyon County Population Living in Poverty, 1980-2013 

1980 1990 2000 2010

Are Lyon County public high school graduates prepared for college and 

career?

County KY

Average GPA for 2014 graduates

Average junior year ACT scores for 2014 

graduates

Mathematics

English

Reading

2.81 2.89

Ready for career by graduation

Science

30.4% %17.8

18.9 19.5

17.9 19.1

18.4 18.7

18.7 19.7

19.7 19.7

Ready for college by graduation 42.9% %56.2

Ready for college and/or career by graduation 58.9% %62.8

Composite

2015 Kentucky County Profile

Lyon County

The 2015 County Profile is produced by the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics utilizing data from the Kentucky Longitudinal Data System (KLDS), which

includes data from the Department of Education, Council on Postsecondary Education, Education Professional Standards Board, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, and

the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The report includes the most current data available for Kentucky counties, Area Development Districts (ADDs), and

Workforce Investment Areas (WIAs) on demographics, employment, college readiness and educational attainment. 

2011

County

KY

2012 2013

- 58 -
What is the education pipeline for Lyon County?

County KY

n/a

Public K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Private K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Special education population in 2013-2014

Students qualifying for free and reduced lunch in 2013-2014

Public high school graduates in 2011-2012

Kentucky Adult Education enrollments for 2012-2013

GEDs awarded in 2012-2013

Public high school graduates entering postsecondary 

education in 2012-2013

In-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Out-of-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Students earning an associate degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in science, 

technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in

2012-2013

Students earning a graduate or professional degree in 

2012-2013

Bachelor’s degree six-year graduation rate for 

2007 cohort

Associate degree three-year graduation rate for 

2010 cohort

Students earning a postsecondary certificate or 

diploma in 2012-2013

National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRC) awarded 

in 2013-2014

851 654,455

69 43,176

78 37,022

34 7,746

44 26,413

63.8 %56.2 %

0.0 %5.5 %

22 8,713

28 9,089

15 15,947

8 5,270

11 7,673

55.5 %58.3 %

126 17,613

26 69,258

8.5 %13.2 %

54.2%

n/a 11.0%

50.0%

45.5%

Entering students ready for kindergarten in fall 2014 % 42.5 %50.0

What were the top college choices for Lyon County public high school 

graduates? 

63.8%

36.2%

Attended College

Did Not Attend College

How much financial aid did 2012 public high school graduates from Lyon 

County receive in 2013?

Average Awards

Kentucky Ed. Excellence Scholarships (KEES)

State need-based grants

State non-need-based grants

Federal Pell grants

Federal need-based loans

Federal non-need-based loans

Institutional grants

63

13

34

17

14

12

18

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$1,140

$1,327

$1,747

$1,932

$922

$2,533

$632

0

10

20

30

40

50

11.1

6.4

13.6

9.1

17.1

10.1

20.3

10.8

20.7

12.7

21.0

14.0

21.5

13.3

Percentage of Adults with a Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Lyon County, 1980-2013

1980 1990 2000 2010

Lyon County 2015 - continued

Sources: US Census 2009-2013 American Community Survey, US Department of Education, Kentucky Department of Education, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, Kentucky State

Board of Elections, US Census Small Area Health Insurance Estimates Program, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Kentucky Adult Education, and the Council on

Postsecondary Education. Complete descriptions of sources and methodologies may be found in the technical notes at the end of the County Profiles or through the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics website at the

address below:

2011

County

KY

2012

Murray State University 19

West Ky Community & Technical College 15

Berea College 2

Madisonville Community College 2

Western Kentucky University 2

Lindsey Wilson College 1

University of Louisville 1

Georgetown College 1

University of Kentucky 1

Other Institutions 0

Overall College Going Rates for 2012 Public High School Graduates

Top 10 Colleges and Universities Attended Number of Enrollments

2013

- 59 -
What are some basic facts about Marshall County residents? 

What industries provide employment in Marshall County?

County KY US

Total population

Median household income

Per capita income

Living in poverty

Eligible for Medicaid

Without medical insurance

Registered voters who voted in 

the 2012 general election

Unemployment rate

Access to Broadband Internet

31,107 4,395,295 316,128,839

$43,036 $53,046

$23,462 $28,155

11.6% %18.8 %15.4

14.3% %18.9 n/a

15.4% %16.2 %17.0

65.6% %59.7 %68.0

8.2% %8.0 %7.4

100.0% %96.8 %98.6

$22,381

$43,907

3.8%

Finance,

Professional &

Other Services

27.1%

Health &

Education

Services

1.0%

Information and

Communications

35.0%

Manufacturing and

Construction

15.8%

State and Local

Government and

Public Education

17.1%

Utilities, Trade, &

Transportation

2013 Employment by Sector

What is the educational attainment of Marshall County residents?

County KY US

Less than a high school diploma or 

equivalent

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college but no degree

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Graduate or professional degree

14.9 %17.0 % %13.9

41.6% %33.9 %28.1

21.6% %20.5 %21.2

6.5% %7.1 %7.8

9.6% %12.8 %18.0

5.8% %8.8 %10.8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

17.6

9.8

19.0

14.1 15.8

9.5

17.7

11.6

18.1

11.6

18.6

12.0

18.8

11.6

Percentage of Marshall County Population Living in Poverty, 1980-2013 

1980 1990 2000 2010

Are Marshall County public high school graduates prepared for college 

and career?

County KY

Average GPA for 2014 graduates

Average junior year ACT scores for 2014 

graduates

Mathematics

English

Reading

2.85 2.89

Ready for career by graduation

Science

34.4% %17.8

19.8 19.5

19.3 19.1

19.7 18.7

20.1 19.7

19.6 19.7

Ready for college by graduation 59.3% %56.2

Ready for college and/or career by graduation 70.2% %62.8

Composite

2015 Kentucky County Profile

Marshall County

The 2015 County Profile is produced by the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics utilizing data from the Kentucky Longitudinal Data System (KLDS), which

includes data from the Department of Education, Council on Postsecondary Education, Education Professional Standards Board, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, and

the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The report includes the most current data available for Kentucky counties, Area Development Districts (ADDs), and

Workforce Investment Areas (WIAs) on demographics, employment, college readiness and educational attainment. 

2011

County

KY

2012 2013

- 60 -
What is the education pipeline for Marshall County?

County KY

n/a

Public K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Private K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Special education population in 2013-2014

Students qualifying for free and reduced lunch in 2013-2014

Public high school graduates in 2011-2012

Kentucky Adult Education enrollments for 2012-2013

GEDs awarded in 2012-2013

Public high school graduates entering postsecondary 

education in 2012-2013

In-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Out-of-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Students earning an associate degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in science, 

technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in

2012-2013

Students earning a graduate or professional degree in 

2012-2013

Bachelor’s degree six-year graduation rate for 

2007 cohort

Associate degree three-year graduation rate for 

2010 cohort

Students earning a postsecondary certificate or 

diploma in 2012-2013

National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRC) awarded 

in 2013-2014

4,597 654,455

312 43,176

201 37,022

65 7,746

202 26,413

62.2 %56.2 %

3.5 %5.5 %

128 8,713

117 9,089

105 15,947

38 5,270

43 7,673

50.7 %58.3 %

127 17,613

287 69,258

10.8 %13.2 %

54.2%

n/a 11.0%

55.9%

10.5%

Entering students ready for kindergarten in fall 2014 % 59.8 %50.0

What were the top college choices for Marshall County public high school 

graduates? 

64.7%

35.3%

Attended College

Did Not Attend College

How much financial aid did 2012 public high school graduates from Marshall 

County receive in 2013?

Average Awards

Kentucky Ed. Excellence Scholarships (KEES)

State need-based grants

State non-need-based grants

Federal Pell grants

Federal need-based loans

Federal non-need-based loans

Institutional grants

294

64

169

102

36

40

44

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$1,096

$1,263

$2,167

$646

$717

$1,281

$585

0

10

20

30

40

50

11.1

8.4

13.6

9.6

17.1

13.7

20.3

14.8

20.7

15.2

21.0

16.1

21.5

15.3

Percentage of Adults with a Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Marshall County, 1980-2013

1980 1990 2000 2010

Marshall County 2015 - continued

Sources: US Census 2009-2013 American Community Survey, US Department of Education, Kentucky Department of Education, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, Kentucky State

Board of Elections, US Census Small Area Health Insurance Estimates Program, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Kentucky Adult Education, and the Council on

Postsecondary Education. Complete descriptions of sources and methodologies may be found in the technical notes at the end of the County Profiles or through the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics website at the

address below:

2011

County

KY

2012

West Ky Community & Technical College 117

Murray State University 67

University of Kentucky 13

Midcontinent University 4

University of Louisville 3

Brescia University 3

St. Catharine College 1

Harding University 1

Liberty University 1

Freed - Hardeman University 1

Other Institutions 12

Overall College Going Rates for 2012 Public High School Graduates

Top 10 Colleges and Universities Attended Number of Enrollments

2013

- 61 -
What are some basic facts about McCracken County residents? 

What industries provide employment in McCracken County?

County KY US

Total population

Median household income

Per capita income

Living in poverty

Eligible for Medicaid

Without medical insurance

Registered voters who voted in 

the 2012 general election

Unemployment rate

Access to Broadband Internet

65,373 4,395,295 316,128,839

$43,036 $53,046

$23,462 $28,155

16.2% %18.8 %15.4

16.8% %18.9 n/a

15.3% %16.2 %17.0

62.1% %59.7 %68.0

7.9% %8.0 %7.4

100.0% %96.8 %98.6

$25,957

$44,898

3.3%

Finance,

Professional &

Other Services

43.2%

Health &

Education

Services

2.0%

Information and

Communications

12.1%

Manufacturing and

Construction

9.9%

State and Local

Government and

Public Education

29.5%

Utilities, Trade, &

Transportation

2013 Employment by Sector

What is the educational attainment of McCracken County residents?

County KY US

Less than a high school diploma or 

equivalent

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college but no degree

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Graduate or professional degree

13.1 %17.0 % %13.9

31.6% %33.9 %28.1

23.3% %20.5 %21.2

9.6% %7.1 %7.8

13.1% %12.8 %18.0

9.3% %8.8 %10.8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

17.6

12.9

19.0

15.8 15.8 15.1 17.7 15.3

18.1

14.6

18.6 16.3 18.8 16.2

Percentage of McCracken County Population Living in Poverty, 1980-2013 

1980 1990 2000 2010

Are McCracken County public high school graduates prepared for college 

and career?

County KY

Average GPA for 2014 graduates

Average junior year ACT scores for 2014 

graduates

Mathematics

English

Reading

2.78 2.89

Ready for career by graduation

Science

10.2% %17.8

20.3 19.5

19.7 19.1

20.0 18.7

20.5 19.7

20.3 19.7

Ready for college by graduation 53.3% %56.2

Ready for college and/or career by graduation 55.8% %62.8

Composite

2015 Kentucky County Profile

McCracken County

The 2015 County Profile is produced by the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics utilizing data from the Kentucky Longitudinal Data System (KLDS), which

includes data from the Department of Education, Council on Postsecondary Education, Education Professional Standards Board, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, and

the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The report includes the most current data available for Kentucky counties, Area Development Districts (ADDs), and

Workforce Investment Areas (WIAs) on demographics, employment, college readiness and educational attainment. 

2011

County

KY

2012 2013

- 62 -
What is the education pipeline for McCracken County?

County KY

n/a

Public K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Private K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Special education population in 2013-2014

Students qualifying for free and reduced lunch in 2013-2014

Public high school graduates in 2011-2012

Kentucky Adult Education enrollments for 2012-2013

GEDs awarded in 2012-2013

Public high school graduates entering postsecondary 

education in 2012-2013

In-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Out-of-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Students earning an associate degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in science, 

technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in

2012-2013

Students earning a graduate or professional degree in 

2012-2013

Bachelor’s degree six-year graduation rate for 

2007 cohort

Associate degree three-year graduation rate for 

2010 cohort

Students earning a postsecondary certificate or 

diploma in 2012-2013

National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRC) awarded 

in 2013-2014

9,510 654,455

644 43,176

352 37,022

60 7,746

444 26,413

61.6 %56.2 %

8.5 %5.5 %

377 8,713

270 9,089

269 15,947

87 5,270

108 7,673

55.8 %58.3 %

184 17,613

880 69,258

11.4 %13.2 %

54.2%

n/a 11.0%

66.8%

14.7%

Entering students ready for kindergarten in fall 2014 % 56.0 %50.0

What were the top college choices for McCracken County public high school 

graduates? 

68.9%

31.1%

Attended College

Did Not Attend College

How much financial aid did 2012 public high school graduates from McCracken 

County receive in 2013?

Average Awards

Kentucky Ed. Excellence Scholarships (KEES)

State need-based grants

State non-need-based grants

Federal Pell grants

Federal need-based loans

Federal non-need-based loans

Institutional grants

570

77

303

189

100

89

98

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$1,088

$1,070

$1,913

$1,162

$768

$1,315

$355

0

10

20

30

40

50

11.1 11.5 13.6 14.3

17.1 18.1 20.3 21.0 20.7 21.4 21.0 21.2 21.5 22.5

Percentage of Adults with a Bachelor's Degree or Higher in McCracken County, 1980-2013

1980 1990 2000 2010

McCracken County 2015 - continued

Sources: US Census 2009-2013 American Community Survey, US Department of Education, Kentucky Department of Education, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, Kentucky State

Board of Elections, US Census Small Area Health Insurance Estimates Program, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Kentucky Adult Education, and the Council on

Postsecondary Education. Complete descriptions of sources and methodologies may be found in the technical notes at the end of the County Profiles or through the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics website at the

address below:

2011

County

KY

2012

West Ky Community & Technical College 250

Murray State University 61

University of Kentucky 57

Western Kentucky University 19

University of Louisville 14

Shawnee Community College 5

Midcontinent University 4

Centre College 4

University Of Mississippi 4

Harding University 4

Other Institutions 68

Overall College Going Rates for 2012 Public High School Graduates

Top 10 Colleges and Universities Attended Number of Enrollments

2013

- 63 -
What are some basic facts about McLean County residents? 

What industries provide employment in McLean County?

County KY US

Total population

Median household income

Per capita income

Living in poverty

Eligible for Medicaid

Without medical insurance

Registered voters who voted in 

the 2012 general election

Unemployment rate

Access to Broadband Internet

9,496 4,395,295 316,128,839

$43,036 $53,046

$23,462 $28,155

18.8% %18.8 %15.4

18.7% %18.9 n/a

17.3% %16.2 %17.0

63.0% %59.7 %68.0

7.8% %8.0 %7.4

98.5% %96.8 %98.6

$19,984

$38,833

0.6%

Agriculture,

Mining, and Other

Natural Resources

3.8%

Finance,

Professional &

Other Services

26.3%

Health &

Education

Services

17.0%

Manufacturing and

Construction

30.9%

State and Local

Government and

Public Education

21.4%

Utilities, Trade, &

Transportation

2013 Employment by Sector

What is the educational attainment of McLean County residents?

County KY US

Less than a high school diploma or 

equivalent

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college but no degree

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Graduate or professional degree

20.0 %17.0 % %13.9

39.5% %33.9 %28.1

23.2% %20.5 %21.2

6.9% %7.1 %7.8

5.3% %12.8 %18.0

5.1% %8.8 %10.8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

17.6 15.2

19.0 19.2

15.8 16.0 17.7 16.0 18.1 16.6 18.6 17.4 18.8 18.8

Percentage of McLean County Population Living in Poverty, 1980-2013 

1980 1990 2000 2010

Are McLean County public high school graduates prepared for college and

career?

County KY

Average GPA for 2014 graduates

Average junior year ACT scores for 2014 

graduates

Mathematics

English

Reading

2.94 2.89

Ready for career by graduation

Science

25.6% %17.8

19.0 19.5

18.4 19.1

18.6 18.7

19.5 19.7

19.0 19.7

Ready for college by graduation 73.3% %56.2

Ready for college and/or career by graduation 77.8% %62.8

Composite

2015 Kentucky County Profile

McLean County

The 2015 County Profile is produced by the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics utilizing data from the Kentucky Longitudinal Data System (KLDS), which

includes data from the Department of Education, Council on Postsecondary Education, Education Professional Standards Board, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, and

the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The report includes the most current data available for Kentucky counties, Area Development Districts (ADDs), and

Workforce Investment Areas (WIAs) on demographics, employment, college readiness and educational attainment. 

2011

County

KY

2012 2013

- 64 -
What is the education pipeline for McLean County?

County KY

n/a

Public K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Private K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Special education population in 2013-2014

Students qualifying for free and reduced lunch in 2013-2014

Public high school graduates in 2011-2012

Kentucky Adult Education enrollments for 2012-2013

GEDs awarded in 2012-2013

Public high school graduates entering postsecondary 

education in 2012-2013

In-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Out-of-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Students earning an associate degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in science, 

technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in

2012-2013

Students earning a graduate or professional degree in 

2012-2013

Bachelor’s degree six-year graduation rate for 

2007 cohort

Associate degree three-year graduation rate for 

2010 cohort

Students earning a postsecondary certificate or 

diploma in 2012-2013

National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRC) awarded 

in 2013-2014

1,569 654,455

98 43,176

52 37,022

17 7,746

60 26,413

60.2 %56.2 %

1.0 %5.5 %

44 8,713

45 9,089

34 15,947

22 5,270

13 7,673

54.9 %58.3 %

84 17,613

38 69,258

14.0 %13.2 %

54.2%

n/a 11.0%

48.1%

8.7%

Entering students ready for kindergarten in fall 2014 % 36.7 %50.0

What were the top college choices for McLean County public high school 

graduates? 

61.2%

38.8% Attended College

Did Not Attend College

How much financial aid did 2012 public high school graduates from McLean 

County receive in 2013?

Average Awards

Kentucky Ed. Excellence Scholarships (KEES)

State need-based grants

State non-need-based grants

Federal Pell grants

Federal need-based loans

Federal non-need-based loans

Institutional grants

93

18

53

36

9

12

7

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$1,216

$1,227

$2,450

$596

$526

0

10

20

30

40

50

11.1

5.6

13.6

6.6

17.1

8.7

20.3

9.7

20.7

11.3

21.0

10.5

21.5

10.3

Percentage of Adults with a Bachelor's Degree or Higher in McLean County, 1980-2013

1980 1990 2000 2010

McLean County 2015 - continued

Sources: US Census 2009-2013 American Community Survey, US Department of Education, Kentucky Department of Education, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, Kentucky State

Board of Elections, US Census Small Area Health Insurance Estimates Program, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Kentucky Adult Education, and the Council on

Postsecondary Education. Complete descriptions of sources and methodologies may be found in the technical notes at the end of the County Profiles or through the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics website at the

address below:

2011

County

KY

2012

Owensboro Community & Technical College 34

Madisonville Community College 8

Western Kentucky University 8

Murray State University 3

Kentucky Wesleyan College 3

University of Kentucky 3

University of Louisville 2

Brescia University 1

Illinois Institute Of Technology 1

Transylvania University 1

Other Institutions 0

Overall College Going Rates for 2012 Public High School Graduates

Top 10 Colleges and Universities Attended Number of Enrollments

2013

- 65 -
What are some basic facts about Muhlenberg County residents? 

What industries provide employment in Muhlenberg County?

County KY US

Total population

Median household income

Per capita income

Living in poverty

Eligible for Medicaid

Without medical insurance

Registered voters who voted in 

the 2012 general election

Unemployment rate

Access to Broadband Internet

31,179 4,395,295 316,128,839

$43,036 $53,046

$23,462 $28,155

20.4% %18.8 %15.4

20.3% %18.9 n/a

17.8% %16.2 %17.0

58.2% %59.7 %68.0

9.3% %8.0 %7.4

96.9% %96.8 %98.6

$20,008

$38,105

2.2%

Agriculture,

Mining, and Other

Natural Resources

3.4%

Finance,

Professional &

Other Services

33.1%

Health &

Education

Services

18.2%

Manufacturing and

Construction

23.4%

State and Local

Government and

Public Education

19.8%

Utilities, Trade, &

Transportation

2013 Employment by Sector

What is the educational attainment of Muhlenberg County residents?

County KY US

Less than a high school diploma or 

equivalent

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college but no degree

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Graduate or professional degree

22.2 %17.0 % %13.9

40.1% %33.9 %28.1

18.5% %20.5 %21.2

8.0% %7.1 %7.8

5.7% %12.8 %18.0

5.5% %8.8 %10.8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

17.6 15.0

19.0 20.7

15.8

19.7 17.7

20.6 18.1 20.5 18.6 19.3 18.8 20.4

Percentage of Muhlenberg County Population Living in Poverty, 1980-2013 

1980 1990 2000 2010

Are Muhlenberg County public high school graduates prepared for college 

and career?

County KY

Average GPA for 2014 graduates

Average junior year ACT scores for 2014 

graduates

Mathematics

English

Reading

3.06 2.89

Ready for career by graduation

Science

42.9% %17.8

18.8 19.5

18.3 19.1

18.0 18.7

19.4 19.7

18.8 19.7

Ready for college by graduation 34.4% %56.2

Ready for college and/or career by graduation 56.4% %62.8

Composite

2015 Kentucky County Profile

Muhlenberg County

The 2015 County Profile is produced by the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics utilizing data from the Kentucky Longitudinal Data System (KLDS), which

includes data from the Department of Education, Council on Postsecondary Education, Education Professional Standards Board, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, and

the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The report includes the most current data available for Kentucky counties, Area Development Districts (ADDs), and

Workforce Investment Areas (WIAs) on demographics, employment, college readiness and educational attainment. 

2011

County

KY

2012 2013

- 66 -
What is the education pipeline for Muhlenberg County?

County KY

n/a

Public K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Private K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Special education population in 2013-2014

Students qualifying for free and reduced lunch in 2013-2014

Public high school graduates in 2011-2012

Kentucky Adult Education enrollments for 2012-2013

GEDs awarded in 2012-2013

Public high school graduates entering postsecondary 

education in 2012-2013

In-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Out-of-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Students earning an associate degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in science, 

technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in

2012-2013

Students earning a graduate or professional degree in 

2012-2013

Bachelor’s degree six-year graduation rate for 

2007 cohort

Associate degree three-year graduation rate for 

2010 cohort

Students earning a postsecondary certificate or 

diploma in 2012-2013

National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRC) awarded 

in 2013-2014

5,001 654,455

324 43,176

312 37,022

60 7,746

184 26,413

54.6 %56.2 %

2.5 %5.5 %

101 8,713

91 9,089

70 15,947

27 5,270

46 7,673

56.4 %58.3 %

459 17,613

96 69,258

12.7 %13.2 %

54.2%

n/a 11.0%

56.5%

14.8%

Entering students ready for kindergarten in fall 2014 % 40.2 %50.0

What were the top college choices for Muhlenberg County public high school 

graduates? 

56.8%

43.2% Attended College

Did Not Attend College

How much financial aid did 2012 public high school graduates from Muhlenberg 

County receive in 2013?

Average Awards

Kentucky Ed. Excellence Scholarships (KEES)

State need-based grants

State non-need-based grants

Federal Pell grants

Federal need-based loans

Federal non-need-based loans

Institutional grants

310

28

143

81

36

30

52

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$741

$1,168

$1,891

$1,026

$573

$1,427

$298

0

10

20

30

40

50

11.1

6.5

13.6

6.2

17.1

8.1

20.3

10.2

20.7

9.5

21.0

10.7

21.5

11.3

Percentage of Adults with a Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Muhlenberg County, 1980-2013

1980 1990 2000 2010

Muhlenberg County 2015 - continued

Sources: US Census 2009-2013 American Community Survey, US Department of Education, Kentucky Department of Education, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, Kentucky State

Board of Elections, US Census Small Area Health Insurance Estimates Program, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Kentucky Adult Education, and the Council on

Postsecondary Education. Complete descriptions of sources and methodologies may be found in the technical notes at the end of the County Profiles or through the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics website at the

address below:

2011

County

KY

2012

Madisonville Community College 100

Western Kentucky University 26

Murray State University 10

University of Kentucky 8

Brescia University 7

Kentucky Wesleyan College 7

Owensboro Community & Technical College 6

University of Louisville 5

Bowling Green Technical College 3

Centre College 3

Other Institutions 17

Overall College Going Rates for 2012 Public High School Graduates

Top 10 Colleges and Universities Attended Number of Enrollments

2013

- 67 -
What are some basic facts about Ohio County residents? 

What industries provide employment in Ohio County?

County KY US

Total population

Median household income

Per capita income

Living in poverty

Eligible for Medicaid

Without medical insurance

Registered voters who voted in 

the 2012 general election

Unemployment rate

Access to Broadband Internet

23,988 4,395,295 316,128,839

$43,036 $53,046

$23,462 $28,155

19.7% %18.8 %15.4

21.6% %18.9 n/a

16.5% %16.2 %17.0

58.9% %59.7 %68.0

9.0% %8.0 %7.4

98.3% %96.8 %98.6

$19,005

$40,830

1.0%

Agriculture,

Mining, and Other

Natural Resources

2.1%

Finance,

Professional &

Other Services

21.2%

Health &

Education

Services

41.3%

Manufacturing and

Construction

19.8%

State and Local

Government and

Public Education

14.8%

Utilities, Trade, &

Transportation

2013 Employment by Sector

What is the educational attainment of Ohio County residents?

County KY US

Less than a high school diploma or 

equivalent

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college but no degree

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Graduate or professional degree

22.6 %17.0 % %13.9

44.4% %33.9 %28.1

17.9% %20.5 %21.2

7.1% %7.1 %7.8

4.1% %12.8 %18.0

3.9% %8.8 %10.8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

17.6 17.1 19.0

23.6

15.8 17.3 17.7 19.0 18.1 20.7 18.6 20.8 18.8 19.7

Percentage of Ohio County Population Living in Poverty, 1980-2013 

1980 1990 2000 2010

Are Ohio County public high school graduates prepared for college and 

career?

County KY

Average GPA for 2014 graduates

Average junior year ACT scores for 2014 

graduates

Mathematics

English

Reading

2.66 2.89

Ready for career by graduation

Science

23.6% %17.8

18.2 19.5

18.8 19.1

16.8 18.7

18.3 19.7

18.5 19.7

Ready for college by graduation 44.9% %56.2

Ready for college and/or career by graduation 56.2% %62.8

Composite

2015 Kentucky County Profile

Ohio County

The 2015 County Profile is produced by the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics utilizing data from the Kentucky Longitudinal Data System (KLDS), which

includes data from the Department of Education, Council on Postsecondary Education, Education Professional Standards Board, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, and

the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The report includes the most current data available for Kentucky counties, Area Development Districts (ADDs), and

Workforce Investment Areas (WIAs) on demographics, employment, college readiness and educational attainment. 

2011

County

KY

2012 2013

- 68 -
What is the education pipeline for Ohio County?

County KY

n/a

Public K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Private K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Special education population in 2013-2014

Students qualifying for free and reduced lunch in 2013-2014

Public high school graduates in 2011-2012

Kentucky Adult Education enrollments for 2012-2013

GEDs awarded in 2012-2013

Public high school graduates entering postsecondary 

education in 2012-2013

In-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Out-of-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Students earning an associate degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in science, 

technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in

2012-2013

Students earning a graduate or professional degree in 

2012-2013

Bachelor’s degree six-year graduation rate for 

2007 cohort

Associate degree three-year graduation rate for 

2010 cohort

Students earning a postsecondary certificate or 

diploma in 2012-2013

National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRC) awarded 

in 2013-2014

4,034 654,455

289 43,176

113 37,022

24 7,746

139 26,413

47.1 %56.2 %

1.4 %5.5 %

75 8,713

73 9,089

67 15,947

33 5,270

21 7,673

64.3 %58.3 %

150 17,613

173 69,258

10.3 %13.2 %

54.2%

n/a 11.0%

57.4%

16.4%

Entering students ready for kindergarten in fall 2014 % 38.6 %50.0

What were the top college choices for Ohio County public high school 

graduates? 

48.1%

51.9%

Attended College

Did Not Attend College

How much financial aid did 2012 public high school graduates from Ohio County

receive in 2013?

Average Awards

Kentucky Ed. Excellence Scholarships (KEES)

State need-based grants

State non-need-based grants

Federal Pell grants

Federal need-based loans

Federal non-need-based loans

Institutional grants

253

38

111

69

38

39

26

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$943

$1,256

$2,286

$1,391

$1,030

$1,027

$554

0

10

20

30

40

50

11.1

5.1

13.6

6.2

17.1

7.4

20.3

9.4

20.7

9.7

21.0

9.3

21.5

8.0

Percentage of Adults with a Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Ohio County, 1980-2013

1980 1990 2000 2010

Ohio County 2015 - continued

Sources: US Census 2009-2013 American Community Survey, US Department of Education, Kentucky Department of Education, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, Kentucky State

Board of Elections, US Census Small Area Health Insurance Estimates Program, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Kentucky Adult Education, and the Council on

Postsecondary Education. Complete descriptions of sources and methodologies may be found in the technical notes at the end of the County Profiles or through the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics website at the

address below:

2011

County

KY

2012

Owensboro Community & Technical College 70

University of Kentucky 15

Western Kentucky University 13

Kentucky Wesleyan College 8

Madisonville Community College 7

Murray State University 5

Brescia University 4

University of Louisville 3

Campbellsville University 2

Lindsey Wilson College 2

Other Institutions 15

Overall College Going Rates for 2012 Public High School Graduates

Top 10 Colleges and Universities Attended Number of Enrollments

2013

- 69 -
What are some basic facts about Todd County residents? 

What industries provide employment in Todd County?

County KY US

Total population

Median household income

Per capita income

Living in poverty

Eligible for Medicaid

Without medical insurance

Registered voters who voted in 

the 2012 general election

Unemployment rate

Access to Broadband Internet

12,503 4,395,295 316,128,839

$43,036 $53,046

$23,462 $28,155

20.5% %18.8 %15.4

18.9% %18.9 n/a

22.5% %16.2 %17.0

60.2% %59.7 %68.0

7.5% %8.0 %7.4

94.1% %96.8 %98.6

$17,846

$41,541

3.6%

Agriculture,

Mining, and Other

Natural Resources

3.8%

Finance,

Professional &

Other Services

18.7%

Health &

Education

Services

0.7%

Information and

Communications

17.9%

Manufacturing and

Construction

27.5%

State and Local

Government and

Public Education

27.7%

Utilities, Trade, &

Transportation

2013 Employment by Sector

What is the educational attainment of Todd County residents?

County KY US

Less than a high school diploma or 

equivalent

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college but no degree

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Graduate or professional degree

23.8 %17.0 % %13.9

39.9% %33.9 %28.1

20.5% %20.5 %21.2

6.4% %7.1 %7.8

5.8% %12.8 %18.0

3.6% %8.8 %10.8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

17.6 19.8 19.0 18.8

15.8 17.2 17.7

21.4

18.1

21.6

18.6 19.6 18.8 20.5

Percentage of Todd County Population Living in Poverty, 1980-2013 

1980 1990 2000 2010

Are Todd County public high school graduates prepared for college and 

career?

County KY

Average GPA for 2014 graduates

Average junior year ACT scores for 2014 

graduates

Mathematics

English

Reading

2.80 2.89

Ready for career by graduation

Science

20.0% %17.8

18.9 19.5

19.3 19.1

17.5 18.7

19.0 19.7

19.3 19.7

Ready for college by graduation 57.6% %56.2

Ready for college and/or career by graduation 61.6% %62.8

Composite

2015 Kentucky County Profile

Todd County

The 2015 County Profile is produced by the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics utilizing data from the Kentucky Longitudinal Data System (KLDS), which

includes data from the Department of Education, Council on Postsecondary Education, Education Professional Standards Board, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, and

the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The report includes the most current data available for Kentucky counties, Area Development Districts (ADDs), and

Workforce Investment Areas (WIAs) on demographics, employment, college readiness and educational attainment. 

2011

County

KY

2012 2013

- 70 -
What is the education pipeline for Todd County?

County KY

n/a

Public K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Private K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Special education population in 2013-2014

Students qualifying for free and reduced lunch in 2013-2014

Public high school graduates in 2011-2012

Kentucky Adult Education enrollments for 2012-2013

GEDs awarded in 2012-2013

Public high school graduates entering postsecondary 

education in 2012-2013

In-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Out-of-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Students earning an associate degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in science, 

technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in

2012-2013

Students earning a graduate or professional degree in 

2012-2013

Bachelor’s degree six-year graduation rate for 

2007 cohort

Associate degree three-year graduation rate for 

2010 cohort

Students earning a postsecondary certificate or 

diploma in 2012-2013

National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRC) awarded 

in 2013-2014

1,973 654,455

121 43,176

154 37,022

48 7,746

64 26,413

51.2 %56.2 %

3.3 %5.5 %

17 8,713

34 9,089

20 15,947

10 5,270

7 7,673

60.4 %58.3 %

91 17,613

308 69,258

12.8 %13.2 %

54.2%

n/a 11.0%

42.3%

16.0%

Entering students ready for kindergarten in fall 2014 % 39.4 %50.0

What were the top college choices for Todd County public high school 

graduates? 

52.9% 47.1%

Attended College

Did Not Attend College

How much financial aid did 2012 public high school graduates from Todd 

County receive in 2013?

Average Awards

Kentucky Ed. Excellence Scholarships (KEES)

State need-based grants

State non-need-based grants

Federal Pell grants

Federal need-based loans

Federal non-need-based loans

Institutional grants

102

14

52

27

11

12

19

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$808

$1,128

$1,891

$650

$650

$1,747

$397

0

10

20

30

40

50

11.1

5.8

13.6

7.1

17.1

9.2

20.3

10.0

20.7

9.3

21.0

9.3

21.5

9.4

Percentage of Adults with a Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Todd County, 1980-2013

1980 1990 2000 2010

Todd County 2015 - continued

Sources: US Census 2009-2013 American Community Survey, US Department of Education, Kentucky Department of Education, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, Kentucky State

Board of Elections, US Census Small Area Health Insurance Estimates Program, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Kentucky Adult Education, and the Council on

Postsecondary Education. Complete descriptions of sources and methodologies may be found in the technical notes at the end of the County Profiles or through the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics website at the

address below:

2011

County

KY

2012

Hopkinsville Community College 31

Western Kentucky University 14

Murray State University 6

University of Kentucky 3

Bowling Green Technical College 3

Austin Peay State University Main Campus 2

Daymar College - Russellville 2

Sullivan University 1

University of Louisville 1

Union University 1

Other Institutions 4

Overall College Going Rates for 2012 Public High School Graduates

Top 10 Colleges and Universities Attended Number of Enrollments

2013

- 71 -
What are some basic facts about Trigg County residents? 

What industries provide employment in Trigg County?

County KY US

Total population

Median household income

Per capita income

Living in poverty

Eligible for Medicaid

Without medical insurance

Registered voters who voted in 

the 2012 general election

Unemployment rate

Access to Broadband Internet

14,293 4,395,295 316,128,839

$43,036 $53,046

$23,462 $28,155

16.1% %18.8 %15.4

14.7% %18.9 n/a

19.1% %16.2 %17.0

63.8% %59.7 %68.0

8.9% %8.0 %7.4

96.8% %96.8 %98.6

$25,527

$45,629

3.5%

Agriculture,

Mining, and Other

Natural Resources

3.8%

Finance,

Professional &

Other Services

37.0%

Health &

Education

Services

20.2%

Manufacturing and

Construction

20.2%

State and Local

Government and

Public Education

15.3%

Utilities, Trade, &

Transportation

2013 Employment by Sector

What is the educational attainment of Trigg County residents?

County KY US

Less than a high school diploma or 

equivalent

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college but no degree

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Graduate or professional degree

17.9 %17.0 % %13.9

34.1% %33.9 %28.1

21.5% %20.5 %21.2

8.1% %7.1 %7.8

10.3% %12.8 %18.0

8.1% %8.8 %10.8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

17.6 17.3 19.0 18.0 15.8

12.3

17.7

13.0

18.1 15.6

18.6

13.5

18.8 16.1

Percentage of Trigg County Population Living in Poverty, 1980-2013 

1980 1990 2000 2010

Are Trigg County public high school graduates prepared for college and 

career?

County KY

Average GPA for 2014 graduates

Average junior year ACT scores for 2014 

graduates

Mathematics

English

Reading

2.79 2.89

Ready for career by graduation

Science

51.0% %17.8

18.7 19.5

18.4 19.1

18.0 18.7

18.8 19.7

19.0 19.7

Ready for college by graduation 49.0% %56.2

Ready for college and/or career by graduation 70.5% %62.8

Composite

2015 Kentucky County Profile

Trigg County

The 2015 County Profile is produced by the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics utilizing data from the Kentucky Longitudinal Data System (KLDS), which

includes data from the Department of Education, Council on Postsecondary Education, Education Professional Standards Board, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, and

the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The report includes the most current data available for Kentucky counties, Area Development Districts (ADDs), and

Workforce Investment Areas (WIAs) on demographics, employment, college readiness and educational attainment. 

2011

County

KY

2012 2013

- 72 -
What is the education pipeline for Trigg County?

County KY

n/a

Public K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Private K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Special education population in 2013-2014

Students qualifying for free and reduced lunch in 2013-2014

Public high school graduates in 2011-2012

Kentucky Adult Education enrollments for 2012-2013

GEDs awarded in 2012-2013

Public high school graduates entering postsecondary 

education in 2012-2013

In-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Out-of-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Students earning an associate degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in science, 

technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in

2012-2013

Students earning a graduate or professional degree in 

2012-2013

Bachelor’s degree six-year graduation rate for 

2007 cohort

Associate degree three-year graduation rate for 

2010 cohort

Students earning a postsecondary certificate or 

diploma in 2012-2013

National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRC) awarded 

in 2013-2014

2,013 654,455

146 43,176

125 37,022

16 7,746

101 26,413

66.4 %56.2 %

4.1 %5.5 %

42 8,713

49 9,089

43 15,947

20 5,270

25 7,673

58.5 %58.3 %

80 17,613

217 69,258

12.3 %13.2 %

54.2%

n/a 11.0%

58.8%

7.1%

Entering students ready for kindergarten in fall 2014 % 50.0 %50.0

What were the top college choices for Trigg County public high school 

graduates? 

69.2%

30.8%

Attended College

Did Not Attend College

How much financial aid did 2012 public high school graduates from Trigg 

County receive in 2013?

Average Awards

Kentucky Ed. Excellence Scholarships (KEES)

State need-based grants

State non-need-based grants

Federal Pell grants

Federal need-based loans

Federal non-need-based loans

Institutional grants

134

29

77

58

22

27

34

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$1,050

$1,198

$2,575

$691

$1,034

$1,860

$564

0

10

20

30

40

50

11.1 9.4

13.6 11.4

17.1

12.0

20.3

15.8

20.7

16.8

21.0

16.8

21.5

18.4

Percentage of Adults with a Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Trigg County, 1980-2013

1980 1990 2000 2010

Trigg County 2015 - continued

Sources: US Census 2009-2013 American Community Survey, US Department of Education, Kentucky Department of Education, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, Kentucky State

Board of Elections, US Census Small Area Health Insurance Estimates Program, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Kentucky Adult Education, and the Council on

Postsecondary Education. Complete descriptions of sources and methodologies may be found in the technical notes at the end of the County Profiles or through the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics website at the

address below:

2011

County

KY

2012

Hopkinsville Community College 47

Murray State University 23

University of Louisville 9

Western Kentucky University 6

University of Kentucky 4

Austin Peay State University Main Campus 3

Berea College 3

West Ky Community & Technical College 3

Rochester Institute Of Technology 2

Madisonville Community College 2

Other Institutions 6

Overall College Going Rates for 2012 Public High School Graduates

Top 10 Colleges and Universities Attended Number of Enrollments

2013

- 73 -
What are some basic facts about Union County residents? 

What industries provide employment in Union County?

County KY US

Total population

Median household income

Per capita income

Living in poverty

Eligible for Medicaid

Without medical insurance

Registered voters who voted in 

the 2012 general election

Unemployment rate

Access to Broadband Internet

15,029 4,395,295 316,128,839

$43,036 $53,046

$23,462 $28,155

25.7% %18.8 %15.4

17.1% %18.9 n/a

16.8% %16.2 %17.0

59.4% %59.7 %68.0

7.7% %8.0 %7.4

99.6% %96.8 %98.6

$19,464

$39,125

25.9%

Agriculture,

Mining, and Other

Natural Resources

2.7%

Finance,

Professional &

Other Services

26.8%

Health &

Education

Services

0.3%

Information and

Communications

13.5%

Manufacturing and

Construction

13.4%

State and Local

Government and

Public Education

17.4%

Utilities, Trade, &

Transportation

2013 Employment by Sector

What is the educational attainment of Union County residents?

County KY US

Less than a high school diploma or 

equivalent

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college but no degree

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Graduate or professional degree

17.5 %17.0 % %13.9

37.9% %33.9 %28.1

22.3% %20.5 %21.2

10.9% %7.1 %7.8

6.4% %12.8 %18.0

5.0% %8.8 %10.8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

17.6

22.2

19.0

22.1

15.8 17.7 17.7 18.5 18.1

23.2

18.6

26.1

18.8

25.7

Percentage of Union County Population Living in Poverty, 1980-2013 

1980 1990 2000 2010

Are Union County public high school graduates prepared for college and 

career?

County KY

Average GPA for 2014 graduates

Average junior year ACT scores for 2014 

graduates

Mathematics

English

Reading

2.91 2.89

Ready for career by graduation

Science

36.9% %17.8

18.0 19.5

17.5 19.1

17.3 18.7

18.0 19.7

18.6 19.7

Ready for college by graduation 44.6% %56.2

Ready for college and/or career by graduation 61.3% %62.8

Composite

2015 Kentucky County Profile

Union County

The 2015 County Profile is produced by the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics utilizing data from the Kentucky Longitudinal Data System (KLDS), which

includes data from the Department of Education, Council on Postsecondary Education, Education Professional Standards Board, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, and

the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The report includes the most current data available for Kentucky counties, Area Development Districts (ADDs), and

Workforce Investment Areas (WIAs) on demographics, employment, college readiness and educational attainment. 

2011

County

KY

2012 2013

- 74 -
What is the education pipeline for Union County?

County KY

n/a

Public K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Private K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Special education population in 2013-2014

Students qualifying for free and reduced lunch in 2013-2014

Public high school graduates in 2011-2012

Kentucky Adult Education enrollments for 2012-2013

GEDs awarded in 2012-2013

Public high school graduates entering postsecondary 

education in 2012-2013

In-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Out-of-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Students earning an associate degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in science, 

technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in

2012-2013

Students earning a graduate or professional degree in 

2012-2013

Bachelor’s degree six-year graduation rate for 

2007 cohort

Associate degree three-year graduation rate for 

2010 cohort

Students earning a postsecondary certificate or 

diploma in 2012-2013

National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRC) awarded 

in 2013-2014

2,244 654,455

124 43,176

60 37,022

14 7,746

88 26,413

62.1 %56.2 %

8.9 %5.5 %

53 8,713

42 9,089

49 15,947

14 5,270

21 7,673

55.0 %58.3 %

133 17,613

235 69,258

14.0 %13.2 %

54.2%

n/a 11.0%

82.8%

12.5%

Entering students ready for kindergarten in fall 2014 % 49.7 %50.0

What were the top college choices for Union County public high school 

graduates? 

71.0%

29.0%

Attended College

Did Not Attend College

How much financial aid did 2012 public high school graduates from Union 

County receive in 2013?

Average Awards

Kentucky Ed. Excellence Scholarships (KEES)

State need-based grants

State non-need-based grants

Federal Pell grants

Federal need-based loans

Federal non-need-based loans

Institutional grants

113

22

67

40

25

29

29

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$727

$1,369

$2,315

$1,674

$1,287

$1,883

$538

0

10

20

30

40

50

11.1

6.7

13.6

8.9

17.1

10.9

20.3

12.4

20.7

11.4

21.0

10.2

21.5

11.4

Percentage of Adults with a Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Union County, 1980-2013

1980 1990 2000 2010

Union County 2015 - continued

Sources: US Census 2009-2013 American Community Survey, US Department of Education, Kentucky Department of Education, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, Kentucky State

Board of Elections, US Census Small Area Health Insurance Estimates Program, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Kentucky Adult Education, and the Council on

Postsecondary Education. Complete descriptions of sources and methodologies may be found in the technical notes at the end of the County Profiles or through the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics website at the

address below:

2011

County

KY

2012

Henderson Community College 26

Murray State University 19

Western Kentucky University 11

University of Kentucky 8

University of Louisville 6

University Of Southern Indiana 4

Brescia University 3

Southeastern Illinois College 2

Lindsey Wilson College 2

Kentucky State University 2

Other Institutions 9

Overall College Going Rates for 2012 Public High School Graduates

Top 10 Colleges and Universities Attended Number of Enrollments

2013

- 75 -
What are some basic facts about Webster County residents? 

What industries provide employment in Webster County?

County KY US

Total population

Median household income

Per capita income

Living in poverty

Eligible for Medicaid

Without medical insurance

Registered voters who voted in 

the 2012 general election

Unemployment rate

Access to Broadband Internet

13,452 4,395,295 316,128,839

$43,036 $53,046

$23,462 $28,155

14.8% %18.8 %15.4

17.7% %18.9 n/a

18.0% %16.2 %17.0

58.8% %59.7 %68.0

7.2% %8.0 %7.4

99.0% %96.8 %98.6

$20,337

$41,415

12.1%

Agriculture,

Mining, and Other

Natural Resources

2.6%

Finance,

Professional &

Other Services

18.4%

Health &

Education

Services

0.3%

Information and

Communications

18.1%

Manufacturing and

Construction

21.9%

State and Local

Government and

Public Education

26.5%

Utilities, Trade, &

Transportation

2013 Employment by Sector

What is the educational attainment of Webster County residents?

County KY US

Less than a high school diploma or 

equivalent

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college but no degree

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Graduate or professional degree

22.7 %17.0 % %13.9

43.1% %33.9 %28.1

19.0% %20.5 %21.2

6.7% %7.1 %7.8

4.4% %12.8 %18.0

4.1% %8.8 %10.8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

17.6 17.9 19.0 16.5 15.8 15.4 17.7 16.0 18.1 15.8

18.6 17.2 18.8

14.8

Percentage of Webster County Population Living in Poverty, 1980-2013 

1980 1990 2000 2010

Are Webster County public high school graduates prepared for college 

and career?

County KY

Average GPA for 2014 graduates

Average junior year ACT scores for 2014 

graduates

Mathematics

English

Reading

2.72 2.89

Ready for career by graduation

Science

30.8% %17.8

18.1 19.5

17.6 19.1

16.9 18.7

18.9 19.7

18.7 19.7

Ready for college by graduation 50.4% %56.2

Ready for college and/or career by graduation 63.9% %62.8

Composite

2015 Kentucky County Profile

Webster County

The 2015County Profile is produced by the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics utilizing data from the Kentucky Longitudinal Data System (KLDS), which

includes data from the Department of Education, Council on Postsecondary Education, Education Professional Standards Board, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, and

the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The report includes the most current data available for Kentucky counties, Area Development Districts (ADDs), and

Workforce Investment Areas (WIAs) on demographics, employment, college readiness and educational attainment. 

2011

County

KY

2012 2013

- 76 -
What is the education pipeline for Webster County?

County KY

n/a

Public K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Private K-12 enrollment in 2013-2014

Special education population in 2013-2014

Students qualifying for free and reduced lunch in 2013-2014

Public high school graduates in 2011-2012

Kentucky Adult Education enrollments for 2012-2013

GEDs awarded in 2012-2013

Public high school graduates entering postsecondary 

education in 2012-2013

In-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Out-of-state college going rate in 2012-2013

Students earning an associate degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in 2012-2013

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in science, 

technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in

2012-2013

Students earning a graduate or professional degree in 

2012-2013

Bachelor’s degree six-year graduation rate for 

2007 cohort

Associate degree three-year graduation rate for 

2010 cohort

Students earning a postsecondary certificate or 

diploma in 2012-2013

National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRC) awarded 

in 2013-2014

2,128 654,455

122 43,176

148 37,022

29 7,746

76 26,413

59.8 %56.2 %

3.3 %5.5 %

43 8,713

42 9,089

37 15,947

16 5,270

13 7,673

57.7 %58.3 %

239 17,613

76 69,258

13.5 %13.2 %

54.2%

n/a 11.0%

69.6%

24.1%

Entering students ready for kindergarten in fall 2014 % 42.2 %50.0

What were the top college choices for Webster County public high school 

graduates? 

62.3%

37.7%

Attended College

Did Not Attend College

How much financial aid did 2012 public high school graduates from Webster 

County receive in 2013?

Average Awards

Kentucky Ed. Excellence Scholarships (KEES)

State need-based grants

State non-need-based grants

Federal Pell grants

Federal need-based loans

Federal non-need-based loans

Institutional grants

112

14

61

31

18

17

25

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$1,146

$1,420

$1,775

$1,020

$814

$1,185

$342

0

10

20

30

40

50

11.1

5.2

13.6

6.0

17.1

7.1

20.3

8.5

20.7

9.4

21.0

9.0

21.5

8.4

Percentage of Adults with a Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Webster County, 1980-2013

1980 1990 2000 2010

Webster County 2015 - continued

Sources: US Census 2009-2013 American Community Survey, US Department of Education, Kentucky Department of Education, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, Kentucky State

Board of Elections, US Census Small Area Health Insurance Estimates Program, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Kentucky Adult Education, and the Council on

Postsecondary Education. Complete descriptions of sources and methodologies may be found in the technical notes at the end of the County Profiles or through the Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics website at the

address below:

2011

County

KY

2012

Madisonville Community College 46

Murray State University 8

Western Kentucky University 6

University of Kentucky 4

Henderson Community College 4

Brescia University 2

Lindsey Wilson College 2

West Ky Community & Technical College 1

Bluegrass Community & Technical College 1

Everest University - Tempe 1

Other Institutions 3

Overall College Going Rates for 2012 Public High School Graduates

Top 10 Colleges and Universities Attended Number of Enrollments

2013

- 77 -