Population in Kentucky reached four million persons this year - an increase of over 300,000 since the 1990 census, and a growth rate of 9.1 percent. Many areas and cities in Kentucky that experienced drops in population during the 1980's are now experiencing growth.
Good jobs keep people from moving to other states for employment.
Kentuckians who now reside in other states are moving back to the Commonwealth. Based on significant increases in population and household income, one would have to conclude that during the past decade Kentucky's incentives for companies to expand or build new businesses in Kentucky and create new jobs have been extremely successful. The state's efforts to improve Kentucky's educational system and enhance the quality of the workforce coupled with incentives have been a powerful force to boost the economy and the quality of life in Kentucky. Without the efforts of state and local government to recruit new business, Kentucky could have been faced with low tech industries moving to foreign countries, a static but aging population, low per capita and per household incomes and an eroding tax base that would require higher tax rates or a decline in governmental services. Instead, Kentucky is growing at a healthy rate and its economic vitality is excellent.