LEARN ABOUT WESTERN KENTUCKY

WE INVITE YOU TO CALL IT HOME.

WELCOME

PADUCAH

Much can be said about the great city of Paducah. The city is flourishing economically, rapidly expanding its educational goals, and filled with attractions and rich history. The locals are helpful and brimming with southern hospitality, and the atmosphere is warm and friendly. It has all the conveniences of a large city, but still manages to retain that small town feeling that many crave. It’s the best of both worlds and a wonderful place to live.

BENTON

Benton, Kentucky, is a charming small town located in the western part of the state, serving as the county seat of Marshall County. Known for its friendly community and rich heritage, Benton offers a blend of small-town hospitality and modern amenities. It is home to the famous annual Tater Day Festival, one of the oldest continuous trade days in the United States. Surrounded by natural beauty, including nearby Kentucky Lake, Benton provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, making it a welcoming destination for visitors and a comfortable home for residents.

MAYFIELD

Mayfield, Kentucky, is a resilient and welcoming community located in the heart of Graves County. Known for its rich history and strong sense of hometown pride, Mayfield combines Southern charm with a spirit of perseverance. The city offers a mix of cultural heritage, local businesses, and scenic beauty, all while serving as a hub for regional industry and agriculture. Despite challenges in recent years due to the December 2021 Tornado, Mayfield continues to grow and rebuild with strength and optimism.

WICKLIFFE

Ballard County, Kentucky, is a scenic and welcoming area in the far western corner of the state, where the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers meet. Rich in natural beauty and outdoor recreation, the county is home to the Ballard Wildlife Management Area, a favorite for hunting, fishing, and birdwatching. With historic sites like Wickliffe Mounds and close-knit communities such as La Center and Barlow, Ballard County offers a peaceful rural lifestyle rooted in tradition and community pride. It’s a hidden gem where nature, history, and hospitality come together.

CLINTON

Hickman County, Kentucky, is a tranquil and picturesque community nestled along the Mississippi River in the far western part of the state. Established in 1821, the county offers a blend of rich history and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the historic Columbus-Belmont State Park, a former Civil War fortification, or enjoy outdoor activities at Rotary Park in Clinton. The county’s fertile land supports local agriculture, and its strategic location at the confluence of four states makes it a hub for regional commerce.

BARDWELL

Carlisle County, Kentucky, is a charming rural community nestled in the far western part of the state, where the Mississippi River forms its western border. Established in 1886, the county offers a unique blend of natural beauty and small-town hospitality. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore over 33 miles of trails at Wright’s Area 252, perfect for ATV riding, hiking, and horseback riding . The county’s fertile lands support a strong agricultural tradition, while its strategic location near the confluence of four states enhances its appeal for both residents and businesses .

about the region

COST OF LIVING

Despite being rich with history and culture, this area has one of the lowest cost-of-living indexes in the nation relative to other U.S. cities.

HOUSING & COMMUNITY

Find a variety of vibrant and picturesque communities, each offering a unique mix of renovated historic homes, modern new constructions, and scenic agricultural neighborhoods.

CLIMATE

Summers are warm and humid, with average daytime temperatures in the 80s and nighttime temperatures falling into the 70s. Winters are relatively mild, with average highs in the 40s and 50s°F and lows often dipping into the 20s and 30s°F. Precipitation is fairly consistent throughout the year, with severe weather, including thunderstorms and tornadoes, particularly active in the spring

DEMOGRAPHICS

15-county area with more than 260,000 residents. The median age is 42.5 years old.

COMMERCE

Across the board, you will find the local economy is showing promising growth. Thousands of new jobs have come into the community in recent years with no sign of slowing down. Those jobs are in nearly every viable industry, from health care to retail, manufacturing to customer service. The thriving local economy has resulted in a bustling business culture. We invite you to come be a part of our growing community.

Top 10 Employers

Baptist Health Paducah
Location: McCracken County

Pilgrim’s Pride
Location: Graves County

Four Rivers Nuclear Partnership
Location: McCracken County

Mayfield Consumer Products
Location: Graves County

Berry Global
Location: Fulton County

Premier Buildings & Trailers
Location: Fulton County

Marshall County Schools
Location: Marshall County

Kayser Automotive Systems
Location: Fulton County

James Marine
Location: McCracken County

Murray State University
Regional Employer – Calloway County Headquarters

Family
Business

This area is home to an abundance of family owned and operated businesses. This includes restaurants, bakeries, clothing boutiques, and many, many more. These businesses offer a variety of unique products and services, and deliver professional workmanship with a personal touch. Small businesses like these employ many in the area and help to shape the local economy into the exciting concept that it is.

The River Industry

The northern border of Kentucky is dictated by the winding Ohio River, so it’s no surprise that those inland waters play a huge part in the state’s commerce. Paducah is home to the headquarters of the large barge companies: Ingram Barge Company, Crounse Corporation, James Marine, and Marquette Transportation. These businesses employ nearly 6,000 people and have a direct economic impact of $500 million per year.

education

Home to 8 public school districts and two post-secondary schools, all of which offer an excellent educational experience. More higher learning opportunities are also in the works, and existing facilities and resources and constantly being updated and improved upon.

WKCTC

Western Kentucky Community and Technical College has been named one of the top 10 community colleges in the nation. It offers more than 400 accociate degrees, diplomas, and certifications in over 40 areas of study.

Murray State University

Not only is the Murray campus easily within commuting distance, but there is even a regional campus located in Paducah. This offers students who cannot make the commute many of the same learning opportunities they would have at the actual campus. The 50,000 square-foot complex contains classrooms, offices, and computer laboratories.

healthcare

Baptist Health- Paducah

Mercy Health

JACKSON PURCHASE MEDICAL CENTER

MARSHALL COUNTY HOSPITAL

ATTRACTIONS

This area is full of things to do and see. For the fine arts enthusiast, there is the Carson Center, National Quilt Museum, Paducah’s Lowertown Arts District, Kentucky Opry, and Ballard County Art Guild. For the historian, there is the beautifully preserved downtown Paducah & Floodwall, Reelfoot Lake State Park, Blue Licks Battle Field State Resort Park, and Columbus-Bellmont State Park. Wineries, craft beer breweries and nightlife? Yes, we have that too! This is just to name a few. One thing is for sure, if you live in this area it will be a while before you run out of places to go and things to see.