Economy
Paducah is the center of a 15-county labor market area spread over 4,396 square miles with a population of more than 250,000. The region is comprised of 15 counties, and spreads over 4,396 square miles with a total population of over 250,000.
Paducah’s healthy business climate boasts a low unemployment rate, with 75 manufacturing companies of various sizes and 25 local businesses that employ 100 people or more.
The transportation industry was a vital part of Paducah’s growth in its early days and remains important today. The river industry is a key component of the local economy with the northernmost ice-free inland waterways port in the U.S.
The variety of businesses in Paducah creates a thriving local economy:
- Wholesale/Retail/Services – 47 percent of employment
- Government and Other – 19 percent of employment
- Manufacturing – 19 percent of employment
- Transportation/Communications/Utilities – 7 percent of employment
- Mining and Construction – 8 percent of employment
Top Ten Largest Employers in the Area:
- Ingram - 1800
- Western Baptist - 1747
- Pilgrims Pride - 1,470
- Lourdes Hospital - 1,450
- Murray State University – 1,413
- USEC – 1,196
- Marquette Transportation – 1,100
- James Marine – 1,021
- Briggs & Stratton – 1,000
- McCracken County Schools - 884
