Paducah is the center of a multi-county labor market area. 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 United States.

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:

·         United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC) – 1,700

·         Lourdes Hospital – 1,600

·         Western Baptist Hospital - 1,400

·         General Tire – 1,200

·         Seabord Farms – 1,000

·         Briggs & Stratton Corp. - 780

·         McCracken County Public Schools - 760

·         Westvaco Corp. – 630

·        Bremnar, Inc. -- 560