Kentucky State Facts & Information

As of 2024, Kentucky has a population of 4,588,372, representing a 0.83% increase from 2023. The state continues to experience steady population growth, with a diverse demographic profile across its counties and communities.

Governor Andy Beshear, a Democrat, currently serves as Kentucky's governor. He was elected in 2023 with 53 percent of the vote and has focused on strengthening the state's economy, education system, and healthcare infrastructure.

Kentucky's real GDP was approximately $229.9 billion in 2024, adjusted for inflation. The state's GDP per capita is $50,102, ranking 44th highest among all 50 states. Kentucky's economy has shown steady growth with a 1.6% increase in 2023.

Manufacturing is the largest contributor to Kentucky's economy, generating $39.6 billion in 2024. This is followed by government ($27.8 billion) and real estate, rental, and leasing ($25.7 billion). Kentucky is particularly strong in food and beverage manufacturing, automotive production, and bourbon distilling, with the food and beverage sector contributing 3.4% to the state's GDP.

Kentucky's economy has demonstrated significant strength, with Governor Beshear announcing in 2023 that Kentucky ranks 3rd nationally in economic projects per capita and 1st in the South Central Region for the Governor's Cup. The state's per capita income was $57,526 in 2024, ranking 47th among states, while the median household income was $62,417 in 2023.

Kentucky enacted its FY 2025-2026 biennial budget in April 2024. The budget reported $16.1 billion in general fund spending for FY 2025 and $16.9 billion in general fund spending for FY 2026. Total state expenditures in fiscal year 2024 were $49.6 billion according to the National Association of State Budget Officers.

Kentucky provides comprehensive government resources through its official state portal at kentucky.gov. Residents can access services including the Kentucky Lottery, education resources through the state's colleges and universities, business support programs, healthcare facilities and hospitals, legal resources, and tourism information. The state maintains services across all 120 counties.

Kentucky has several distinctive economic strengths. The food and beverage manufacturing industry produces far more for Kentucky than for the nation, contributing 3.4% to Kentucky's GDP compared to just 1.2% nationally. The state is world-renowned for bourbon production and has a strong automotive manufacturing presence. Kentucky's strategic location and transportation infrastructure make it an attractive hub for distribution and logistics operations.