Destination Kentucky

This section will answer many of your questions regarding the life science industry in Kentucky, the state's economy, tax structure and cost of living, education, transportation, climate, recreational opportunities, history and more.

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Industry Overview | Economy/Cost of Living | Education
Recreation & Entertainment | Transportation | Geography & Climate
History | Suggested Reading List

The Bluegrass State, the Land of Tomorrow, a land of Thoroughbreds, coal mines, country music, river towns, rich history and vibrant cities: this is Kentucky, a state whose legacies and bright minds can only enhance its future.

Industry Snapshot

Kentucky is becoming a growing force in the biotechnology and life sciences industry. The Bluegrass State offers a range of resources, from organizations, universities, and companies to foster the state’s bioscience growth.

Economy/Cost of Living

With over 4,206,074 people, Kentucky ranks 26th in population among the United States. The largest cities in the Bluegrass State are Louisville, with a population of 701,500 in the Louisville-Jefferson County area, Lexington-Fayette, Owensboro<, Bowling Green, Hopkinsville, capital city Frankfort, Henderson, Richmond, and Jeffersontown.

Education

Students of all ages will benefit from Kentucky’s impressive educational opportunities. School age children can attend one of over 1,200 public schools across 175 districts. Students also have the choice of attending private schools, or being home-schooled.

Recreation & Entertainment

Kentucky boasts a wonderful spectrum recreational opportunities within its borders, whether urban, cultural, or outdoor.

Transportation

Kentucky’s location in the mid-southeastern U.S. places it in close proximity to major transportation hubs. Highway travel is the chief mode of transportation in the Bluegrass State.

Geography & Climate

Kentucky is located in the Southeastern region of the United States and ranks as the 37th largest state in total area by covering 40,411 square miles. Kentucky is bordered by Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio to the north, to the south by Tennessee, by West Virginia and Virginia to the east, and by Missouri to the west.

History

Kentucky’s name originates from an Iroquois Indian word, "Ken-tah-ten", meaning "land of tomorrow". While an apt name for the state’s future, Kentucky also claims an interesting past. Modern-day Kentucky was inhabited in prehistory by the Paleo-Indian Culture, the Archaic Culture, the Woodland culture, the Adena culture, the Mississippian culture, and the Fort Ancient culture.

Suggested Reading List

A list of select guides and reference books about Kentucky.