Kentucky(W) vs. Kentucky(E)? (Lexington, Louisville: unemployment, purchase, incomes)

[Future Trooper]

What is the main difference between Western Kentucky(W of I-65) and Eastern Kentucky(E of I-65)? i have heard that there is a significant difference in these regions of the state is this really true? what is Western Kentucky like? is it like Indiana or is it the same as Kentucky(E)? please if someone could tell me what is the main difference that would be greatly appreciated!

[censusdata]

Economically there is a huge difference. Western KY is much more "urban" and industrialized and thus has much lower poverty rates and higher median incomes. Eastern KY is still basically a mining and tourism based economy.

Here are some maps from the US census which helps:
Percent UNEMPLOYMENT



MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME

[Future Trooper]

Thank you for your info

[rnc76]

I think I-75 is the better boundary. However, there are some areas in south central KY between I-65 and 75 that are more culturally similar to EKY. But I-75 goes right through NKY (Cinci metro) and just east of Lexington. Basically all of the cities of any size in KY either straddle I-75 or are to the west, such as Louisville, Lexington, NKY, Bowling Green, Owensboro, Paducah...

[rnc76]

Originally Posted by censusdata

Economically there is a huge difference. Western KY is much more "urban" and industrialized and thus has much lower poverty rates and higher median incomes. Eastern KY is still basically a mining and tourism based economy.

Here are some maps from the US census which helps:
Percent UNEMPLOYMENT



MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME

I-80 goes through KY??????? That is news to me. Must be a little mess up in their maps.

[Davart]

The further West you go the more southern you get, the far western end of the state actually tried to succeed from the state during the Civil War and still has deep southern ties. Western KY, west of the LBL, the Jackson Purchase mainly is called by the locals political Siberia.

[kygman]

Davart, since I think you may be close to my old hometown in Graves County, you probably know the civil war trivia about Mayfield. I think I may have mentioned this in another forum, but Abraham Lincoln received no votes in Mayfield when he won the presidential election.

[tomocox]

On the map that shows I-80 in KY, that is actually Kentucky Highway 80 which runs the length of the state east to west typically 30-50 miles from the Tennessee border.

[stxdreamer]

Originally Posted by gdude

What is the main difference between Western Kentucky(W of I-65) and Eastern Kentucky(E of I-65)? i have heard that there is a significant difference in these regions of the state is this really true? what is Western Kentucky like? is it like Indiana or is it the same as Kentucky(E)? please if someone could tell me what is the main difference that would be greatly appreciated!

I live right on I65 (Elizabethtown) and have traveled extensively all over Kentucky both for business and pleasure. I much prefer the Western side of Kentucky compared to the East. If I were to move from Hardin County, it would definitely be to the West. I like the lakes, small town feel of the communities, the travel is much easier (better road system due to no mountains). Far western Ky. is almost like going back in time 20-30 years (or more) which I find most enjoyable. Cadiz is my favorite little town--I may just retire there in a few years. BUT, remember, much of this is just personal preference. I have nothing against eastern Ky., I just wouldn't want to live there.

[Future Trooper]

Originally Posted by stxdreamer

I live right on I65 (Elizabethtown) and have traveled extensively all over Kentucky both for business and pleasure. I much prefer the Western side of Kentucky compared to the East. If I were to move from Hardin County, it would definitely be to the West. I like the lakes, small town feel of the communities, the travel is much easier (better road system due to no mountains). Far western Ky. is almost like going back in time 20-30 years (or more) which I find most enjoyable. Cadiz is my favorite little town--I may just retire there in a few years. BUT, remember, much of this is just personal preference. I have nothing against eastern Ky., I just wouldn't want to live there.

I have been through Elizabethtown/Hardin County twice before and loved going there and i would agree going through Western kentucky is like going back 20-30 years and the road are much better in the west