Paducah Economic Development Opportunities Report October 2025

Available Properties in Paducah, KY

Located at the confluence of the Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers in Western Kentucky — between St. Louis and Nashville — the City of Paducah blends historical charm, modern amenities, and outstanding economic opportunity. Recognized as one of America’s most charming small towns by The Travel Channel and Travel + Leisure and ranked among USA Today’s “Top 10 Small Towns for Shopping,” Paducah is equally renowned for its dynamic economy and creative spirit.

As a UNESCO Creative City, Paducah combines small-town hospitality with global connectivity. It’s where business, industry, and artistry intersect, offering an environment that inspires growth and innovation for companies and communities alike.

Location, Location, Location

Paducah’s strategic location provides unmatched access to national and international markets. Situated along key inland waterways, the city’s logistics infrastructure supports the efficient movement of goods by river, rail, road and air.

The Paducah-McCracken County Riverport is a premier inland shipping hub just miles from the Mississippi River and is considered the nation’s northernmost ice-free riverport. It offers year-round access to the Gulf of Mexico via the Ohio and Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway systems, connecting directly to such major ports as New Orleans, La., and Mobile, Ala. The Riverport’s advanced facilities, equipment, and barge-repair expertise make it a trusted partner for industries focused on sustainable and cost-efficient transportation.

Paducah’s rail network provides Class I speed and coverage through Canadian National (CN) and Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF), with short-line access to CSX, Norfolk Southern (NS), and Paducah & Louisville (P&L). The Triple Rail MegaSite offers unique multi-rail access for seamless east–west and north–south distribution, ensuring fast, flexible freight service across the continent.

Interstate 24 runs directly through Paducah, placing 67 percent of the U.S. population within a 24-hour delivery radius. Major cities such as St. Louis, Nashville and Indianapolis are just a few hours away, with interchanges to six additional interstates (I-24, I-40, I-55, I-57, I-65 and I-69) within 150 miles. This central positioning makes Paducah a logistics powerhouse for companies that rely on timely, cost-effective transport.

Barkley Regional Airport continues to strengthen Paducah’s air connectivity. The newly opened $42 million terminal, completed in 2023, features state-of-the-art facilities and expanded air freight capacity, supporting commercial and private aviation.

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently approved SkyWest Airlines as the new air carrier for Barkley Regional Airport, with scheduled service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) — one of the world’s busiest and most connected hubs. The transition from Contour Airlines to SkyWest will occur in November, enhancing national and international access for businesses and travelers alike. While local leaders are also advocating for future service to Houston, the Chicago route will immediately strengthen Paducah’s links to major domestic and global markets.

Why Paducah?

Paducah’s diverse economy includes advanced manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, marine services, retail, and finance — creating a balanced and resilient business environment. The Greater Paducah Economic Development Council (GPED) provides comprehensive support for business relocations and expansions, offering expertise in site selection, incentives, workforce training and infrastructure planning.

The regional labor force includes more than 170,000 skilled workers, supported by strong partnerships with institutions such as West Kentucky Community & Technical College and Murray State University, which offer tailored workforce development programs for emerging industries.

Major employers benefiting from Paducah’s strategic advantages include:

• Marquette Transportation Co.
• James Marine
• UACJ Automotive Whitehall Industries
• Dippin’ Dots
• Coca-Cola Paducah
• H.B. Fuller
• A&K Construction
• Computer Services, Inc.
• ViWinTech Windows & Doors

Public power is provided by the award-winning Paducah Power System (PPS), which boasts a 99.99 percent reliability rate and holds the American Public Power Association’s highest RP3 Diamond Designation. Businesses enjoy both dependable and cost-effective energy.

Kentucky’s business advantages and Paducah’s strategic multimodal access make it clear why investors nationwide are choosing Paducah.

Quality of Life

Paducah isn’t just a great place to work — it’s a wonderful place to live. The city offers a welcoming mix of cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities that enhance everyday life.

Downtown Paducah and the Lowertown Arts District feature beautifully preserved architecture, art galleries, boutique shops, and diverse dining options. Along the riverfront, the Carson Center hosts world-class performances, while the National Quilt Museum — an international destination — celebrates creativity and craftsmanship.

Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the Greenway Trail, local parks, and the city’s scenic riverfront for walking, biking, and fishing. The Entertainment Destination Center adds energy and excitement, with river views, live music, and community events that draw residents and visitors alike.

Paducah’s calendar is filled with festivals, farmers’ markets, and cultural events that reflect its vibrant personality and community pride. With excellent healthcare, quality education options, and a low cost of living, the city offers a high quality of life that complements its business advantages.

Paducah, Kentucky, stands out as a city where industry meets creativity and innovation meets opportunity. With its multimodal infrastructure, skilled workforce, and thriving cultural landscape, Paducah offers the perfect environment for businesses and families to grow together.

Discover the possibilities. Visit paducahky.gov or connect with the Greater Paducah Economic Development Council to learn more about opportunities in this dynamic river city.

Site Opportunities Include:

Vacant Land:

• Industrial Park West (formerly I-24 Industrial Park) (59 acres)

• Ohio River Triple Rail MegaSite (1,000 acres)
• Paducah Commerce Park (268.80 acres)

Industrial and Office Space:

• 500 S 17th Street – Previously BFW Engineering Building (19,800 square feet)

Public Power and AMP

Public power utilities are not-for-profit, community-owned electric systems that work to provide the highest-quality, most reliable power to residents and businesses. They are part of the communities and focus on what is best for the people and businesses they serve.

American Municipal Power, Inc. (AMP) is the nonprofit wholesale power supplier and services provider for more than 130 Members in the states of Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, as well as the Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation, a joint action agency with nine Delaware municipal members. Combined, these Member municipal electric utilities serve approximately 665,000 customers. AMP Members receive their power supply from a diversified resource mix that includes wholesale power purchases through AMP and the open market and energy produced at AMP and Member-owned generating facilities utilizing fossil fuel, hydroelectric, solar, wind, and other renewable resources.

For more information about our Member communities and programs, visit searchampsites.com.