Understanding Economic Distress in Eastern Kentucky

Since 1970 the communities of eastern Kentucky have comprised the largest contiguous area of perennially distressed counties in Kentucky and Appalachia. A better understanding of the reasons underlying this continuing disparity is needed in order to enhance the development and implementation of policies and procedures aimed at creating more economically and socially sustainable communities in this region. Towards this end, we conducted a historical case study of ‘economic progress’ in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, with a particular focus on eastern Kentucky, in an attempt to better understand the region’s past development, as well as current and future prospects for creating more sustainable and prosperous communities. Geographic patterns and trends were examined from 1970-2000 for a variety of variables including poverty, employment, income, population, and educational attainment. It is hoped that the results of this study will enhance the capacity of local and regional leaders to vision and achieve a better future for the citizens of eastern Kentucky