Paducah has a large regional population of 427,486. Over 171,000 of these persons are in the labor force. In addition, Paducah has an available labor pool of over 30,000 unemployed and underemployed persons. Underemployed persons are members of the civilian labor force that are currently employed but underutilized in terms of skills or working hours. For companies paying over $12.00/hr. for a 40 hour week, the available labor pool becomes even larger at over 50,000 persons.

Data computed by GPEDC based upon the following sources:

• Workforce Kentucky Labor Market Information
• Illinois Department of Employment Security
• Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development
• Missouri Economic Research and Information Center

Paducah has a significant number of underemployed workers. Underemployed workers are members of the civilian labor force that are currently employed but underutilized in terms of skills or working hours.