South Central Kentucky’s population is nearly 284,000, with a labor force of more than 113,000. As the radius expands around the county, it naturally follows that the population and labor force increase. The chart shows this data, particularly showing that the population and labor force double at 30 miles, and then 50 miles, circling Warren County.

Within a 100-mile radius the South Central Kentucky region offers access to a labor force of nearly 750,000 and is expected to grow by an additional 45,000 by 2018 (Applied Geographic Solutions, 2012). Extending past Louisville, Ky., Evansville, Ind., and Nashville, Tenn., this labor force is part of a larger population of more than 1.47 million residents.

Quality of Labor Force

As part of the larger labor force within its 100-mile radius, Warren County (population 118,000) has its own labor force of more than 61,000 and is currently showing a job growth rate of 18.31% (Applied Geographic Solutions, 2012). Additionally, nearly 10,000 people from 51 Kentucky counties commute to Bowling Green every day.

The quality of the workforce in Warren County is a valuable factor that complements the availability of labor. Warren County has been recognized as a Work Ready Community, providing more evidence that employers benefit from the quality of the labor force. This designation, awarded by the Kentucky Workforce Investment Board, certifies that Warren County has the workforce capacity to staff existing jobs and to master the innovative technologies that new jobs will require in the future. The county was one of only three Work Ready Communities in the Commonwealth as of April 2012, and Kentucky is one of only four states in the nation to be actively participating in the ACT Certified Work Ready Communities program.