Lexington Kentucky Information
Lexington's early reputation as the Athens of the West due to its role as a trade, cultural, and educational center during colonial expansion has been carefully protected and its cosmopolitan role enhanced. Located on a plateau lying at the edge of the Cumberland Gap, Lexington remains the financial, educational, retail, health care, service, and cultural center of the Bluegrass Region in central Kentucky and most of eastern Kentucky. Lexington residents possess a special pride in their homeland. No matter what your pleasure or work, it is all here in Lexington's Bluegrass Country. From sampling blue-ribbon pies at the county fair to sipping mint juleps on the veranda, from the excitement of unsurpassed collegiate athletics to the tranquility of your favorite fishing hole, Lexington offers all the amenities of a major city with the allure of nearby countryside.
Lexington and the surrounding area's robust economy are due in large part to its diversification of employment opportunities. Our largest employment sector, the services industry, accounts for only 29.4% of total jobs. Most of the remaining employment is dispersed among government, retail trade, manufacturing, and construction. Because of the diverse opportunities, Lexington's unemployment rate is typically lower than the rest of the nation.
The University of Kentucky, Toyota, and Lexmark International are the major employers in the area. However, citizens also enjoy strong employment opportunities in equine related business, health care, retail, and the services industry. Principle manufactured products include computer printers, automobiles, automobile parts, furniture, peanut butter, cutting tools, heating and air conditioning equipment, and paper cups and products.
