Everyone knows the Bluegrass State is a beautiful place to live, thanks to the land and the friendly residents. Unfortunately, the old saying “nobody’s perfect” still rings true. It hurts to say it, but we could use some work with these troubling Kentucky facts.

Here are 10 troubling Kentucky facts that could stand improvements:

10. New Madrid Fault Line
kbh3rd/Wikimedia Commons
Most people don’t really like to think about this, but it still exists. Kentucky sits atop a giant cave system and fault line. It has sinkhole issues, though not on a gigantic scale. The fact remains, Mother Nature could decide to swallow up 2/3 of the state on a whim. Many try to avoid areas with frequent construction using explosives, which is smart.
9. Annual particle position
Navin75/Flickr
The American Lung Association found that Jefferson County ranks 15th in the nation for particle pollution in the air that locals try to breathe. That is quite a feat for such a vast amount of counties all across the U.S. It is also number 3 for allergens.
8. Bourbon and horse racing
directorebeccer/Flickr
These are the first things that come to mind when people outside of Kentucky, think of this state. That is one very good reason to promote the beauty of this state and balance it out. Residents are not ashamed of the fact that they raise amazing horses and make the finest bourbon to be found. Not to mention, despite the high bourbon production, this state is nowhere near the top of the list when it comes to deaths due to alcohol. That is something to take pride in. There are just a few other things worth admiring in Kentucky. Red River Gorge, Cumberland Falls, Kentucky Lake, and so many more lovely places.
7. Cancer, of all types
Kentucky Derby/kentuckyderby.com
This state is in the number 1 spot for overall cancer-related deaths in the U.S. It is followed closely by West Virginia, Mississippi, and Arkansas, but that doesn’t make anyone feel any better. There is great support for cancer patients and survivors, such as the annual Parade of Survivors during the Kentucky Derby Festival.
6. Lung and Respiratory Disease
Carol Vinzant/Flickr
Kentucky ranks number 1 for deaths related to lung disease in the U.S. Since this is one of the top coal and tobacco producers in the country, this should not come as a surprise. Black Lung is not uncommon and the percentage of deaths from heart disease isn’t too far behind. Hopefully, some sustainable clean energy sources can start to be used more often.

Related Stories

This Speakeasy Hidden In A Swanky Hotel In Kentucky Is Perfect For A Date Night

This Speakeasy Hidden In A Swanky Hotel In Kentucky Is Perfect For A Date Night

 You'll Never Look At Donuts The Same Way After Trying Doughdaddy’s Donuts In Kentucky

You'll Never Look At Donuts The Same Way After Trying Doughdaddy’s Donuts In Kentucky

 Enjoy A Bourbon Trail Airbnb Adventure In A Caboose At This Kentucky Spot

Enjoy A Bourbon Trail Airbnb Adventure In A Caboose At This Kentucky Spot
5. Heart Disease
Karolina Grabowska/Pexels
Kentucky ranks number 11 in the nation for deaths via heart disease. This is better than being number one. However, though it hurts to admit it, we could all likely get by with a little less gravy.
4. Population growth
Ken Lund/Flickr
The beauty of Kentucky draws people to it. The population of this state has grown by 7.39% since 2014. That may not sound like a lot, but it is when other economic factors are not improving. Kentucky hopes people visit as visitors help the economy. The standard cost of living is more than 12% lower than in most of the country.
3. Poverty
Matthew Hester/Flickr
The U.S. Census Bureau found that more than 20% of Kentuckians live in poverty. That means around 1 out of 5 people in the state make under $25,000 annually with a family of 4.
2. Obesity
Robert Nagy/Pexels
More than 32% of the population of Kentucky has an obesity problem. That is almost 1/3 of the people in the state. It ranks 16th in the nation for deaths because of obesity related health issues. The state loves southern cooking, but it has some adverse effects.
1. Unemployment
Biz journal
The current unemployment rate in Kentucky is more than 7%. The average for the remainder of the U.S. is 6.3%. Perhaps some of the future participants in the population growth will bring jobs with them. At this point, the jobs are continuing to decrease by around .39% annually.

Compared to other issues in the U.S., these troubling Kentucky facts aren’t too awful. Kentucky may be a few steps above the rest because of its good-hearted people and the unmatched beauty of its lands. This state continues to bring in a ton of visitors every year to enjoy the weather, the Southern cooking, the Kentucky Derby, the quality bourbon, the fantastic scenery, and some good old Southern hospitality.  What areas would you suggest Kentucky put efforts into improving? Let us know in the comments.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

The Most Amazing Facts About Kentucky

William Suphan | January 06, 2023

What are some hidden facts about Kentucky?

Hidden facts about Kentucky include:

  • Duncan Hines was a real person who baked delicious foods in Bowling Green and then became the brand name that you see in the stores.
  • There’s a coal mine fire that has been burning for over 40 years at the Lost Mountain Coal Mine. Smoke still flows out of it.
  • The largest hand-blown stained glass window in the world is in the Cathedral Basilica of Assumption in Covington.
  • Bourbon County was where the first bourbon was distilled and it has been a global favorite ever since.

Find out more about these and other hidden facts about Kentucky.

What are the most unbelievable facts about Kentucky?

The most unbelievable facts about Kentucky include:

  • The Boy Scouts were first organized by a woman named Myra Greeno Bass in Murray. She taught 15 boys how to hike and camp and it grew from there.
  • Fleming County in Kentucky is considered the covered bridge capital of Kentucky. Sadly, while there were once over 400 bridges, there are now only 13 left.
  • Mickey Nilsson invented a motorcar that ran on bourbon as fuel. Kentucky would certainly have enough to go around!
  • The largest fireworks display in the world is the show that signals the start of the Kentucky Derby.

Discover more about the most unbelievable facts about Kentucky. 

What are the most unique facts about Kentucky?

The most unique facts about Kentucky include:

  • Middlesboro is the only city in America that is built inside a crater left by a meteor and also has the world’s oldest 9-hole golf course.
  • The largest cave system in America is the aptly named Mammoth Cave, which opened for visitors in 1886.
  • The Kentucky Bourbon trail takes 3 days and covers 80 miles, with stops at distillers like Four Roses, Makers Mark, Jim Beam, and several others.
  • The Kentucky Derby is the longest-running horse race in the country, and it got its start in 1875.

Learn more about the most unique facts about Kentucky. 

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Kentucky, USA