Paducah’s visitors come for the history, arts and events, but stay for the deep-rooted culture and Southern charm. Located on an influential riverfront in Western Kentucky, The City of Paducah is home to 25,000 residents and its encompassing McCracken County has a total of 65,000 residents who enjoy an affordable cost of living, a fraction of the national average. Paducah is conveniently located between St. Louis and Nashville. Barkley Regional Airport has frequent flights to and from Chicago making Paducah easily accessible to major metropolitans across the U.S. Ranked as one of the best places to live in Kentucky, Paducah’s artistic and historic culture is woven into its community. There is truly something for everyone—the lover of the arts, dedicated foodie and outdoor explorer. Downtown Paducah is home to historic architecture and emblems and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Paducah is a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts & Folk Art and home to a state-of-the-art performing arts center, the National Quilt Museum and award-winning cuisine. No matter what season you visit, there is a festival or event to attend including the Lower Town Arts & Music Festival in the spring and Barbecue on the River in the fall. Paducah’s river port was ranked 2019 Boaters’ Choice Award for Transient Boat Dock and the city is a short drive to Land Between the Lakes, Kentucky Lake and Lake Barley, one of the largest freshwater waterways in the U.S. The community enjoys Bob Noble Park, a 135 acre park complete with a 5 acre lake and recreation from fishing and skateboarding to running or biking along the Greenway Trail. Noble Park is just one of the many extensive outdoor spaces that awarded Paducah Tree City USA for the 26th consecutive year. With something for everyone, residents are proud to call Paducah home.
Cost of Housing vs. National Average
Paducah = $116,100 (US Census Bureau)
US = $193,500 (US Census Bureau)
City Awards or Achievements
UNESCO Creative City of Crafts & Folk Art
2019 Boaters’ Choice Award for Transient Boat Dock (City of Paducah)
27th Consecutive Award for Financial Reporting
26th Consecutive Year as Tree City USA
Community Christian Academy teaches approximately 200 students and is a non-denominational educational system dedicated to purpose and passion for Christ. Community Christian Academy offers education for grades K-12.
McCracken County Public Schools teach approximately 7,000 students every year and is ranked as one of the top 20 schools in the Commonwealth. The academics, athletics, and activities offered in each school prepare each child for college and future careers. The McCracken County school district offers two K-5 elementary schools, Concord and Heath, three K-3 elementary schools, Reidland, Hendron-Lone Oak and Lone Oak, two 4-5 grade intermediate schools, Lone Oak and Reidland, three middle schools, Heath, Lone Oak and Reidland, and one high school, McCracken County High School.
Paducah Public Schools enrolls approximately 3,200 students with a long history of educating Paducah’s youth to prepare them for the future. The Paducah Public School district offers three k-5 schools, Clark Elementary School, McNabb Elementary School
St. Mary School System enrolls approximately 350 students. It is a non-denominational Christ-centered community rooted in Catholic tradition with the mission to empower students to build a bright future. The St. Mary school district offers one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school.