How Kentucky Border Counties Support the Ohio Economy

Kentucky’s border counties play a critical role in Ohio’s economy through shared metro regions, Ohio River commerce, daily workforce movement, logistics hubs, and manufacturing supply chains that directly support Ohio employers and markets.

A Shared Ohio–Kentucky Border Economy

Ohio and Kentucky share one of the most active border economies in the Midwest. Along the Ohio River, communities function as a single economic zone where workers, goods, and services cross state lines every day.

Kentucky’s northern counties support Ohio’s economy by expanding labor access, strengthening logistics and river commerce, and supporting metro regions that operate beyond state boundaries.

Key Kentucky Border Counties Connected to Ohio

Workforce Mobility and Daily Cross-Border Commuting

Thousands of Kentucky residents commute into Ohio each day, supporting industries such as:

• Manufacturing and industrial operations
• Logistics, warehousing, and distribution
• Healthcare and hospital systems
• Retail, services, and professional sectors

This labor flow helps Ohio employers remain competitive while expanding the regional consumer base.

Ohio River Commerce and Transportation Corridors

The Ohio River is a defining economic artery for both states. Kentucky’s river counties support Ohio businesses through:

• Bulk freight and barge transport
• Interstate highway and rail connectivity
• Efficient movement of manufacturing inputs and outputs
• Access to national and global markets

Business Collaboration Across the Ohio–Kentucky Line

Chambers of commerce, business networks, and regional organizations collaborate across the border to strengthen:

• Small and mid-sized business growth
• Regional hiring pipelines
• Manufacturing and logistics partnerships
• Cross-state referrals within the network

“A one-of-a-kind regional collaboration that gives Ohio businesses a true unfair advantage.”