Economy

Employment

The 2016 census estimates said that 61.8% of citizens over the age of 16 in Frankfort were employed. Not surprisingly in the state capital, public administration was the city's largest industry, accounting for 28 percent of the city's employed workforce. 

Service Areas

Education, health, and social services ranked in second place at 15.5%, with manufacturing (12.4%) and retail trade (10.5%) completing the list of industries with 10% or more of the employed workforce.

Jim Beam Bourbon Distillery

Major Employers

Some of Frankfort's major private-sector employers include:

  • Montaplast of North America Inc.
  • Buffalo Trace Distillery
  • Topy Corporation
  • Beam, Inc.
  • Nashville Wire Products, Inc.

Chamber of Commerce & Development

The Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce (established 1947) is dedicated to improving the economic climate of Frankfort. The chamber, which has some 700 member businesses and individuals, is active in business community advocacy and workforce development. The Kentucky Capital Development Corporation also promotes the growth of business in Frankfort and Franklin County.

Location

Frankfort abuts Interstate 64 (East and West), and is a 20-minute drive to Interstate 75 (North and South). Interstate 65 (North and South) passes through Louisville, to the west of Frankfort. Frankfort has a general aviation airport that also serves the National Guard. For commercial air travel, Lexington's Bluegrass Airport is less than 30 minutes away; international airports in Louisville and Cincinnati are also within a reasonable drive.