KYCombinator Community Demographics Report

Historical Context

In 1950, Louisville was a major economic center in the Southeast United States. At the time, Louisville was:

Nearly twice the size of Nashville (Nashville was 55.7% of Louisville)
Larger than Atlanta (Atlanta was 116% of Louisville)
Slightly larger than Indianapolis (Indianapolis was 95.7% of Louisville)
Almost 4 times larger than Austin (Austin was just 27.8% of Louisville)

The Divergence

By 1974

Atlanta had grown to 180% of Louisville's size (80% larger)
Nashville closed the gap (74.5% of Louisville's size)
Indianapolis surpassed Louisville (136% of Louisville's size)
Austin was gaining ground (42.2% of Louisville's size)

By 2020

Atlanta exploded to 473% of Louisville's size (373% larger)
Nashville surpassed Louisville (156.6% - now 56% larger)
Indianapolis continued growing (164% - now 64% larger)
Austin dramatically surpassed Louisville (177.7% - now 77% larger)

Data Visualization

Interactive Population Growth Comparison

Population Growth Projections

Median Income Trends

Total Income Comparison

Looking Forward

While some suggest Louisville could catch up to Nashville or Indianapolis within 10 years, the historical trends tell a different story. The data suggests that reaching Nashville's current position could take 30 years of sustained, intentional growth and development.

Progress isn't achieved through pronouncements alone - it requires significant, sustained actionability and strategic investment in our community's future.