Workers in rural counties like Elliott, Hickman, Martin and Fulton have the longest average commute to employment, according to a new analysis by the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy.
Jason Bailey, executive director of the center, pointed out unlike people living in urban areas, most Kentuckians cannot choose whether to use their car.
"In fact, more Kentuckians commute to a different county for work than the county that they live in," Bailey observed. "And in Eastern Kentucky, about 40% of workers are commuting outside the region for their jobs."
Many residents also work in sectors requiring diesel-guzzling large vehicles. The Commonwealth has more than 33,000 heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, and some are independent contractors who pay for gas out of their own pockets, according to the analysis.
Bailey argued lawmakers should be looking at policies to help increase transportation affordability for residents, especially as households grapple with increased costs for housing, groceries, healthcare and everyday expenses.
"We have to be able to do things like expand public transit in places where that makes more sense," Bailey urged. "There are ways in which the state can intervene in the markets. For example, car insurance, make sure prices are fair."
An April 2026 Pew Research Center survey found 69% of Americans are concerned about rising gas and fuel prices due to the U.S. military action against Iran, with 45% extremely concerned.
