Barren County ranks 18th in Kentucky for 2025 visitor spending
GLASGOW, Ky. (WNKY) — Tourism continues to play a major role in Barren County’s economy. Visitors spent $117.5 million in Barren County in 2025, ranking the county 18th among Kentucky’s 120 counties, according to the Glasgow-Barren County Tourist & Convention Commission.
Tourism supported 930 local jobs, provided $24.9 million in labor income and generated $9.5 million in state and local taxes, the commission said in a release.
“The hospitality industry continues to be a strong piece of our local economy. We’ve built a strong foundation through years of growth and collaboration with other players in the region, and we’re eager to carry that momentum into the future. Our focus remains on expanding our reach, enhancing the visitor experience, and further establishing Glasgow-Barren County as a must-visit destination in Kentucky, particularly for outdoor adventure opportunities,” commission Executive Director MacLean Lessenberry said.
The findings came from a report prepared for the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet by Tourism Economics, the Kentucky Department of Tourism’s research partner.
Across the state, tourism produced a record $14.6 billion economic impact and supported 96,993 jobs in 2025. Gov. Andy Beshear’s office said Kentucky has now broken its tourism economic impact record for four consecutive years.
The commission is the official destination marketing organization for Glasgow and Barren County. It promotes tourism and conventions while working to develop the area as a visitor destination.
