The Region
Gateway is made up of 5 counties and is positioned between Kentucky's Bluegrass and Appalachian regions and spans 1,344 square miles. The region's 85,000 residents live in Bath, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, and Rowan Counties.About the Region
Spanning across several physiographic regions of Kentucky, the area has a varied topography from the rolling hills of the Bluegrass, to the forested dome shaped hills and valleys of the Knobs, and rugged cliff lines entering the Eastern Coal Field. There is a growing tourism industry centered around the Cumberland District of the Daniel Boone National Forest; including Cave Run Lake and the Red River Gorge.
Population Change & Projections
The Gateway Region’s population trends from 1900 to 2020, with projections to 2050, reflect significant historical events and economic shifts. Montgomery and Rowan counties, both key regional hubs, have experienced steady growth, with Montgomery projected to surpass 30,000 residents and Rowan approaching 27,000 by 2050. Infrastructure projects like the I-64 interstate (1960-1974), the public designation of Morehead State University (1922), and industrial developments have fueled this growth. Bath County shows recovery after mid-century declines, while Menifee and Morgan counties face projected population decreases. The Kentucky State Data Center's projections highlight the region’s evolving demographic landscape influenced by history and development.