Khloe Kardashian may be doing her part to jump start the economy ... because we have learned she's the front-runner to become the "X Factor" host and we're told the suits want it to happen.

Sources intimately connected to the show tell us ... Khloe is definitely #1 among the women who tried out and is generally considered the best in the entire pack of host wannabes. 

Khloe did a screen test that went over well.  The suits -- including Simon Cowell (who has probably never worn a suit) -- believe Khloe makes the most sense in terms of audience draw, since they've already invested heavily in Britney Spears and Demi Lovato to attract young viewers.

Producers will make a decision soon.  The host won't appear until the live shows air, and that begins next month.  

As for the odds ... as one well-connected source tells us, "There's at least an 85% chance she'll get the job."

From TMZ.com

Thumbnail via TMZ.com