Unemployment Rates Down In 55 Kentucky Counties In March 2017

Photo: KY Education and Workforce Development

Unemployment rates dropped in 55 Kentucky counties between March 2016 and March 2017, rose in 53 and stayed the same in 12 counties, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the Commonwealth at 3.5 percent. It was followed by Oldham and Shelby counties, 3.7 percent each; Fayette County, 3.9 percent; Scott County, 4 percent; Spencer and Warren counties, 4.1 percent each; Jessamine County, 4.2 percent; and Allen, Boone, Campbell and Henry counties, 4.3 percent each.

Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate at 18.9 percent. It was followed by Elliott County, 11.6 percent; Leslie County, 11.5 percent; Knott and Harlan counties, 11 percent each; Letcher County, 10.9 percent; Menifee County, 10.7 percent; Carter County, 10.6 percent; Breathitt County, 10.4 percent; and Lawrence, Lewis and Wolfe counties, 10.3 percent each.

In contrast to the monthly national and state data, unemployment statistics for counties are not seasonally adjusted. The comparable, unadjusted unemployment rate for the state was 5.4 percent for March 2017, and 4.6 percent for the nation.

Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working. Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work. They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks. The statistics in this news release are not seasonally adjusted because of the small sample size for each county. The data should only be compared to the same month in previous years.

Learn more about Kentucky labor market information at www.kylmi.ky.gov.