Annual unemployment rates increase in Whitley, Laurel, Knox counties

Annual unemployment rates increased in 80 Kentucky counties between 2022 and 2023 – including: Whitley, Laurel, Knox, Bell and McCreary counties – decreased in 22 and stayed the same in 18 counties, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency within the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet.

Whitley County’s unemployment rate increased from 4.5 percent in 2022 and 4.8 percent in 2023. It’s 2021 unemployment rate was 4.8 percent.

Laurel County’s unemployment rate increased from 4.3 percent in 2022 to 4.5 percent in 2023. It’s 2021 unemployment rate was 4.3 percent.

Knox County’s unemployment rate increased from 5.5 percent in 2022 to 5.8 percent in 2023. It’s 2021 unemployment rate was 5.9 percent.

Bell County’s unemployment rate increased from 5.2 percent in 2022 to 5.6 percent in 2023. It’s 2021 unemployment rate was 5.4 percent.

McCreary County’s unemployment rate increased from 5.4 percent in 2022 to 5.9 percent in 2023. Its 2021 unemployment rate was 5.5 percent.

The annual jobless rate for Woodford County was the lowest in the commonwealth in 2023 at 3.1 percent. It was followed by Anderson, Scott and Washington counties, 3.3 percent; Cumberland, Fayette, Marion and Oldham counties, 3.4 percent each; and Carroll, Jessamine and Shelby counties, 3.5 percent each.

Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest annual unemployment rate in 2023 at 9.8 percent. It was followed by Martin County, 8.3 percent; Elliott County, 8.2 percent; Lewis County, 8 percent; Carter County, 7.6 percent; Breathitt County, 7.5 percent; Leslie County, 6.9 percent; Knott County, 6.7 percent; and Harlan, Johnson and Owsley counties, 6.6 percent each.

In contrast to the monthly national and state data, unemployment statistics for counties are not seasonally adjusted. The comparable, unadjusted annual state unemployment rate for the state was 4.2 percent for 2023, and 3.6 percent for the nation.

In 2023, 72 counties were above the comparable, unadjusted annual state unemployment rate of 4.2 percent, while 46 were below the state unadjusted rate and two (Graves and Webster counties) were the same rate.

Compared to the national unadjusted 2023 annual rate of 3.6 percent, 104 Kentucky counties had higher 2023 annual rates, while 11 were lower and five (Boone, Bourbon, Campbell, Franklin and Nelson counties) matched it.

Counties with the largest decline in annual unemployment rates from 2022 to 2023 were Magoffin County, -1.0 percentage point; Trimble County, -0.6 percentage point; Graves and Owsley counties, -0.5 percentage points each; and Spencer County, -0.4 percentage point.

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.