July unemployment rate drops locally

Unemployment rates fell in 93 Kentucky counties between July 2015 and July 2016, including Whitley, Knox and Laurel counties, but rose in 27 counties, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

Whitley County’s unemployment rate fell from 7.4 percent in July 2015 to 6.9 percent in July 2016. This was a 0.4 percent decrease from the June’s rate. Whitley County tied Livingston County with the 38th highest July unemployment rate in Kentucky.

Knox County’s unemployment rate fell from 8.9 percent in July 2015 to 8.0 percent in July 2016. Knox County had 25th highest July unemployment rate in Kentucky. Knox County’s July unemployment rate was 0.3 percent lower than June’s unemployment rate.

Laurel County’s unemployment rate fell from 6.7 percent in July 2015 to 6.2 percent in July 2016. Laurel County tied Mason, Fleming and Lincoln counties with the 49th highest July unemployment rate in Kentucky. Laurel County’s July unemployment rate was 0.4 percent lower than June’s unemployment rate.

Among other neighboring counties, Bell County had the 22nd highest July unemployment rate with 8.9 percent. McCreary County had the 24th highest July unemployment rate in the state with 8.4 percent.

Oldham County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the Commonwealth at 3.5 percent. It was followed by Woodford County, 3.6 percent; Campbell, Fayette, Shelby and Spencer counties, 3.8 percent each; Boone County, 3.9 percent; Anderson County, 4 percent; and Franklin, Jessamine, Kenton, Monroe, Owen and Scott counties, 4.1 percent each.

Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate at 16.3 percent. It was followed by Leslie County, 12.7 percent; Harlan County, 12.3 percent; Letcher County, 12.2 percent; Elliott County, 11.6 percent; Knott County, 11 percent; Floyd County, 10.9 percent; Pike County, 10.8 percent; and Lawrence and Wolfe counties; 10.6 percent each.

In contrast to the monthly national and state data, unemployment statistics for counties are not seasonally adjusted. The comparable, unadjusted state unemployment rate for the state was 5.2 percent for July 2016, and 5.1 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 story are not seasonally adjusted because of the small sample size for each county.

Whitley County has a civilian labor force of 13,166 people with 12,251 employed and 915 unemployed. Statewide, Kentucky has a civilian labor force of 1,985,535 people with 1,881,716 employed and 103,819 unemployed.

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