June unemployment rate drops in most Kentucky counties

Unemployment rates fell in 115 Kentucky counties between June 2017 and June 2018, rose in five (Ballard, Crittenden, Metcalfe, Monroe and Owen) counties, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

Whitley County’s unemployment rate decreased from 6.7 percent in June 2017 to 5.9 percent in June 2018. Whitley County’s June unemployment rate was 1.0 percent higher than May’s unemployment rate.

Laurel County’s unemployment rate decreased from 6.5 percent in June 2017 to 5.7 percent in June 2018. Laurel County’s June unemployment rate was 1.0 percent higher than May’s unemployment rate.

Knox County’s unemployment rate decreased from 8.7 percent in June 2017 to 7.3 percent in June 2018. Knox County’s June unemployment rate was 1.3 percent higher than May’s unemployment rate.

Bell County’s unemployment rate decreased from 8.8 percent in June 2017 to 7.5 percent in June 2018. Bell County’s June unemployment rate was 1.3 percent higher than May’s unemployment rate.

McCreary County’s unemployment rate decreased from 7.2 percent in June 2017 to 6.5 percent in June 2018. McCreary County’s June unemployment rate was 1.1 percent higher than May’s rate.

Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the Commonwealth at 3.6 percent. It was followed by Shelby County, 3.7 percent; Oldham and Spencer counties, 3.8 percent each; Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties, 3.9 percent each; and Fayette, Scott and Washington counties, 4.0 percent each.

Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate at 14.9 percent. It was followed by Elliott County, 9.8 percent; Carter County, 9.6 percent; Harlan County, 8.9 percent; Leslie County, 8.8 percent; Breathitt County, 8.7 percent; Clay County, 8.5 percent; Wolfe County, 8.4 percent; and Knott and Lawrence counties, 8.3 percent each.

Kentucky’s county unemployment rates and employment levels are not seasonally adjusted because of small sample sizes. Employment statistics undergo sharp fluctuations due to seasonal events such as weather changes, harvests, holidays and school openings and closings. Seasonal adjustments eliminate these influences and make it easier to observe statistical trends.

The comparable, unadjusted unemployment rate for the state was 5.0 percent for June 2018, and 4.2 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.

Whitley County has a civilian labor force of 14,179 people with 13,338 employed and 841 unemployed. Statewide, Kentucky has a civilian labor force of 2,098,570 people with 1,994,336 employed and 104,234 unemployed.

Learn more about Kentucky labor market information at https://kystats.ky.gov/KYLMI.