March unemployment rate drops locally compared to this time last year

Unemployment rates fell in 94 Kentucky counties – including Whitley, Knox and Laurel counties – between March 2018 and March 2019, rose in 19, and stayed the same in seven 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 5.4 percent in March 2018 to 5.1 percent in March 2019. Whitley County’s March unemployment rate was 0.2 percent higher than February’s unemployment rate.

Laurel County’s unemployment rate decreased from 5.5 percent in March 2018 to 4.9 percent in March 2019. Laurel County’s March unemployment rate was 0.2 percent higher than February’s unemployment rate.

Knox County’s unemployment rate decreased from 6.8 percent in March 2018 to 6.0 percent in March 2019. Knox County’s March unemployment rate was 0.4 percent higher than February’s unemployment rate.

Bell County’s unemployment rate decreased from 6.8 percent in March 2018 to 6.0 percent in March 2019. Bell County’s March unemployment rate was 0.2 percent higher than February’s unemployment rate.

McCreary County’s unemployment decreased from 7.0 percent in March 2018 to 6.9 percent in March 2019. McCreary County’s March unemployment rate was 0.7 percent higher than February’s rate.

Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the Commonwealth at 3.3 percent. It was followed by Boone, Fayette, Oldham and Scott counties, 3.5 percent each; Campbell, Kenton and Shelby counties, 3.6 percent each; Spencer County, 3.7 percent; and Anderson and Jessamine counties, 3.8 percent each.

Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate at 12.3 percent. It was followed by Lewis County, 9.1 percent; Carter County, 8.3 percent; Menifee County, 8 percent; Elliott and Wolfe counties, 7.6 percent each; Breathitt and Harlan counties, 7.4 percent each; Martin County, 7.3 percent; and Lawrence and Owsley counties, 7.2 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 4.4 percent for March 2019, and 3.9 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 14,045 people with 13,322 employed and 723 unemployed. Statewide, Kentucky has a civilian labor force of 2,077,901 people with 1,985,588 employed and 92,313 unemployed.

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