March unemployment rates decrease in Laurel, Knox, Bell counties

Unemployment rates decreased in Laurel, Knox and Bell counties between February 2024 and March 2024 and remained the same in Whitley and McCreary counties, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

Whitley County

Whitley County’s unemployment rate remained at 5.9 percent between February 2024 and March 2024. Whitley County’s March 2024 unemployment rate was 1.2 percent higher than the March 2023 unemployment rate.

Laurel County

Laurel County’s unemployment rate decreased from 5.5 percent in February 2024 to 5.4 percent in March 2024. Laurel County’s March 2024 unemployment rate was 1.1 percent higher than the March 2023 unemployment rate.

Knox County

Knox County’s unemployment rate decreased from 7.1 percent in February 2024 to 7.0 percent in March 2024. Knox County’s March 2024 unemployment rate was 1.3 percent higher than the March 2023 unemployment rate.

Bell County

Bell County’s unemployment rate decreased from 6.7 percent in February 2024 to 6.6 percent in March 2024. Bell County’s March 2024 unemployment rate was 0.8 percent higher than the March 2023 unemployment rate.

McCreary County

McCreary County’s unemployment rate remained at 7.4 percent between February 2024 and March 2024. McCreary County’s March 2024 unemployment rate was 1.3 percent higher than the March 2023 unemployment rate.

Statewide unemployment

Kentucky’s unemployment rate remained at 5.1 percent between February 2024 and March 2024. Kentucky’s March 2024 unemployment rate was 0.8 percent higher than the March 2023 unemployment rate.

Unemployment rates rose in 116 counties between March 2023 and March 2024, fell in Bullitt, Fulton and Lewis counties, and remained the same in Spencer County, according to KYSTATS.

Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 3.7 percent. It was followed by Washington County, 3.8 percent; Marion and Shelby counties, 4.1 percent; Anderson, Fayette, Oldham, Scott and Spencer counties, 4.2 percent each; and Bourbon, Carroll, Cumberland and Nelson counties, 4.3 percent each.

Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate at 11.1 percent. It was followed by Martin County, 10.1 percent; Breathitt County, 9.3 percent; Elliott County, 9.2 percent; Lewis County, 8.8 percent; Carter County, 8.7 percent; Menifee County, 8.6 percent; Knott County, 8.5 percent; and Johnson and Leslie counties, 8.3 percent each.

Kentucky’s county unemployment rates and employment levels are not seasonally adjusted because of small sample sizes.

The comparable, unadjusted unemployment rate for the state was 5.1 percent for March 2024, 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 13,755 people with 12,945 employed and 810 unemployed. Statewide, Kentucky has a civilian labor force of 2,046,924 people with 1,943,423 employed and 103,501 unemployed.

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