Unemployment rate rises locally, across the state

Unemployment rates rose in 76 Kentucky counties between October 2017 and October 2018, including Whitley, Laurel and McCreary counties, fell in 34, including Knox and Bell counties, and stayed the same in 10 counties, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

Whitley County’s unemployment rate increased from 4.8 percent in October 2017 to 5.1 percent in October 2018. Whitley County’s October unemployment rate was 0.2 percent higher than September’s unemployment rate.

Laurel County’s unemployment rate increased from 5.0 percent in October 2017 to 5.2 percent in October 2018. Laurel County’s October unemployment rate was 0.1 percent higher than September’s unemployment rate.

Knox County’s unemployment rate decreased from 6.4 percent in October 2017 to 6.1 percent in October 2018. Knox County’s October unemployment rate was 0.2 percent higher than September’s unemployment rate.

Bell County’s unemployment rate decreased from 6.1 percent in October 2017 to 6.0 percent in October 2018. Bell County’s October unemployment rate was 0.2 percent lower than September’s unemployment rate.

McCreary County’s unemployment rate increased from 5.4 percent in October 2018 to 5.9 percent in October 2018. McCreary County’s October unemployment rate was 0.1 percent higher than September’s rate.

Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the Commonwealth at 3.2 percent. It was followed by Boone, Campbell, Fayette, Oldham and Scott counties, 3.3 percent each; Kenton, Shelby and Spencer counties, 3.4 percent each; and Henry and Jessamine counties, 3.6 percent each.

Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate at 11.3 percent. It was followed by Elliott County, 7.4 percent; Harlan County, 7.3 percent; Carter and Leslie counties, 7.2 percent each; Clay and Owsley counties, 7.1 percent each; Knott and Wolfe counties, 6.9 percent each; and Breathitt County, 6.8 percent.

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 4.2 percent for October 2018, and 3.5 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 13,859 people with 13,157 employed and 702 unemployed. Statewide, Kentucky has a civilian labor force of 2,063,185 people with 1,976,441 employed and 86,744 unemployed.

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