Unemployment rate rises in tri-county area

Unemployment rates fell in 18 Kentucky counties, stayed the same in three and rose in 99 counties, including Whitley, Laurel and Knox, between July 2016 and July 2017, according to the Kentucky Center for Education and Workforce Statistics (KCEWS), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

Whitley County’s unemployment rate increased from 6.8 percent in July 2016 to 7.2 percent in July 2017. Whitley County’s July unemployment rate was the same of June?s unemployment rate.

Laurel County’s unemployment rate increased from 6.1 percent in July 2016 to 7.0 percent in July 2017. Laurel County’s July unemployment rate was 0.1 percent higher than June’s unemployment rate.

Knox County’s unemployment rate increased from at 8.0 percent in July 2016 to 9.2 percent in July 2017. Knox County’s July unemployment rate was 0.1 percent lower than June’s unemployment rate.

Among other neighboring counties, Bell County had a July unemployment rate of 9.9 percent, and McCreary County had a July unemployment rate of 8.1 percent.

Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the Commonwealth at 4.3 percent. It was followed by Campbell County, 4.4 percent; Boone, Fayette and Scott counties, 4.5 percent each; Jessamine, Kenton, Oldham and Shelby counties, 4.6 percent each; and Monroe County, 4.7 percent.

Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate at 17.6 percent. It was followed by Leslie County, 12.4 percent; Elliott County, 11.4 percent, Carter and Letcher counties, 11.3 percent each; Harlan County, 11.2 percent; Wolfe County, 10.9 percent; Breathitt County, 10.4 percent; Knott County, 10.3 percent; Lee County, 10.1 percent; and Jackson County 10 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 5.9 percent for July 2017, and 4.6 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 13,991 people with 12,988 employed and 1,003 unemployed. Statewide, Kentucky has a civilian labor force of 2,077,173 people with 1,954,613 employed and 122,560 unemployed.

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