Unemployment rates increase in Whitley, Laurel and Knox counties

Unemployment rates increased in Whitley, Laurel, Knox, Bell and McCreary counties between April 2024 and May 2024, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency within the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet.

Whitley County

Whitley County’s unemployment rate increased from 4.9 percent in April 2024 to 5.6 percent in May 2024. Whitley County’s May 2024 unemployment rate was 0.9 percent higher than the May 2023 unemployment rate.

Laurel County

Laurel County’s unemployment increased from 4.8 percent in April 2024 to 5.0 percent in May 2024. Laurel County’s May 2024 unemployment rate was 0.5 percent higher than the May 2023 unemployment rate.

Knox County

Knox County’s unemployment rate increased from 6.2 percent in April 2024 to 7.0 percent in May 2024. Knox County’s May 2024 unemployment rate was 1.2 percent higher than the May 2023 unemployment rate.

Bell County

Bell County’s unemployment rate increased from 5.7 percent in April 2024 to 5.8 percent in May 2024. Bell County’s May 2024 unemployment rate was 0.4 percent higher than the May 2023 unemployment rate.

McCreary County

McCreary County’s unemployment rate increased from 5.8 percent in April 2024 to 6.5 percent in May 2024. McCreary County’s May 2024 unemployment rate was 0.8 percent higher than the May 2023 unemployment rate.

Statewide unemployment

Kentucky’s unemployment rate increased from 4.4 percent in April 2024 to 4.5 percent in May 2024. Kentucky’s May 2024 unemployment rate was 0.4 percent higher than the May 2023 unemployment rate.

Unemployment rates rose in 109 counties between May 2023 and May 2024 and fell in six counties and remained the same in five counties, according to KYSTATS.

Cumberland and Washington counties recorded the lowest jobless rates in the commonwealth at 3.4 percent each. They were followed by Woodford County, 3.5 percent; Anderson, Marion, Shelby and Spencer counties, 3.6 percent each; and Carroll, Fayette and Oldham counties, 3.7 percent each.

Martin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate at 9.5 percent. It was followed by Magoffin County, 9.4 percent; Breathitt County, 8.4 percent; Leslie County, 7.8 percent; Carter County, 7.6 percent; Knott and Lewis counties, 7.5 percent each; and Clay, Elliott and Johnson counties, 7.3 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 4.5 percent for May 2024, and 3.7 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 13,872 people with 13,092 employed and 780 unemployed. Statewide, Kentucky has a civilian labor force of 2,056,778 people with 1,964,303 employed and 92,475 unemployed.

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