Whitley, Knox and Laurel unemployment rates increase in February

Unemployment rates increased in Whitley, Laurel, Knox, Bell and McCreary counties between January 2024 and February 2024, 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 increased from 5.3 percent in January 2024 to 5.9 percent in February 2024. Whitley County’s February 2024 unemployment rate was 1.2 percent higher than the February 2023 unemployment rate.

Laurel County

Laurel County’s unemployment increased from 5.2 percent in January 2024 to 5.5 percent in February 2024. Laurel County’s February 2024 unemployment rate was 1.0 percent higher than the February 2023 unemployment rate.

Knox County

Knox County’s unemployment rate increased from 6.6 percent in January 2024 to 7.1 percent in February 2024. Knox County’s February 2024 unemployment rate was 1.3 percent higher than the February 2023 unemployment rate.

Bell County

Bell County’s unemployment rate increased from 6.4 percent in January 2024 to 6.6 percent in February 2024. Bell County’s February 2024 unemployment rate was 0.5 percent higher than the February 2023 unemployment rate.

McCreary County

McCreary County’s unemployment rate increased from 6.8 percent in January 2024 to 7.3 percent in February 2024. McCreary County’s February 2024 unemployment rate was 0.9 percent higher than the February 2023 unemployment rate.

Statewide unemployment

Kentucky’s unemployment rate increased from 4.8 percent in January 2024 to 5.1 percent in February 2024. Kentucky’s February 2024 unemployment rate was 0.4 percent higher than the February 2023 unemployment rate.

Unemployment rates rose in 112 counties between February 2023 and February 2024, fell in Bullitt, Elliott, Shelby and Spencer counties, and remained the same in Lewis, Meade, Nicholas and Washington counties, 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 County, 4 percent; Fayette and Spencer counties, 4.1 percent each; Oldham, Scott and Shelby counties, 4.2 percent each; and Anderson and Nelson counties, 4.3 percent each.

Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate at 11.9 percent. It was followed by Breathitt County, 10.4 percent; Martin County, 10.1 percent; Elliott County, 10 percent; Carter County, 9.9 percent; Lewis County, 9.6 percent; Menifee County, 9.5 percent; Johnson and Knott counties, 8.6 percent each; and Leslie County, 8.3 percent.

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 February 2024, and 4.2 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 13,583 people with 12,785 employed and 798 unemployed. Statewide, Kentucky has a civilian labor force of 2,023,633 people with 1,920,047 employed and 103,586 unemployed.

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