Unemployment Rises in Kentucky

Jobless rates increase in 107 counties from September 2006 to September 2007

October 30, 2007 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. — Unemployment rates rose in 107 Kentucky counties between September 2006 and September 2007 and fell in 13 counties, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Education Cabinet.

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Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 4.3 percent. Other counties with low unemployment rates were Fayette County, 4.4 percent; Henderson and Jessamine counties, 4.5 percent each; Oldham and Warren counties, 4.6 percent; Boone and Shelby counties, 4.7 percent each; Scott County, 4.8 percent; and Franklin County, 4.9 percent.

Jackson County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 11.9 percent. It was followed by Magoffin County, 10.6 percent; Clay County, 10.5 percent; Harlan County, 10.3 percent; Owsley and Wolfe counties, 9.6 percent each; Leslie County, 9 percent; McCreary County, 8.9 percent; Grayson County, 8.8 percent; and Bell and Morgan counties, 8.6 percent each.

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. The statistics in this news release are not seasonally adjusted to allow for comparisons between United States, state and counties figures.

Learn more about the Office of Employment and Training at www.workforce.ky.gov.

Source: Kentucky Office of Employment and Training