FRANKFORT — Unemployment rates fell in 99 Kentucky counties between July 2010 and July 2011, while 18 county rates increased and three counties remained the same, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training.Oldham County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the Commonwealth at 7.3 percent. It was followed by Fayette County, 7.4 percent; Caldwell and Franklin counties, 7.8 percent each; Calloway County, 7.9 percent; Carlisle and Woodford counties, 8.0 percent each; Madison and Webster counties, 8.1 percent each; and LaRue County, 8.2 percent.
Jackson County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 16.6 percent. It was followed by Magoffin County, 15.8 percent; Nelson County, 14.4 percent; Metcalfe County, 14.3 percent; Clay and Menifee counties, 14.2 percent each; McCreary County, 14.1 percent; Lewis County, 13.9 percent; Fulton County, 13.6 percent; and Rockcastle County, 13.1 percent, according to a press release from the state.
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.
