FRANKFORT — Unemployment rates fell in 107 Kentucky counties between May 2011 and May 2012, while 12 county rates increased and one stayed the same, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training. Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the Commonwealth at 5.3 percent. It was followed by Hancock County, 5.5 percent; Shelby County, 6.1 percent; Fayette County, 6.2 percent; Union County, 6.3 percent; Daviess and Oldham counties, 6.5 percent each; Calloway and Franklin counties, 6.6 percent each; and Ohio County, 6.7 percent, according to a state news release.Fulton County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 19.9 percent. It was followed by Magoffin County, 16.1 percent; Leslie County, 14.1 percent; Jackson County, 14 percent; Bell County, 13.3 percent; Breathitt County, 12.8 percent; Clay and Lee counties, 12.6 percent each, Knott County, 12.5 percent; and Perry County, 12.4 percent.
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 county figures.
