Unemployment rates fell in 99 Kentucky counties between May 2010 and May 2011, while 16 county rates increased and five counties remained the same, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.
Fayette County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the Commonwealth at 7.3 percent. It was followed by Calloway and Oldham counties, 7.5 percent each; Hancock and Woodford counties, 7.6 percent each; Caldwell and Warren counties, 7.7 percent each; Union County, 7.8 percent; and Hardin and Ohio counties, 8 percent each.
Jackson County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 17.4 percent. It was followed by Metcalfe County, 16.3 percent; Magoffin County, 15.9 percent; McCreary County, 14.9 percent; Clay County, 14.5 percent; Lewis County, 13.9 percent; Fulton County, 13.6 percent; and Menifee, Nelson and Rockcastle counties, 13.3 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 county figures.
