FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 24, 2026) — Unemployment rates fell in 96 counties between August 2025 and August 2026, rose in 11 counties and stayed the same in 13 counties, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency within the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet. 

Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 3.2%. It was followed by Cumberland County, 3.4%; Campbell, Scott and Todd counties, 3.5% each; Boone, Fayette, Franklin and Kenton counties, 3.6% each; and Clark, Harrison, Jessamine, Oldham and Shelby counties, 3.7% each.

Martin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate at 8.5%. It was followed by Magoffin County, 7.6%; Wolfe County, 7.1%; Elliott County, 7%; Lewis County, 6.9%; Carter and Jackson counties, 6.5% each; Lawrence County, 6.3%; Pike County, 6.1%; and Harlan County, 5.9%.

Kentucky’s county unemployment rates and employment levels are not seasonally adjusted because of small sample sizes. Employment statistics undergo sharp fluctuations due to seasonal events such as weather changes, harvests, holidays, and school openings and closings. Seasonal adjustments eliminate these influences and make it easier to observe statistical trends.

Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted August 2026 state unemployment rate was released on Sept. 17, 2026, and can be viewed here.

In that release, Kentucky’s statewide unemployment rate and employment levels are adjusted to observe statistical trends by removing seasonal influences such as weather changes, harvests, holidays, and school openings and closings. For more information regarding seasonal fluctuations, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics here.

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 data should only be compared to the same month in previous years.          

Learn more about Kentucky labor market information here.