FRANKFORT,
Ky. (Aug. 24, 2023) — Unemployment rates rose in 98 counties
between July 2022 and July 2023, fell in 17, and stayed the same in five
counties, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an
agency of the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet.
Woodford County
recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 3.5%. It was
followed by Carroll County, 3.6%; Cumberland and Washington counties, 3.7%
each; Anderson, Boone, Nelson, Oldham, Scott and Spencer counties, 3.8% each. Martin County
recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate at 10.5%. It was followed by
Magoffin County, 9.7%; Carter and Elliott counties, 8.8% each; Breathitt
County, 8.6%; Lewis and Owsley counties, 8.3% each; Leslie County, 8.1%;
Knott County, 7.8%; and Harlan County, 7.7%. 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. The comparable, unadjusted
unemployment rate for the state was 4.6% for July 2023, and 3.8% for the
nation. Kentucky’s
seasonally adjusted July 2023 unemployment rate was
released on Aug. 17, 2023, 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. Follow the
Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates. |