FRANKFORT,
Ky. (April 24, 2023) — Annual unemployment rates decreased in 102
Kentucky counties in 2022, increased in 12 and stayed the same in six
counties, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an
agency within the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet. The annual
jobless rates for Scott and Woodford counties were the lowest in the
commonwealth in 2022 at 3% each. It was followed by Boone, Carroll and
Fayette counties, 3.1% each; Anderson, Cumberland, Jessamine and Todd
counties, 3.2% each; and Campbell, Harrison, Kenton, Marion, Monroe and
Oldham counties, 3.3% each. Magoffin County
recorded the state’s highest annual unemployment rate in 2022 at 10.5%. It
was followed by Elliott County, 8%; Breathitt and Martin counties, 7.3% each;
Lewis County, 7.2%; Carter County, 7%; Owsley County, 6.9%; Leslie County,
6.6%; Harlan County, 6.3%; and Knott and Letcher counties, 6.1% each. In contrast to
the monthly national and state data, unemployment statistics for counties are
not seasonally adjusted. The comparable, unadjusted annual state unemployment
rate for the state was 3.9% for 2022, and 3.6% for the nation. For more
information regarding seasonal fluctuations, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics at https://www.bls.gov/cps/cps_htgm.htm#why. In 2022, 75
counties were above the comparable, unadjusted annual state unemployment rate
of 3.9%, while 40 were below the state unadjusted rate and five (Boyle,
Daviess, Hart, Spencer and Webster counties) were the same rate. Compared to the
national unadjusted 2022 annual rate of 3.6%, 91 Kentucky counties had higher
2022 annual rates, while 24 were lower and five (Clark, Gallatin, Henry,
Madison and Warren counties) matched it. Counties with the
largest decline in annual unemployment rates from 2021 to 2022 were Harlan
County, -1.6 percentage points, Martin County; -1.3 percentage points;
Magoffin and Letcher counties, -1 percentage point each; and Leslie, Johnson,
Menifee, Livingston and Barren counties, -0.9 percentage points 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 counties figures. The statistics in this news release may
be revised in the future. Visit the Kentucky Center for Statistics website to
learn more about Kentucky labor market information. Follow the
Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates. |