FRANKFORT, Ky. — Unemployment rates fell in 78 counties between April 2022 and April 2023, rose in 25, and stayed the same in 17 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 2.4%. It was followed by Caldwell, Carroll and Oldham counties, 2.5% each, and Anderson, Fayette, Henry, Nelson, Scott, Shelby, Spencer and Washington counties, 2.6% each.
Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate at 8.5%. It was followed by Lewis County, 7.3%; Martin County, 6.9%; Elliott County, 6.7%; Carter County, 6.5%; Breathitt County, 5.8%; Greenup County, 5.7%; Johnson County, 5.6%; and Knott and Letcher counties, 5.4% each.
Due to small sample sizes, Kentucky’s county unemployment rates and employment levels are not seasonally adjusted. Employment statistics fluctuate sharply due to seasonal weather changes, harvests, holidays, and school openings and closings. Seasonal adjustments eliminate these influences and make it easier to observe statistical trends. The state’s comparable, unadjusted unemployment rate was 3.2% for April 2023 and 3.1% for the nation.
Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted April 2023 unemployment rate was released on May 18, 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 at https://www.bls.gov/cps/cps_htgm.htm#why.
Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and compiled to measure trends rather than count people working. Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians actively seeking work. They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not sought employment within the past four weeks. The data should only be compared to the same month in previous years.
Learn more about the Kentucky labor market information here.
