FRANKFORT, Ky. — According to new data from the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), unemployment rates rose in 115 counties between December 2022 and December 2023. Rates also fell in Marshall, Trigg and Wolfe counties while remaining the same in Caldwell and Letcher counties. 

Woodford County had the state’s lowest jobless rate (2.8%), followed by Caldwell, Marion and Washington counties (3%); Anderson, Carroll, Fayette, Scott and Shelby counties (3.1%); and Bourbon, Cumberland, Jessamine, Nelson and Oldham counties (3.2%).

At 9%, Magoffin County had the state’s highest unemployment rate. Behind it were Elliott and Martin counties (8.2%); Lewis County (8%); Carter County (7.2%); Breathitt County (7.1%); Owsley County (6.6%); Leslie County (6.4%); and Greenup and Johnson counties (6.3%).

Because of small sample sizes, Kentucky’s county unemployment rates and employment levels are not seasonally adjusted, according to the Education and Labor Cabinet. Seasonal events such as weather and holidays can influence employment statistics, which seasonal adjustments help eliminate, making it easier to observe statistical trends. The comparable unadjusted rate for the state was 3.8% for December 2023 and 3.5% for the U.S., according to the cabinet.

Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted December 2023 employment rate was released Jan. 18 and can be found on the state government’s website.  

The cabinet added unemployment statistics are based on estimates and compiled to measure trends as opposed to the number of people working. Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians actively seeking work; however, they do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not sought employment within the last four weeks.

More information about Kentucky’s labor market information can be found on the Kentucky Center for Statistics website.