Jobless rate down in September 2011

Unemployment rates fell in 72 Kentucky counties between September 2010 and September 2011, while 43 county rates increased and five counties remained the same, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. 

Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the Commonwealth at 7.2 percent. It was followed by Fayette County, 7.7 percent; LaRue County, 7.8 percent; Caldwell, Ohio, Warren and Webster counties, 7.9 percent each; Calloway County, 8 percent; and Daviess, Madison, Oldham and Shelby counties, 8.1 percent each.

LaRue’s rate was 8.3 percent in September 2010 and 7.3 percent in August 2011.

Fulton County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 17.3 percent. It was followed by Jackson County, 16.5 percent; Magoffin County, 16 percent; McCreary County, 14.8 percent; Clay County, 14.7 percent; Menifee County, 14.4 percent; Bell County, 14.1 percent; and Meade County, 13.9 percent.

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.

Learn more about the Office of Employment and Training at www.workforce.ky.gov.