FRANKFORT, Ky. — Unemployment rates were up in all 120 Kentucky counties between Dec. 2023 and Dec. 2024. The Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), a division within the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet, released the report Thursday.
The lowest jobless rate in the state was in Woodford County at 3.8%. Anderson, Fayette, Shelby and Washington counties were next at 4%. On the flip side, Martin County had the highest unemployment rate at 12.4%. It was followed by Magoffin County with 11%, Elliott and Lewis counties, 10.4% each; Harlan County 9.6%, Breathitt County 9.5%.
According to the report, Kentucky’s county unemployment rates and employment are not adjusted seasonally because of small sample sizes. The report says employment statistics can fluctuate because of seasonal events and seasonal adjustments eliminate influences such as weather, holidays and school openings and closings. The unadjusted unemployment rate for the commonwealth was 5.1% for Dec. 2024, and 3.8% for the nation.
The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from November to Dec. 2024. This increase is because of more workers entering the labor force and searching for a job rather than fewer workers being employed. On a seasonally adjusted basis, both the number of people in the labor force and the number of people employed in Kentucky rose in Dec. 2024.
According to the report, unemployment statistics are based on estimates and compiled to measure trends rather than counting people working. Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians actively seeking work. It does not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not sought a job within the past four weeks. Data should only be compared to the same month in previous years.