FRANKFORT, Ky. — According to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), unemployment rates increased in 117 counties from November 2022 to November 2023. However, Hancock County showed a decrease, while Lyon and Marshall counties maintained their rates.

Woodford County had the lowest unemployment rate in the commonwealth at 2.9%. Following closely were Cumberland County at 3% and Carroll, Fayette, Marion, Scott, and Washington counties each at 3.2%. Additionally, Anderson, Bourbon, Caldwell, Jessamine, Oldham, and Shelby counties each reported a rate of 3.3%.

Conversely, Magoffin and Martin counties experienced the highest unemployment rates at 8.4%, followed by Lewis County at 7.2%, and Elliott County at 7.1%.

It should be noted that these employment rates are not seasonally adjusted, and thus, they can fluctuate due to various seasonal events such as weather changes, harvests, holidays, and school openings and closings. To observe more precise statistical trends, it’s advisable to view Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted data.

As of November 2023, the unadjusted unemployment rate for the state was 3.9%, compared to the national rate of 3.5%. For data that is focused on trends and eliminates seasonal influences, you can view Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted November 2023 unemployment rate, released on Dec. 21, 2023.

The presented unemployment statistics are based on estimates to track trends. They cover non-military workers and unemployed citizens actively seeking employment. Data doesn’t include unemployed individuals who haven’t sought work within the past four weeks. For valid comparison, these figures should be compared with those from the same month in previous years. More information about Kentucky labor market information can be found on the Kentucky Center for Statistics website.