Monticello — The local jobless rate increased nearly one percent from November to
December, according to the latest figures released by the Kentucky Office of
Employment and Training.
Wayne County's unemployment rate was 13.7 percent in December, up from
12.8 percent in November. In December 2008, the local jobless rate was 9.9
percent.
In the Lake Cumberland area, the overall unemployment rate in December
was 11.6 percent, an increase from 10.8 percent in November. In December
2008, the area's unemployment rate was 8.4 percent.
The highest unemployment rate in the 10-county area was 14.5 percent,
which was recorded in Russell County. The lowest rate in the area was 10
percent, which was recorded in Clinton County.
Other area rates included: Adair County, 11.1 percent; Casey County,
10.5 percent; Cumberland County, 13.4 percent; Green County, 12 percent;
McCreary County, 14.1 percent; Pulaski County, 10.6 percent; and Taylor
County, 10.3 percent.
Fayette County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the state at 7.3
percent. It was followed by Woodford County, 7.7 percent; Boyd County, 8
percent; Calloway and Madison counties, 8.2 percent each; and Jessamine
County, 8.3 percent.
Magoffin County recorded the state's highest unemployment rate at 21.4
percent. It was followed by Jackson County, 17.8 percent; Menifee County,
17.5 percent; Powell County, 16.9 percent; Trigg County, 16.5 percent; and
Grayson County, 16 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 unemployment Kentuckians who
have not looked for employment within the past four weeks.
