Published: February 02, 2010 01:01 pm      

Jobless rate increases nearly one percent

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.