10-31-12 —     The local jobless rate dropped from August to September, according  to the latest figures released by the Kentucky Office of Employment  and Training.

    Wayne County's unemployment rate was 11.7 percent in September, down  from 12.4 percent in August. In September 2011, the local  unemployment rate was 12.9 percent.

    The overall jobless rate in the Lake Cumberland area was 8.7 percent  in September, down from 9.5 percent in August.

    The highest rate in the 10-county area was 12.2 percent, which was  recorded in McCreary County. The lowest rate in the area was 7.2  percent, which was recorded in Taylor County.

    Other area rates included: Adair County, 7.4 percent; Casey County,  7.3 percent; Clinton County, 9.7 percent; Cumberland County, 10.9  percent; Green County, 7.7 percent; Pulaski County, 8.6 percent; and  Russell County, 7.8 percent.

    Woodford County recorded the state's lowest unemployment rate at 5.3  percent. It was followed by: Union County, 5.9 percent; Fayette  County, 6 percent; Oldham and Scott counties, 6.1 percent each ;  Franklin and Madison counties, 6.2 percent each; and Shelby County,  6.3 percent.

    Fulton County recorded the state's highest unemployment rate at 16.7  percent. It was followed by: Magoffin County, 15.8 percent; Leslie  County, 13.7 percent; Knott County, 13.6 percent; Harlan and Letcher  counties, 13.5 percent; and Bell County, 13.1 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.