FRANKFORT, Ky. — Unemployment rates dropped in 74 Kentucky counties between February 2006 and February 2007, rose in 40 counties and remained the same in six counties, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training in the Education Cabinet.

Woodford and Fayette counties recorded the lowest jobless rates in the commonwealth at 4.7 percent each. Other counties with low unemployment rates were Oldham County, 5.2 percent; Warren County, 5.3 percent; Boone, Kenton and Scott counties, 5.4 percent each; Shelby and Franklin counties, 5.5 percent each; and Campbell, Jessamine and Madison counties, 5.6 percent each.

Jackson County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 16 percent. It was followed by Wolfe County, 14.7 percent; Clay County, 14.5 percent; Magoffin County, 14 percent; Morgan County, 12.9 percent; Owsley County, 12.7 percent; McCreary County, 12.1 percent; Menifee County, 11.6 percent; Lewis County, 11.5 percent; and Bath County, 11.1 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 unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks. The statistics in this news release are not seasonally adjusted to allow for comparisons between United States, state and counties figures.

Learn more about the Office of Employment and Training at www.workforce.ky.gov.

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