FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 26, 2012) — Unemployment rates fell in 99 Kentucky counties between November 2011 and November 2012, while 20 county rates increased and one stayed the same, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the Commonwealth at 5.4 percent. It was followed by Scott County, 5.9 percent; Fayette, Franklin, Oldham and Union counties, 6 percent each; Daviess, Madison and Shelby counties, 6.2 percent each; and Ohio and Owen counties, 6.3 percent each.

Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 15.1 percent. It was followed by Fulton County, 15 percent; Letcher County, 13.3 percent; Harlan, Knott and Leslie counties, 13 percent each; Jackson County, 12.9 percent; Bell County, 12.7 percent; Wolfe County, 12.6 percent; and Perry County, 12.2 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 county figures.

Learn more about Kentucky labor market information at www.kylmi.ky.gov.