Unemployment rates fell in 115 counties, rose in four counties and stayed the same in Harlan County between June 2024 and June 2025.
That’s according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency within the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet.
Oldham, Shelby and Woodford counties recorded the lowest jobless rates in the Commonwealth at 4% each, and were followed by Fayette and Scott counties, 4.1% each; Boone, Campbell, Cumberland, Spencer, Todd and Washington counties, 4.2% each.
Martin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate at 9.5%, followed by Magoffin County, 9.1%; Lewis County, 8.8%; Elliott County, 8.6%; Wolfe County, 8%; Carter County, 7.9%; Harlan and Jackson counties, 7.5% each; Lawrence County, 7.4%; and Clay and Knott counties, 7.2% each.
Kentucky’s county unemployment rates and employment levels are not seasonally adjusted because of small sample sizes, and employment statistics undergo sharp fluctuations due to seasonal events such as weather changes, harvests, holidays and school openings and closings.
Seasonal adjustments eliminate these influences and make it easier to observe statistical trends. The comparable, unadjusted unemployment rate for the state was 4.9% for June 2025, and 4.4% for the country.
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.
Based on collected data, there are some general positive and negative trends worth noting.
There has been a strong focus on “middle-skill” jobs, many of which require credentials like CTE certificates and associates degrees. These roles often include electricians, plumbers, machinists, diesel mechanics, welders and HVAC technicians, which are widely needed an offer solid wage progression and on-the-job training.
Healthcare and technical services remain strong employment sectors in the Commonwealth, and many graduates are entering the workforce. This sector is showing strong 3- and 5-year wage growth and employment stability.
Furthermore, projections through 2028 indicate continued job growth in STEM occupations, skilled trades, logistics and transportation, and recent scatterplots show higher wages often align with strong demand in these fields.
Kentucky, like many states, is experiencing employment drop-off among lower credential holders, as people with only high school diplomas or GEDs have lower employment percentages, a flat or minimal wage growth and less sectoral mobility.
FULL DATA: kfsr_tech_notes
