More Clinton Countians were at work in July compared to June, according to preliminary unemployment figures released last week by the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

Figures show that in July, Clinton County had an 8.7 unemployment rate which represents a significant reduction from the 9.3 percent that was posted for June, 2011.

The July 8.7 percent rate was slightly higher than the rate posted a year ago for July, 2010, when 8.3 percent of eligible Clinton Countians were without work.

Clinton County has a civilian workforce of 4,873, meaning that at the 8.7 percent rate, 4,447 were working while 426 were listed as unemployed.

Other rates in the Lake Cumberland region included Adair (9.5), Cumberland (11), Russell (9.3) Wayne (12.1) and Pulaski (10.9).

Unemployment rates fell in 99 Kentucky counties between July 2010 and July 2011, while 18 county rates increased and three counties remained the same, according to the Oldham County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the Commonwealth at 7.3 percent. It was followed by Fayette County, 7.4 percent; Caldwell and Franklin counties, 7.8 percent each; Calloway County, 7.9 percent; Carlisle and Woodford counties, 8.0 percent each; Madison and Webster counties, 8.1 percent each; and Larue County, 8.2 percent.

Jackson County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 16.6 percent. It was followed by Magoffin County, 15.8 percent; Nelson County, 14.4 percent; Metcalfe County, 14.3 percent; Clay and Menifee counties, 14.2 percent each; McCreary County, 14.1 percent; Lewis County, 13.9 percent; Fulton County, 13.6 percent; and Rockcastle 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 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 the Office of Employment and Training at www.workforce.ky.gov.