Clinton unemployment rate jumped in September

Clinton County was in an undesirable minority last month, one of 43 Kentucky counties that saw unemployment rates jump between September 2011 and September 2010.

In addition to that jump over the past 12 months, the jobless rate here also increased by nearly a full percentage rate in just a month, climbing to 9.4 percent in September, compared to 8.6 percent in August, 2011.

Those rates were according to the latest figures released by the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

Clinton County’s 9.4 percent unemployment rate was based on an adult workforce of 4,920, with 4,457 being employed during September, 2011, leaving 463 in the jobless ranks.

Among the other counties in the Lake Cumberland region, unemployment rates for September, 2011 were: Cumberland (10.9), Russell (9.9), Adair (9.4), Pulaski (10.5) and Wayne (12.3).

Unemployment rates fell in 72 Kentucky counties between September 2010 and September 2011, while 43 county rates increased and five counties remained the same.

Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the Commonwealth at 7.2 percent. It was followed by Fayette County, 7.7 percent; Larue County, 7.8 percent; Caldwell, Ohio, Warren and Webster counties, 7.9 percent each; Calloway County, 8 percent; and Daviess, Madison, Oldham and Shelby counties, 8.1 percent each.

Fulton County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 17.3 percent. It was followed by Jackson County, 16.5 percent; Magoffin County, 16 percent; McCreary County, 14.8 percent; Clay County, 14.7 percent; Menifee County, 14.4 percent; Bell County, 14.1 percent; Meade County, 13.9 percent; Lewis County, 13.6 percent; and Lee County, 13.3 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.