Clinton County’s unemploy-ment rate dropped to 8.7 percent, a one-half of one percent decrease in November, 2012, compared to the previous month according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

The jobless rate locally was also lower than the 9.3 percent that was reported a year ago in November, 2011, according to the latest figures released.

Clinton County’s rate of 8.7 percent unemployment is figured on a civilian labor force of 4,912, with 4,487 being employed, leaving 425 in the ranks of unemployed.

Other counties, and the respective unemployment rate for each, in the Lake Cumberland Area Development District included: Adair (7.5), Cumberland (9.7), Russell (8.4), Pulaski (8.7) and Wayne (11.1).

Clinton County was one of 99 Kentucky counties that experienced lower jobless rates in November compared to October, 2012. During the same period, 20 Kentucky counties saw jobless rates increase, while one stayed the same.

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. The statistics in this news release are not seasonally adjusted to allow for comparisons between United States, state and county figures.