FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 26, 2025) — Unemployment rates fell in 97 counties, rose in 13 counties and stayed the same in 10 counties between May 2024 and May 2025, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency within the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet.                 

Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 3.4%. It was followed by Fayette, Oldham, Scott and Shelby counties, 3.6% each; Harrison, Jessamine, Todd and Washington counties, 3.7% each; and Boone, Cumberland and Spencer counties, 3.8% each.

Martin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate at 9.2%. It was followed by Magoffin County, 9.1%; Elliott County, 7.9%; Lewis County, 7.7%; Carter County, 7.1%; Wolfe County, 7%; Harlan and Lawrence counties, 6.8% each; Jackson County, 6.7%; and Clay County, 6.5%.  

Kentucky’s county unemployment rates and employment levels are not seasonally adjusted because of small sample sizes. 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 4.4% for May 2025, and 4% for the nation.

Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted May 2025 unemployment rate was released on June 20, 2025, and can be viewed here. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell from 5.2% in April 2025 to 5% in May 2025.

In that release, Kentucky’s statewide unemployment rate and employment levels are adjusted to observe statistical trends by removing seasonal influences such as weather changes, harvests, holidays, and school openings and closings. For more information regarding seasonal fluctuations, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics here.

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 data should only be compared to the same month in previous years.                       

Learn more about Kentucky labor market information here.