Unemployment rates decreased in Whitley, Laurel, Knox, Bell, and McCreary counties between November and December 2025, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency within the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet.
Whitley County
Whitley County’s unemployment rate decreased from 4.6 percent in November 2025 to 3.7 percent in December 2025. Whitley County’s December 2025 unemployment rate was 1.3 percent lower than the December 2024 unemployment rate.
Laurel County
Laurel County’s unemployment rate decreased from 5.6 percent in November 2025 to 4.5 percent in December 2025. Laurel County’s December 2025 unemployment rate was 1.8 percent lower than the December 2024 unemployment rate.
Knox County
Knox County’s unemployment rate decreased from 6.1 percent in November 2025 to 4.7 percent in December 2025. Knox County’s December 2025 unemployment rate was 2.3 percent lower than the December 2024 unemployment rate.
Bell County
Bell County’s unemployment rate decreased from 6.2 percent in November 2025 to 4.9 percent in December 2025. Bell County’s December 2025 unemployment rate was 2.0 percent lower than the December 2024 unemployment rate.
McCreary County
McCreary County’s unemployment rate decreased from 6.0 percent in November 2025 to 4.6 percent in December 2025. McCreary County’s December 2025 unemployment rate was 1.7 percent lower than the December 2024 unemployment rate.
Statewide unemployment
Kentucky’s unemployment rate decreased from 4.4 percent in November 2025 to 3.5 percent in December 2025. Kentucky’s December 2025 unemployment rate was 1.5 percent lower than the December 2024 unemployment rate.
Unemployment rates fell in all 120 counties between December 2024 and December 2025, according to the KYSTATS.
“This means more of the good jobs we’re creating are being filled and more of our families are bringing home a good paycheck to support their family,” said Governor Andy Beshear. “These are the numbers we really want to see and the results we want to deliver. I am proud of what we’re accomplishing for our people as we build a better future for every Kentuckian.”
Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 2.7 percent. It was followed by Shelby County, 2.8 percent; Caldwell, Fayette, Oldham and Todd counties, 2.9 percent each; and Bourbon, Carroll, Franklin, Graves, Scott and Washington counties, 3 percent each.
Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate at 7.4 percent. It was followed by Lewis and Wolfe counties, 7.3 percent each; Martin County, 6.8 percent; Elliott County, 6 percent; Carter County, 5.9 percent; Jackson and Lawrence counties, 5.6 percent each; Johnson County, 5.4 percent; and Bath, Bell, Harlan and Menifee counties, 4.9 percent each.
Kentucky’s county unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted because of small sample sizes.
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.
Whitley County has a civilian labor force of 16,232 people with 15,630 employed and 602 unemployed. Statewide, Kentucky has a civilian labor force of 2,112,216 people with 2,037,644 employed and 74,572 unemployed.
Learn more about Kentucky labor market information at kystats.ky.gov.
