Unemployment up throughout Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — Unemployment increased in every Kentucky county last year, according to new data released by the Kentucky Center for Statistics.

The report shows that the state’s overall unadjusted unemployment rate climbed to 5.1% in 2024, compared to the national rate of 4%.

Woodford County recorded the lowest unemployment rate at 3.9%, while Wolfe County had the highest at 9.4%.

Officials say one of the main factors contributing to the rise is that more people are entering the workforce, which can temporarily increase jobless figures as individuals begin searching for employment.