Unemployment rates fell in 102 Kentucky counties between July 2003 and July 2004, rose in 16 and remained the same in Jessamine and Magoffin counties, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training in the Education Cabinet.

In July 2004, five counties had jobless rates at or above 10 percent, and 24 counties recorded double-digit rates in July 2003.

Woodford County’s 2.4 percent jobless rate was the lowest in the commonwealth. Other low rates were recorded in Oldham County, 2.8 percent; Fayette County, 3 percent; Anderson and Franklin counties, 3.1 percent; Caldwell County, 3.5 percent; Henry County, 3.6 percent; and Jessamine, Mercer and Pulaski counties, 3.7 percent each.

Elliott County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 15.3 percent. It was followed by Carter County, 14.5 percent; Magoffin County, 14 percent; Lewis County, 11.8 percent; Morgan County, 10.8 percent; Wolfe County, 9.9 percent; Montgomery County, 9.6 percent; Fulton and Hardin counties, 9.4 percent each; and Powell County, 9.3 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 counties figures.