The state has released the annual county unemployment data for 2022. Annual unemployment rates decreased in 102 Kentucky counties in 2022, increased in 12 and stayed the same in six counties, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics, an agency within the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet.

In contrast to the monthly national and state data, unemployment statistics for counties are not seasonally adjusted. The comparable, unadjusted annual state unemployment rate for the state was 3.9% for 2022, and 3.6% for the nation. For more information regarding seasonal fluctuations, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In 2022, 75 counties were above the comparable, unadjusted annual state unemployment rate of 3.9%, while 40 were below the state unadjusted rate and five (Boyle, Daviess, Hart, Spencer and Webster counties) were the same rate.

According to a news release, compared to the national unadjusted 2022 annual rate of 3.6%, 91 Kentucky counties had higher 2022 annual rates, while 24 were lower and five (Clark, Gallatin, Henry, Madison and Warren counties) matched it.

Lyon County had a total civilian labor force of 3,207 in 2022, which was an increase from the 3,104 in 2021. In 2022, 3,072 members of the labor force were unemployed, meaning that 135 were unemployed. The unemployment rate for 2022 was 4.2%, which is a decrease from 4.3% in 2021. 

Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working, according to the news release. 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 are not seasonally adjusted to allow for comparisons between United States, state and counties figures.