Department of Numbers

Kentucky Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Kentucky fell 1.7 percentage points in November 2020 to 5.6%. The state unemployment rate was 1.1 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Kentucky peaked in April 2020 at 16.6% and is now 11.0 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 4.4% in June 2020, the unemployment rate has now grown by 1.2 percentage points. You can also see Kentucky unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate November 2020 Month/Month Year/Year
National 6.7% -0.2 +3.1
Kentucky 5.6% -1.7 +1.3

Note: All comparisons are made with November data as December state level unemployment data has not yet been released.

Unemployment Rate: Kentucky, National

Kentucky monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to November 2020

Note: Recessions shown in gray

Kentucky Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in Kentucky peaked in April 2020 at 339,737. There are now 227,639 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 82,136 in July 2020, the number of unemployed has now grown by 29,962. Kentucky job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons November 2020 Month/Month Year/Year
Kentucky 112,098 -30,462 +21,798

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in Kentucky from 1990 to November 2020

Kentucky Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate		 Kentucky
Unemployment Rate		 Kentucky
Unemployed
December 2020 6.7% — —
November 2020 6.7% 5.6% 112,098
October 2020 6.9% 7.3% 142,560
September 2020 7.8% 5.6% 106,340
August 2020 8.4% 7.5% 149,990
July 2020 10.2% 4.5% 82,136
June 2020 11.1% 4.4% 84,561
May 2020 13.3% 10.9% 220,314
April 2020 14.8% 16.6% 339,737
March 2020 4.4% 5.2% 107,953
February 2020 3.5% 4.2% 88,138
January 2020 3.5% 4.3% 90,232

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