Unemployment for Bell County remained stable through May, based on recent statistics from the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training (KOET), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

According to KOET’s statistics for Bell County, 10,038 are in the labor force, 8,789 are employed, and 1,249 are unemployed.

In May, Bell County’s unemployment was 12.4 percent. In April it was 12.5 percent. In May 2009 it was 12.2.

Unemployment in May 2010 for the following neighboring Kentucky counties is as follows: Clay 13.4 percent; Harlan 11.4; Jackson 17.4; Knox, 11; Laurel 9.9; Rockcastle 11; and Whitley 11.5.

Statewide unemployment was 10.1 percent in May, and 10.2 in April.

Unemployment rates fell in 93 Kentucky counties between May 2009 and May 2010, according to the KOET.

Fayette County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the Commonwealth at 7.7 percent. It was followed by Woodford County at 7.8 percent; Oldham County at 8 percent; Calloway County at 8.1 percent; Franklin County at 8.3 percent; Boyd County at 8.5 percent; and Ballard, Madison, McCracken and Robertson counties at 8.6 percent each.

Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 19.1 percent. It was followed by Jackson County with 17.4 percent; Menifee County with 17 percent; Metcalfe County with 14.8 percent; Powell County with 14.4 percent; Fulton and Grayson counties with 13.9 percent each.

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.

Stephen Woodward is a Staff Writer for the Daily News. He may be contacted at swoodward@middlesborodailynews.com.