FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) — Unemployment fell across the Big Sandy region in August, according to preliminary labor force estimates released by the state.

The Big Sandy Area Development District recorded an unemployment rate of 6.1%, down from 7.3% in July and 6.4% in August 2025. The region had a civilian labor force of 45,588, with 42,792 people employed and 2,796 unemployed.

All five Big Sandy counties saw unemployment decline from July. Floyd County posted the region’s lowest rate at 5.5%, followed by Johnson County at 5.7%, Pike County at 6.1%, Magoffin County at 7.6% and Martin County at 8.5%.

Kentucky’s statewide unemployment rate was 4.3% in August, down from 5.2% in July. The figures are not seasonally adjusted and remain preliminary.