Owensboro Declared Only Metro Area in U.S. with Lower June 2020 Unemployment Rate Than 2019

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment report for June 2020, identified Owensboro as the only metropolitan area in the United States with an unemployment rate decline relative to June 2019. Per BLS calculations, the employment rate in the Owensboro metro area was 4.2% in June of 2020, compared to 4.4% in June of 2019. Metropolitan Statistical Areas are designated as having at least one urbanized area with a minimum population of 50,000.

The report states, “Unemployment rates were higher in June than a year earlier in 388 of the 389 metropolitan areas and lower in 1 area”. The full report can be accessed here.

Mayor Watson stated, “While being fiscally conservative and helping those in need, great things are happening in OBKY”. “The Federal BLS identifying Owensboro as the only metropolitan area in the country with a lower unemployment rate in June 2020 than June 2019 is a meaningful acknowledgement and objective confirmation of the progress we continue to make. It is a testament to the wonderful employers and productive workforce in the community and is evidence of the strength and resilience of our diversified local economy,” City Manager Nate Pagan added.