Most Tennessee Counties Below 5% Unemployment in January

Eighty-four of Tennessee’s 95 counties reported unemployment rates below 5% in January, according to new data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Despite the low rates overall, unemployment increased in 90 counties compared to December. Rates decreased in three counties and remained unchanged in two.

Williamson County recorded the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 2.7%, followed by Cheatham and Wilson counties at 2.8%.

Perry County had the highest unemployment rate at 11.3%, followed by Cocke County at 6.4% and Pickett County at 6%.

State officials say Tennessee’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.5% in January, down slightly from the previous month and remaining below the national rate of 4.3%.

Officials also noted that April is National Second Chance Month, highlighting efforts by the Tennessee Office of Reentry to connect justice-involved individuals with employment, education, housing, and other support services.

Statewide unemployment data for February is scheduled to be released April 16 at 1:30 PM CDT.