State of Tennessee

05/23/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/23/2024 12:48

Unemployment Rates Drop in Every County Across Tennessee

NASHVILLE - Each of Tennessee's 95 counties recorded lower unemployment rates in April, and each came in at or below 4.1%, according to newly released data from the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD).

Williamson County recorded the state's lowest unemployment rate for the month. At 2%, the rate dropped 0.2 of a percentage point from 2.2% in March.

Sevier County had Tennessee's second-lowest rate in April, which was 2.1%, down 0.4 of a percentage point from the previous month's rate.

While Clay and Lauderdale counties experienced the state's highest rates of unemployment, they still decreased and were below 5%. Both counties recorded rates of 4.1%, which was a 0.4 of a percentage point drop for Clay County. Lauderdale County's rate went down 0.4 of a percentage point in April.

Bledsoe County had the second-highest jobless rate at 3.9%, which was 0.3 of a percentage point lower than the rate it recorded in March.

A complete analysis of the unemployment data for each county, along with data for Tennessee's cities and metropolitan and micropolitan areas, is available here.

County unemployment rates are not adjusted to take into consideration seasonal impacts on employment such as school breaks, severe weather events, and jobs during the holiday season.

One week ago, TDLWD reported that the statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate had dropped 0.1 of a percentage point to match Tennessee's all-time low unemployment rate of 3.1%.

School is out for the year across Tennessee. Young adults ages 14-24 still have time to take part in YEP, Tennessee's Youth Employment Program. YEP matches participants with employers who can mentor them through meaningful employment. The state-funded program allows each young person to earn up to $4,000. Local partners across the state handle the administrative duties for the hiring process, insurance, and pay the participant's wages. Interested individuals and employers can learn more at YEPTN.com.

The state of Tennessee will release the statewide unemployment data from May 2024 on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. CDT.