RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - Rutherford County boasts the third-lowest unemployment rate in the state, standing at just 2.2%. Data released by the State of Tennessee reveals that only two areas, Moore and Williamson Counties, had lower unemployment figures than Rutherford. Taking the top spot with the most favorable job market is Moore County, where Lynchburg is situated, with an unemployment rate of 1.9%. Following closely at number two on the list is Williamson County, which is home to both Franklin and Brentwood. Williamson County saw a 2.1% unemployment rate last month, which is only 0.1 percentage points lower than Rutherford County's rate.
When examining cities within the 619-square miles of Rutherford County, LaVergne recorded the highest jobless rate at 2.4% this past February, which is a decrease of -0.4 percentage points when compared to January. Murfreesboro had the second-lowest unemployment rate for February at 2.3%, marking a decrease of -0.6 percentage points from January's 2.9%. Smyrna continued its trend of having the lowest unemployment rate in Rutherford County, matching Rutherford's number at 2.2% in February. Notably, Smyrna's rate dropped by -0.5 percentage points compared to January's 2.7% rate.
State-wide, more Tennesseans started the second month of 2024 on the job as employment improved across the state in February. According to newly released data from the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD), every county recorded lower unemployment rates for the month. In fact, all 95 counties showed an improved unemployment situation when compared to their revised January numbers. The decrease in unemployment across the state led each county to post rates under 5% in February.
While Cocke County had the highest jobless number in February at 4.7%, the county’s rate was down 1 percentage point when compared to January’s rate. Bledsoe County recorded the state’s next highest unemployment rate at 4.5%, which was down 0.8 of a percentage point from the previous month. Lauderdale County followed with a rate of 4.4% but also had one of the biggest decreases for the month, with a 1.2 percentage point drop.
As reported on March 21, the statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in February was 3.3%, down from 3.5% in January.
Nationally, unemployment increased by 0.2 of a percentage point during the month to 3.9%.
Unlike the statewide unemployment rate, county unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted to take into account factors such as holidays or weather events.
Tennesseans looking for a job or a career change can work one-on-one, at no cost, with a career specialist at one of Tennessee’s American Job Centers. A list of locations is available here.
