RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - Rutherford County continues to excel in employment metrics, maintaining its position among Tennessee’s top 10 counties with the lowest unemployment rates. In October, the county’s jobless rate stood at 2.9%, tying it with Sumner, Wilson, Davidson, and Knox counties, according to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD).
Across the county’s major cities, Smyrna held steady with an unemployment rate of 3% for both September and October, while LaVergne also remained stable at 3%. Murfreesboro experienced a slight increase, rising from 3% in September to 3.1% in October.
Statewide, unemployment rates declined in 63 of Tennessee’s 95 counties compared to September. Fifteen counties saw no change, and 17 counties reported increases. The state’s overall seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in October was 3.3%, slightly up from the previous month but significantly below the national average of 4.1%.
Sevier, Moore, and Williamson counties once again posted the lowest unemployment rates in the state, each at 2.6%. These counties recorded minor declines in their rates compared to September, further solidifying their economic stability.
On the other end of the spectrum, Weakley County in northwestern Tennessee experienced the state’s highest unemployment rate at 6%, a sharp increase of 2 percentage points from September. Unicoi and Lake counties followed with rates of 5.6%, also reflecting notable month-over-month increases.
While Tennessee continues to show strong employment numbers, the statewide figures highlight regional disparities. Nevertheless, Rutherford County’s steady performance underscores its robust local economy and job market resilience.
