TENNESSEE - More Tennesseans were on the job in February than the previous month as 88 of 95 counties reported a decline in their unemployment rates, the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) announced today.  In two Tennessee counties, jobless rates in February were the same as in January. Five counties saw an increase. Eighty-four Tennessee counties recorded unemployment rates of less than 5%. The remaining 11 counties had rates greater than 5% but less than 10%.

Rutherford County did not rank as high this time compared to the data collected in January. February's unemployment report shows that Rutherford County placed fifth on the list, tying with Cheatham, Wilson, and Robertson Counties, all of which recorded a 2.7% jobless rate. Macon County followed at number six with an unemployment rate of 2.8%.

The municipalities within Rutherford County also posted strong employment numbers, all staying below 3%. Smyrna had the lowest unemployment rate at 2.7%, followed by Murfreesboro and LaVergne, both of which recorded a 2.9% jobless rate for February.

Nearby cities also performed well in the job market. In Bedford County, Shelbyville reported a 2.9% unemployment rate for February, while the county as a whole recorded a 3% jobless rate.

In Wilson County, unemployment stood at 2.7%, with Mount Juliet showing notable improvement, experiencing a 0.4% decrease compared to January and finishing February at 2.4% unemployment. Meanwhile, Lebanon saw a slight drop of 0.1%, closing out the month with a 3.1% unemployment rate.

Williamson County reported the lowest unemployment rate for the month at 2.6%, a decline of two-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month.
 
Four counties — Cheatham, Wilson, Robertson, and Rutherford — had unemployment rates of 2.7%. Macon and Knox counties followed with rates of 2.8%.
 
Cocke County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate for February at 6.6%, a drop of four-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month.
 
Pickett County had the next-highest rate at 6.3%, a decline of seven-tenths of a percentage point. Lewis County followed with a rate of 5.9%. Its rate in January was 4.1%.

MORE: Tennessee’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has remained steady at 3.7% for six consecutive months. The national rate in February was 4.1%.
 
Unlike the statewide rate, county rates are not adjusted to account for seasonal impacts on employment.
 
TDLWD has compiled an analysis of county unemployment data. That report is available here.
 
Job seekers can work one-on-one with a career specialist — at no cost — at one of Tennessee’s American Job Centers. Find a list of locations here.
 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training can help remove barriers to employment through funded education, skills training, and supportive services. Learn more about eligibility and the services provided here.