Job seekers in Tennessee received a wave of good news as the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) announced a drop in unemployment rates across all 95 counties this August. While July's numbers held steady, the latest data presents a downward trend from the previous month across the state.
The stats reveal that 90 counties are now boasting unemployment rates below 5%. On the flip side, five counties sit on rates higher than this threshold, yet even the top spot of 5.4% in Perry County reflects a significant 1.5 percentage point decline from July. Sevier County leads with the lowest unemployment at 2.7%, demonstrating steady economic progress for the third month straight.
Following close were Cheatham County at 2.8% and Williamson County at 2.9% after their respective dips from the month before. Notably, Hardeman, Lauderdale, and Meigs counties each posted a 5.1% unemployment rate. It's clear the local economies are seeing a shift, but it's imperative to note that these are raw numbers – unadjusted for the seasonal patterns that can sway employment stats.
The TDLWD also referenced resources for the unemployed and job seekers alike. American Job Centers (AJCs) provide services free of charge, including computer access and help with resumes and interview techniques. To locate the nearest AJC, individuals can look to the interactive map provided by the department.
In the grand scheme, Tennessee's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the state perched at 3.6% in August, a number more reflective of broader economic trends. The state anticipates the release of more comprehensive data, which will include statewide unemployment figures for September, on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. CDT.
