LISA HOBBS – News Editor
Eighty-nine of Tennessee’s 95 counties reported unemployment rates of less than 5% for August, according to new data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) released at the end of September.
Two counties recorded rates of 5%, and four counties had rates of more than 5%, with the highest at 5.5%.
In 22 counties, unemployment rates were down when compared with July. Rates were unchanged in 28 counties and increased in 45 counties.
Sevier and Cheatham counties recorded the state’s lowest unemployment rates for August at 2.9%. Five counties — Macon, Dickson, Williamson, Wilson, and Robertson — followed with rates of 3%.
Meanwhile, Hancock and Perry counties posted the state’s highest unemployment rates for the month at 5.5%. Pickett County followed at 5.2%.
Data released showed that Tennessee’s unemployment rate in August was 3.4%. Unlike the statewide rate, county rates are not seasonally adjusted.
News Editor’s note: Warren County’s August rate was 3.9%, which was down from 4.1% in July.