Moore unemployment rate ticks up

Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development

NASHVILLE – In January, 82 of Tennessee’s 95 counties reported unemployment rates below 5%, even as most counties experienced an increase in their rates compared to the previous month, according to newly released data on Thursday, March 13, from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD).

Moore County’s unemployment rate was 3.7%, up 0.3% from December and a 0.4% increase compared to January 2024.

In 87 counties, unemployment rates for January increased compared to the rates of December 2024. Rates remained unchanged in six counties and decreased in two counties, Cannon and Monroe.

Williamson County reported the lowest unemployment rate for the month at 2.8%, matching the rate from the previous month. Rutherford and Macon counties followed with rates of 3%. Rutherford’s rate remained unchanged from December, while Macon’s increased by one-tenth of a percentage point.

Perry County recorded Tennessee’s highest unemployment rate at 7.6%, representing a 2.3% increase compared to the previous month.

Pickett and Cocke counties had the second-highest rates at 7%. Pickett’s rate increased by 1.9% compared to December, while Cocke’s rose by 2%.

Data indicated that Tennessee’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in January was 3.7%, matching December’s revised rate. The national rate stood at 4%.

While statewide unemployment rates account for the impacts of seasonal labor, county rates do not.