Unemployment Rates Fall in All 95 Tennessee Counties

NASHVILLE - Every county in Tennessee reported a decline in their unemployment rates from the previous month, according to September data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD).

Only two counties recorded unemployment rates of 5% or greater, with the highest at 5.1%.

Eight counties - Williamson, Cheatham, Sevier, Trousdale, Macon, Wilson, Rutherford, and Dickson - recorded the state's lowest unemployment rates for September at 2.7%.

Bledsoe and Sumner counties rounded out the list of the 10 lowest unemployment rates in the state at 2.8%.

Meanwhile, Perry County posted the state's highest unemployment rate for the month at 5.1%, which was down four-tenths of a percentage point from August.

Hancock County had the next-highest rate at 5%, down half a percentage point from August. Meigs County followed at 4.6%, down four-tenths of a percentage point.

For the third month in a row, Tennessee's unemployment rate was 3.4%, data released last week show. That rate is the lowest of the year and is well below the national average of 4.2%.

Unlike the statewide rate, county rates are not seasonally adjusted.

TDLWD has compiled an analysis of the September 2026 county unemployment data.

The end of daylight-saving time is approaching, with clocks turning back November 1. Use that extra hour - or more - to refresh your resume, explore new opportunities, or connect with a career specialist at a local American Job Center.

AJCs offer free resources to meet individuals' employment needs, including access to computers and assistance with resumes and interview skills.

Find the nearest location with this interactive AJC map.

Tennessee will release statewide unemployment data for October on November 19, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. CST.