Scott Jobless Rate Down 1.3 Percent

Nashville, TN (2011-06-23) The jobless rate in Scott County dipped 1.3 percent in May. Despite the decline, the county still has the dubious honor of having the highest jobless rate in the state.

According to the latest statistics from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the unemployment rate in Scott County dropped to 20.8 percent in May; a decline of 1.3 percentage points. Of the county’s labor force of 8,420, 6,670 had jobs, leaving 1,750 looking for a job. A year ago, the jobless rate in Scott County was 18.4 percent.

Across the state, the rate decreased in 56 counties, increased in 24 counties, and stayed the same in 15. The rate declined in all counties contiguous to Scott.

In Anderson County, the jobless picture improved 0.1 percentage point in May, dropping from 8.8 to 8.7 percent. Campbell County experienced a 0.2 percentage point decline in joblessness, down from 12.4 to 12.2 percent over the month. Fentress County’s May unemployment rate was 11.0, a decline of 0.5 percentage point. The jobless rate in Morgan County dropped 0.4 percentage points, going from 10.8 percent in April to 10.4 percent in May. Pickett County experienced the greatest decrease in joblessness, reporting a May rate of 14.0 percent, a decrease of 0.7 percent.

Lincoln County registered the state's lowest county unemployment rate at 6.1 percent, down from the April rate of 6.6 percent, followed by Williamson County at 6.6 percent, down from 7.0 percent. Lauderdale County at 14.8 percent, unchanged from the April rate, had the second highest rate in the state. With a May rate of 14.7 percent, Marshall County had the third highest. Dyer County (14.4) and Perry County (14.0) rounded out the top five.

Knox County had the state’s lowest major metropolitan rate of 7.4 percent, down from 7.7 percent in April. Hamilton County was 8.2 percent, unchanged from the previous month. Davidson County was 8.6 percent, down from 8.8 percent in April, and Shelby County was 10.0 percent, unchanged from their April unemployment rate.