Tennessee – According to the state officials, the unemployment rates increased in most Tennessee counties in July, according to data released by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

The rise was attributed to seasonal changes in employment, including school breaks and fluctuations in industries such as tourism and agriculture. While the statewide rate is adjusted for seasonal variations, county-level rates are not, making them more sensitive to temporary changes in employment.

Data shows that 92 of Tennessee’s 95 counties experienced an increase in unemployment from June to July. Three counties reported no change. Fifty-five counties recorded unemployment rates below 5%, while 40 counties reported rates of 5% or higher.

Sevier County continued to have the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 3.3%, a slight increase from June’s 3.2%. Cheatham County followed with a rate of 3.4%, up from 3.2% the previous month. Other counties with relatively low unemployment included Wilson, Williamson, Sumner, Dickson, and Davidson, all at 3.6%.

In contrast, Weakley County had the highest unemployment rate at 8.5%, up significantly from June’s 5.0%. Greene County’s rate rose to 6.8%, and Perry County saw an increase to 6.7%. Officials noted that these increases reflected seasonal employment shifts and temporary layoffs in certain industries.

The state offers programs to support young workers, including the Youth Employment Program (YEP), which allows individuals ages 14 to 24 to gain work experience while earning up to $3,500. The program operates year-round, giving students and young adults opportunities to work even during the school year.

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development will release statewide unemployment figures for August on September 18, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. CDT. The data provides a snapshot of how seasonal trends and local economic conditions continue to affect employment across the state.

This article reflects information provided by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development and regional employment analyses.