Scott County’s unemployment rate declined for the second consecutive month in August, falling three-tenths of a percentage point to 4.4 percent.
According to data released last week by the TN Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development, Scott County’s jobless rate dropped from 4.7 percent in July to 4.4 percent in August. The unemployment rate has now fallen six-tenths of a percentage point since standing at 5.0 percent in June.
The August unemployment rate was based on an estimated local work force of 8,795, of which 8,411 were employed and 384 were unemployed. Both employment and the size of the work force declined from July. The estimated work force decreased by 86 people, while the number of employed Scott Countians declined by 54 and the number of unemployed workers declined by 32.
Scott County’s unemployment rate remained higher than it was a year ago. The county’s jobless rate stood at 4.1 percent in August 2025.
Tennessee’s highest unemployment rates in August were found in Hancock and Perry counties, at 5.5 percent each. They were followed by Pickett County at 5.2 percent, Hardeman County at 5.1 percent, and Meigs and Shelby counties at 5.0 percent. Greene County had an unemployment rate of 4.9 percent, while Lake and Lauderdale counties were at 4.8 percent. Benton, Decatur and Weakley counties each had unemployment rates of 4.7 percent.
The state’s lowest unemployment rates in August were found in Cheatham and Sevier counties, at 2.9 percent. Dickson, Macon, Robertson, Williamson and Wilson counties each had unemployment rates of 3.0 percent.
Among neighboring counties, Anderson and Fentress counties each had unemployment rates of 3.5 percent, while Campbell County’s jobless rate was 3.8 percent and Morgan County’s unemployment rate was 4.2 percent.
Among the state’s major metropolitan areas, Nashville showed the way at 3.1 percent, followed by Knoxville at 3.2 percent, Chattanooga at 3.4 percent and Memphis at 4.6 percent.
The unemployment rate increased in 45 of Tennessee’s 95 counties during August, declined in 22 counties and remained unchanged in 28 counties. The statewide unemployment rate was 3.4 percent, while the national unemployment rate was 4.1 percent.
