The school break and other seasonal changes in employment contributed to an increase in unemployment rates in most Tennessee counties in July, according to new data released by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.<\/p>\n
The rate in Hamilton County rose from 3.8% in June to 4.1% in July. Overall, unemployment rates increased from June to July in 92 of Tennessee\u2019s 95 counties. Rates remained the same in three counties.<\/p>\n
Fifty-five counties reported unemployment rates of less than 5%. The other 40 counties had rates of 5% or greater.\u00a0While the statewide rate is adjusted to account for seasonal impacts on employment, county rates are not.<\/p>\n
Sevier County had the state\u2019s lowest rate for the second month in a row. At 3.3%, the rate was one-tenth of a percentage point higher than in June.\u00a0Cheatham County followed with the next-lowest rate at 3.4%, an increase of two-tenths of a percentage point over the previous month. Five counties \u2014 Wilson, Williamson, Sumner, Dickson, and Davidson \u2014 all reported rates of 3.6%.<\/p>\n
Weakley County\u2019s unemployment rate of 8.5% was the highest in Tennessee last month. That rate was up 3.5 percentage points over June\u2019s rate.\u00a0Greene County had the next-highest unemployment rate at 6.8%, an increase of 1.3 percentage points over June. Perry County\u2019s rate was 6.7%, an increase of half a percentage point.<\/p>\n
A breakdown of the July 2025 county unemployment data is available here<\/a>.<\/p>\n School may be back in session, but there are still plenty of ways for young people to work and learn.\u00a0Through Tennessee\u2019s Youth Employment Program (YEP), individuals 14 to 24 years old can test-drive potential careers while earning up to $3,500. The state-funded program is year-round so youths can still sign up and work during the school year.<\/p>\n