Local Jobless Rate Falls To 6.2%

November 3, 2005

Scott County’s unemployment rate dropped four-tenths of a percentage point from August to September to 6.2 percent, according to figures released last week by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

The most recent jobless figure is based on an estimated workforce of 8,320, with 7,800 of that number being employed during the month and 520 out of work.

The downward trend in unemployment was also seen in counties surrounding Scott as Morgan County’s rate dropped nine-tenths of a percentage point to 6.4 percent; Pickett County also experienced a nine-tenths of a percentage point decrease to 5.7%; Campbell County’s rate fell two-tenths of a percentage point to 5.0%; Anderson County’s rate was down three-tenths of a percentage point to 4.5%, and Fentress County also experienced a three-tenths of a percentage point decrease to 5.8%.

Across the state, 86 counties experienced lower unemployment, eight counties increased, and one remained the same.

Williamson County registered the state’s lowest county jobless rate for September at 3.2 percent, down from 3.4 in August. Clay County was the state’s highest at 12.4 percent, up from 10.7 in August.

Knox County had the state’s lowest major metropolitan rate at 3.6 percent, down from the August rate of 3.9. Hamilton County was 4.4 percent, down from 4.8 in August. Davidson was at 4.2 percent, down from 4.5 in August, and Shelby County was 5.7 percent, down from 6.6 in August.

Tennessee’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for September was 5.1 percent, down from the August revised rate of 5.3 percent, Commissioner of Labor & Workforce Development James Neeley said. The national jobless for September is also 5.1 percent, up from the August 4.9 percent rate.

“From September 2004 to September 2005, the business survey shows a growth of 25,100 jobs,” said Commissioner Neeley. “Major employment increases continued in retail trade and health care/social assistance.”

The August-to-September figures show local government educational services jobs grew by 7,900. State government educational services increased with 5,600 jobs and retail trade employment grew by 4,400. Month-to-month seasonal decreases took place in leisure and hospitality, down 4,000 jobs. Information industry employment declined by 500 jobs, and financial activities jobs decreased by 400.

From September 2004 to September 2005, retail trade increased by 7,300. Jobs in health care/social assistance rose by 6,400. Jobs also increased in food services/drinking places, up 3,700. Employment decreased in accommodation by 1,700, nondurable goods manufacturing by 1,600 and the information industry by 1,500.

newsroom@ihoneida.com

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