Unemployment Up in 59 Counties

The jobless rate rose last month in more than half of Tennessee’s counties. The statewide figure inched up from 8.1 to 8.4 percent in July. But according to the state department of Labor and Workforce, when the numbers are crunched on a more local level, they show unemployment rates of ten percent or more in 54 of the state’s 95 counties.

Scott County is in the worst shape, with almost 22 percent of its workforce not in a job. Lincoln and Williamson Counties are tied for the state’s lowest jobless rate, with both at 5.9 percent.