RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - In September of this year, Rutherford County reported an impressively low unemployment rate of 2.9%, placing it in the top five counties in Tennessee for labor stability. According to data released on Thursday by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD), this figure has held remarkably steady throughout the year, securing Rutherford County’s position as having the fourth-lowest unemployment rate in Tennessee in September, the most recent month for numbers to be released. 

Tennessee’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for October rose to 3.3%, an increase of one-tenth of a percentage point over September. However, this rate remains two-tenths of a percentage point lower than in October 2023, and continues to outperform the U.S. national rate of 4.1%.

Returning to September data, the latest month for which city-level unemployment figures are available, Smyrna and LaVergne both posted jobless rates of 3%, while Murfreesboro recorded a slightly higher rate at 3.1%. Rutherford County’s updated labor data is expected on November 21, 2024, which will provide further insights into the area’s job market.

The numbers are in at the statewide level, proving Tennessee’s labor market shows strong performance compared to national averages, with notable job growth across the education, health services, and manufacturing sectors. Over the past year, more than 45,000 jobs have been added across Tennessee, largely due to growth in the trade, transportation, and construction sectors.

Rutherford County’s sustained low jobless rate reflects the area’s adaptability to market demands and growth in key economic sectors. Updated city employment rates, anticipated on November 21, 2024, should offer more insights into the county’s economic stability. For now, residents and officials alike can celebrate a robust job market that shows no signs of slowing down, further positioning Rutherford County as a workforce leader in Tennessee.