Knox County jobless rate third lowest in Tennessee

5/25/2012

Knox County's jobless rate edged higher to 5.8 percent in April, up from 5.6 percent in March, the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development announced Thursday.

Despite the increase, Knox County had the lowest rate among the state's major metropolitan areas and the third lowest county rate.

Only Williamson and Lincoln counties had lower jobless rates last month at 5.3 percent and 5.5 percent, respectively.

Statewide, non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rates for April decreased in 84 counties, increased in five counties, and remained the same in six counties, according to the announcement.

The previously announced state unemployment rate for April fell to 7.8 percent, down from the March revised rate of 7.9 percent. The national unemployment rate for April 2012 was 8.1 percent, 0.1 percentage point lower than the March rate.

Source: Knoxville News Sentinel