More Workers In Cannon Co. Increases Jobless Rate

NASHVILLE — Cannon County's unemployment rate increased from 9.0 in April to 9.8 percent in May, according to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

State statistics show Cannon County had a labor force of 6,760 in May, of which 660 were unemployed.

In April, Cannon County had a labor force of 6,630, 130 less than in May, of which 600 were unemployed. Since the total workforce was larger, there were 70 more people jobless.

Statewde, county non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rates for May 2011, released today, show that the rate decreased in 56 counties, increased in 24 counties, and stayed the same in 15 counties.

Tennessee’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for May was 9.7 percent, up slightly from the April rate of 9.6. The national unemployment rate for May 2011 was 9.1 percent, up from April’s 9.0 percent.

Lincoln County registered the state's lowest county unemployment rate at 6.1 percent, down from the April rate of 6.6 percent, followed by Williamson County at 6.6 percent, down from 7.0 percent. Scott County had the state’s highest unemployment rate at 20.8 percent, down from 22.1 percent in the previous month, followed by Lauderdale County at 14.8 percent, unchanged from the April rate.

Knox County had the state’s lowest major metropolitan rate of 7.4 percent, down from 7.7 percent in April.  Hamilton County was 8.2 percent, unchanged from the previous month.  Davidson County was 8.6 percent, down from 8.8 percent in April, and Shelby County was 10.0 percent, unchanged from their April unemployment rate.