Tennessee Unemployment
According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Tennessee fell 0.0 percentage points in May 2021 to 5.0%. The state unemployment rate was 0.8 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Tennessee peaked in April 2020 at 15.8% and is now 10.8 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 4.9% in February 2021, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.1 percentage points. You can also see Tennessee unemployment compared to other states.
| Unemployment Rate | May 2021 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 5.8% | -0.3 | -7.5 |
| Tennessee | 5.0% | 0.0 | -4.6 |
Note: All comparisons are made with May data as June state level unemployment data has not yet been released.
Unemployment Rate: Tennessee, National
Note: Recessions shown in gray
Tennessee Unemployed
The number of people unemployed in Tennessee peaked in April 2020 at 503,585. There are now 337,421 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 162,310 in February 2021, the number of unemployed has now grown by 3,854. Tennessee job growth data is also available.
| Unemployed Persons | May 2021 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 166,164 | -858 | -136,195 |
Number of Unemployed Persons
Tennessee Unemployment History
| Date | National Unemployment Rate |
Tennessee Unemployment Rate |
Tennessee Unemployed |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 2021 | 5.9% | — | — |
| May 2021 | 5.8% | 5.0% | 166,164 |
| April 2021 | 6.1% | 5.0% | 167,022 |
| March 2021 | 6.0% | 5.1% | 168,455 |
| February 2021 | 6.2% | 4.9% | 162,310 |
| January 2021 | 6.3% | 5.1% | 170,240 |
| December 2020 | 6.7% | 5.6% | 186,041 |
| November 2020 | 6.7% | 5.6% | 184,368 |
| October 2020 | 6.9% | 7.8% | 265,044 |
| September 2020 | 7.8% | 7.9% | 266,911 |
| August 2020 | 8.4% | 8.1% | 273,108 |
| July 2020 | 10.2% | 8.9% | 283,157 |
Department of Numbers
The Department of Numbers contextualizes public data so that individuals can form independent opinions on everyday social and economic matters.
