The unemployment picture improved here in Rutherford County. July data shows 8.5 per cent of the local population is without a job, compared to 9.1 per cent the month before. 

Figures for the Volunteer State come-in at 9. per cent, while is the same as the previous month. The U.S. jobless rate for July is 9.1 per cent.  

When the numbers are broken-down to the local municipalities, La Vergne was the strongest with 8.3 per cent for July. Smyrna's unemployed residents totaled 8.6 per cent for July. Murfreesboro had 9.2 per cent without jobs. 

Lincoln County continued to enjoy the most persons working. They had 6.7 per cent unemployment there. And Knox County was the top metro area with the fewest number of workers without jobs. The Knoxville Metro Statistical Area scored a 7.5 per cent rate. For comparison, neighboring Davidson County had 8.5 per cent.