More than three-quarters of Tennessee's 95 counties experienced a drop in unemployment during December 2018 according to data released this week by Gov. Bill Lee and Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Dr. Jeff McCord.

Seventy-six counties saw a decrease in unemployment in December; the rate remained unchanged in three counties, and 16 counties experienced an uptick in their jobless numbers.

Williamson County continued to have the state's lowest unemployment during the final month of 2018 with a rate of 2.1 percent. Compared to the previous month, Williamson's rate dropped by 0.4 of a percentage point in December. The County's unemployment rate has been at or below 2.1 percent in 61 prior months dating back to 1990.

Davidson and Rutherford counties were tied for the second lowest unemployment rate at 2.3 percent each. Both counties saw a decrease of 0.3 of a percentage point from their November rates.

"To finish 2018 with low unemployment in so many counties shows just how strong Tennessee's economy is as we start the new year," said Lee. "Much of our state continues to benefit from a business climate that encourages growth, which in turn leads to new jobs."

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Hancock County had the state's highest unemployment rate at 5.7 percent, which increased by 1.1 percent from November's figure.

Lauderdale County had the second highest unemployment rate, but at 5.6 percent, it did drop 0.2 of a percentage point when compared to the previous month.