Rutherford County Ranks Among Tennessee’s Lowest in March Unemployment Report

MURFREESBORO, TN – April 24, 2025 – Rutherford County continues to demonstrate strong economic stability, earning a spot in the top three counties with the lowest unemployment rates in Tennessee for March, according to newly released data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD).

Rutherford County recorded a 2.7% unemployment rate last month, placing it third statewide among counties with the lowest jobless rates. The numbers reflect a steady job market across the county’s major municipalities.

In Murfreesboro, the unemployment rate was 2.8%, while Smyrna outperformed the county average with a low 2.6%, the lowest rate within the county. LaVergne tied with Murfreesboro at 2.8%.

These numbers highlight Rutherford County’s continued economic growth and workforce resilience as part of Middle Tennessee’s thriving regional economy.

Only four of Tennessee’s 95 counties had unemployment rates at or above 5% in March. The highest rate was recorded in Pickett County at 5.7%, though it marked an improvement from February’s 6.3%. Hardeman County followed with 5.2%, while Johnson County reported 5.1%.

On the other end of the spectrum, Williamson County once again led the state with the lowest unemployment rate at 2.4%, followed by Cheatham County at 2.6%, and a tie among Rutherford, Wilson, and Knox counties at 2.7%.

Statewide, Tennessee’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for March stood at 3.6%, down slightly from 3.7% in February. County rates are reported without seasonal adjustments.

In light of this strong employment data, the TDLWD is also highlighting career opportunities in skilled trades. With National Skilled Trades Day approaching on May 7, Tennesseans are encouraged to explore low-cost or no-cost training opportunities at Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs), especially as demand grows for skilled trade professionals across the state.