State unemployment holds steady in February

Crockett County continues to demonstrate labor market resilience, reporting a 4.1% unemployment rate in January, one of the lowest among West Tennessee counties, according to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. No county in the region posted a rate below 3.9% for that month.
Statewide, Tennessee’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 3.7% in February, maintaining that level for six consecutive months. While the state’s unemployment rate remains below the national average, it has increased from 3.1% in February 2024. Nationwide, the unemployment rate rose from 3.9% in February 2024 to 4.1% in February 2025, matching Crockett County’s most recent county-level rate.
Although county-specific data for February will not be released until April 3, Crockett County’s January figures reflect the area’s continued economic stability in comparison to regional trends.
Tennessee also experienced a modest increase in wages. In February 2025, the average weekly pay rose to $997.04, up from $987.53 in February 2024. This increase occurred despite a slight drop in the average hourly wage, which declined from $24.75 to $24.20 over the same period. The gain in weekly earnings is attributed to a rise in average weekly hours worked, from 39.9 hours to 41.2 hours year over year.
Over the past 12 months, Tennessee added 19,200 nonfarm jobs, with the largest gains occurring in Government, Leisure and Hospitality, and Education and Health Services. Between January and February, the state added 9,100 jobs, with Education and Health Services seeing the most growth, followed by Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, and Leisure and Hospitality.
April marks Second Chance Month, a national initiative to support justice-involved individuals in rejoining the workforce. Tennessee’s Office of Reentry (TOOR) provides employment guidance and resources to help these individuals overcome barriers to employment and gain meaningful career opportunities.
Job seekers in Crockett County and across Tennessee can access free employment services and support at their nearest American Job Center.