Rutherford County Unemployment Falls to 2.7%, Tied for Lowest in Tennessee

Rutherford County's unemployment rate fell to 2.7% in September 2026, down from 3.1% in August and tied with seven other counties for the lowest in Tennessee. The state rate was 3.4% and the national rate 4.2%.

Rutherford County's unemployment rate fell to 2.7% in September 2026, tied with seven other counties for the lowest rate in Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development released the county figures on Oct. 22. The rate was 3.1% in August and 3.0% in September 2025.

The other counties at 2.7% were Williamson, Cheatham, Sevier, Trousdale, Macon, Wilson and Dickson. Every one of Tennessee's 95 counties posted a lower rate in September than in August.

Rutherford County jobs by the numbers

The state's September 2026 labor force estimates for Rutherford County:

• Labor force: 214,456
• Employed: 208,675
• Unemployed: 5,781
• Unemployment rate: 2.7%
• August 2026 rate: 3.1%
• September 2025 rate: 3.0%

County rates are not seasonally adjusted, unlike the state and national figures, so they can move with seasonal hiring.

How does Rutherford County compare?

• Rutherford County: 2.7%
• Williamson County: 2.7%
• Wilson County: 2.7%
• Davidson County: 2.8%
• Cannon County: 2.9%
• Bedford County: 3.2%
• Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin metro area: 2.8%
• Tennessee (seasonally adjusted): 3.4%
• United States (seasonally adjusted): 4.2%

Tennessee's statewide rate held at 3.4% for the third month in a row. The state says that is the lowest rate of the year. Perry County had the highest rate in the state, 5.1%.

The state report gives figures for counties and metro areas, not for individual cities, so it has no separate rate for Murfreesboro, Smyrna or La Vergne.

When is the next jobs report?

The state will release October 2026 statewide figures on Nov. 19, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. Central time.

Where to look for work in Murfreesboro

The state's American Job Centers offer free help with job searches, resumes and interviews; its AJC map lists the nearest center. OnlyInMurfreesboro's Murfreesboro jobs guide covers the area's major employers, and the moving to Murfreesboro guide and cost of living guide cover the rest of the picture for newcomers. More county news is on the Rutherford County page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the unemployment rate in Rutherford County, Tennessee?

Rutherford County's unemployment rate was 2.7% in September 2026, according to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. That is down from 3.1% in August.

Which Tennessee counties have the lowest unemployment?

In September 2026, eight counties tied for the lowest rate at 2.7%: Williamson, Cheatham, Sevier, Trousdale, Macon, Wilson, Rutherford and Dickson. Bledsoe and Sumner followed at 2.8%.

How many people are employed in Rutherford County?

The state estimates 208,675 Rutherford County residents were employed in September 2026, out of a labor force of 214,456. About 5,781 were unemployed.

What is Tennessee's unemployment rate?

Tennessee's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.4% in September 2026, the third month in a row at that level. The national rate was 4.2%.

What is Murfreesboro's unemployment rate?

The state's monthly report does not give city rates. Murfreesboro is in Rutherford County, which had a 2.7% rate in September 2026, and in the Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin metro area, which had 2.8%.

Sources: Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development: "Unemployment Rates Fall in All 95 Tennessee Counties," Oct. 22, 2026 and the department's September 2026 labor force estimates.

*Illustration: AI-generated image; not an actual Murfreesboro location.*