Following a state-wide trend that saw increased unemployment rates in 82 of 95 counties, Scott County's jobless rate increased by nine-tenths of a percentage point in May.
According to figures released Thursday by the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development, the local unemployment rate was 17.0 percent in May, up from 16.1 percent the previous month.
That number is based on an estimated local work force of 8,030, of which 6,670 were employed in May and 1,370 were without work. The estimated labor force increased by exactly 100 persons after reaching a 19-year low of 7,930 in April.
