Updated March 25, 2019

The statewide unemployment rate in Tennessee dropped to a new historic low in February according to data released Thursday by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD).

 The seasonally adjusted rate of 3.2 percent is 0.1 of a percentage point lower than the previous historic low.

Tennessee reached its previous record low unemployment rate of 3.3 percent in October 2018 and it remained at the level for four consecutive months. 

Over the past year, Tennessee's February unemployment rate decreased from 3.6 percent of 3.2 percent. 

To reach a record low unemployment rate is quite a milestone for Tennessee, explained TDWLD Commissioner Jeff McCord. Month after month the state has experienced record low, or near record low unemployment for nearly two years."

While Tennessee did see record-breaking unemployment in February, there was a decrease in the number of jobs across the state. Total nonfarm employment was down by 1,500 jobs between January and February. The state experienced the biggest decreases in the mining/logging/construction sector, followed by the professional/business services sector.

The state of Tennessee will release the February 2019 unemployment rates for each of Tennessee's 95 counties on Thursday.