The state's overall unemployment rate in May was 10.7%, up from 9.9% in April. The national unemployment rate in May was 9.4%.

Area unemployment rates for May 2009:

• Anderson County: 10.3% (April: 9.6%, May 2008: 5.4%)
• Blount County: 10.2% (April: 9.7%, May 2008: 5.3%)
• Knox County: 8.0% (April: 7.4%%, May 2008: 4.6%)
• Loudon County: 9.7% (April: 9.5%, May 2008: 5.1%)
• Roane County: 9.3% (April: 8.7%, May 2008: 5.5%)
• Union County: 10.9% (April: 10.3%, May 2008: 5.2%)

Perry County again had the highest May unemployment at 24.6%. Lincoln County had the lowest at 6.5%. Knox County ranked third lowest.

May unemployment was 20.1% in the City of Maryville, the highest city unemployment reported. It was 13.0% in Knoxville, and 8.5% in Oak Ridge. The lowest city unemployment was 5.9% in Brentwood.

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