Overall unemployment rate moved down to 5.0% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 300 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2021.

Total employment in the Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA market rose by 440 jobs in February and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 60 bps to 5.0%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 26 bps over the same time to 6.6%.

  • Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA unemployment rate is 155 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 90 bps above the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a negative.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in February versus prior month by 4.1% and are down compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA Unemployment February 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.7% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 23,100; no change
  • Manufacturing: 20,200; +200
  • Education & Healthcare: 17,100; +100
  • Government: 15,700; +300
  • Business Services: 13,800; +200
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 11,200; +100
  • Other Jobs: 5,400; no change
  • Construction, Mining: 5,100; -100
  • Financial Services: 3,600; no change
  • IT & Development: 1,000; no change
Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA Unemployment by Industry February 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2021 (Data published April 2021 and reports created on April 9, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.