| KNOX COUNTY PROFILE |
Labor Force and Employment:
|
Businesses in the Knoxville-Oak Ridge Innovation Valley have access to a skilled workforce with a high percentage of technologically trained workers. Workforce development programs ensure that these workers are ready to meet the needs of a changing, competitive global workplace.
The East Tennessee laborshed provides a strong supply of educated, dedicated employees for any type of enterprise. The area is home to top-quality educational institutions including the main campus of The University of Tennessee, eight four-year colleges, four two-year and community colleges, and six technology training centers.
The November 2012 civilian labor force (full and part-time, non-farm wage and salary employees, and self-employed persons) in the Knoxville metropolitan area was 377,290, with an average unemployment rate of 5.4%. Knox County reported a total labor force of 239,400 and 5.2% unemployment. Local rates were lower than the statewide average of 7.6% and the national level of 7.8%. A diversified economy is credited for the stability of local employment and wages.
| Knoxville MSA* Non-farm Employment by Industry, November 2012 (excluding Self-Employed) |
| Industry |
Number |
Percentage |
| Government |
51,600 |
15.1 |
| Educational, Health Services |
50,200 |
14.7 |
| Professional, Business Services |
50,100 |
14.7 |
| Retail Trade |
41,600 |
12.2 |
| Leisure and Hospitality |
34,600 |
10.1 |
| Manufacturing |
33,000 |
9.7 |
| Durable goods |
24,800 |
7.3 |
| Nondurable goods |
8,200 |
2.4 |
| Natural Resources, Mining, Construction |
18,100 |
5.3 |
| Financial Activities |
16,600 |
4.9 |
| Wholesale Trade |
15,600 |
4.6 |
| Other Services |
12,700 |
3.7 |
| Transportation, Warehousing, Utilities |
11,400 |
3.3 |
| Information |
5,500 |
1.6 |
| Total |
341,000 |
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Source: Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Labor Market Report, Revised November 2012 (http://www.tn.gov/labor-wfd/lmr/pdf/2012/LMRDec2012.pdf)
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| Knoxville MSA Employment Summary, November 2012 |
| Unemployment Rate |
5.4% |
| Total Labor Force |
377,290 |
| Available Labor |
20,220 |
Source: Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Labor Market Report
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Current Labor Market Reports are available throught the State of Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development at http://www.tn.gov/labor-wfd/lmr/.