Unicoi County posts highest unemployment rate in TN after Hurricane Helene

Unicoi County registered the highest unemployment rate among any of Tennessee’s 95 counties in November as it continues to be battered by the after-effects of Hurricane Helene. The county’s unemployment rate reached 6.0% in November, with 435 people unemployed. Erwin’s industrial park sustained major damage in the September 27 flooding caused by Helene, temporarily putting about 250 people out of work, and none of the six businesses there has returned to operation. The 6.0% rate was a slight uptick from 5.8% in October when the county had the second-highest unemployment rate statewide. The 435 people unemployed was a 43% jump over September’s 304.