What is the unemployment rate in the Memphis, TN area right now?
Refreshed monthly
Unemployment in the Memphis, TN area was at 4.1% in April 2026. That's a 0.3 percentage point increase from a year before. The unemployment rate is the percentage of people in the labor force who are actively looking for work but not currently employed. It helps indicate the overall condition of the Memphis, TN-MS-AR Metro Area job market.
In April 2026,
4.1%
of the labor force was unemployed in Memphis, TN area
April 2026 had a
+0.3
percentage point change from April 2025
Metro area-level unemployment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not account for fluctuations due to seasonal employment patterns, such as tourism or agriculture. That means the data may show large changes month to month. It’s important to view this local data with a long-term lens.
The unemployment rate in Memphis, TN area was lower in April 2026 (YTD) compared with January 2019.
Unemployment rate by month, not seasonally adjusted, 2019-2026 (YTD)
Unemployment rates differ between urban areas due to various factors. The types of industries present in an area may affect unemployment rates. Seasonal work in industries like tourism can cause unemployment to go up and down. Population changes and local policies also play a role in how many people are employed.
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How does unemployment in the Memphis, TN area compare to other metros?
Unemployment rates are an indicator of economic health, and comparing these rates across different metropolitan areas can provide insights. The Memphis, TN area, like many other regions, has experienced fluctuations in its unemployment rate over time. Understanding how the Memphis, TN area fares in comparison to other metropolitan areas can help identify challenges and opportunities within its labor market. The current unemployment rate in the Memphis, TN area is insert current unemployment rate. Historically, the Memphis, TN area has seen insert relevant historical data or trends. This context is useful for understanding the broader economic landscape of the region. When comparing the Memphis, TN area to other metropolitan areas, it is relevant to consider a range of factors. For instance, the current unemployment rate in select a metropolitan area is insert current unemployment rate, while in select another metropolitan area, it stands at insert current unemployment rate. These comparisons highlight the relative performance of the Memphis, TN area in terms of employment. Several factors can influence the unemployment rate in the Memphis, TN area, including industry composition, economic policies, and demographic trends. For example, the presence of industries such as insert industries can impact employment levels. Comparing these factors with those in other metropolitan areas can provide a deeper understanding of the economic dynamics at play. In summary, comparing the unemployment rate in the Memphis, TN area with other metropolitan areas reveals insights into its economic health. Findings include insert findings, which may have implications for future trends and policy decisions. Monitoring these trends will be important for anticipating changes in the labor market and addressing potential challenges. Data sources: List the sources of data used for the unemployment rates and any other relevant information.Among 108 metro areas with more than 250,000 people in the labor force, the Memphis, TN area had the 35th highest unemployment rate in April 2026.
Other areas with similar unemployment rates to the Memphis, TN area's 4.1% unemployment rate were the Buffalo, NY area (4.1%) and the San Diego, CA area (4.1%).
In April 2026, the Memphis, TN area had the 35th highest unemployment rate among metro areas with more than 250,000 people in the labor force.
Unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted (Circle size corresponds to the size of the labor force)
Unemployment rate, by metro area (April 2026)
| 1. | El Centro, CA area | 16.5% |
| 2. | Yuma, AZ area | 13.9% |
| 3. | Visalia, CA area | 10.2% |
| 4. | Merced, CA area | 9.6% |
| 5. | Hanford, CA area | 8.9% |
| 6. | Bakersfield, CA area | 8.7% |
| 7. | Guayama, PR area | 8.6% |
| 8. | Eagle Pass, TX area | 8.5% |
| 9. | Fresno, CA area | 8.1% |
| 10. | Wildwood, FL area | 7.9% |
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Methodology
USAFacts standardizes data, in areas such as time and demographics, to make it easier to understand and compare.
The analysis was generated with the help of AI and reviewed by USAFacts for accuracy.
Page sources
USAFacts endeavors to share the most up-to-date information available. We sourced the data on this page directly from government agencies; however, the intervals at which agencies publish updated data vary.
