Essential to the Jackson region’s future economic prosperity is the ability to educate, recruit and maintain a skilled workforce. Coordination between public schools, higher education and business stakeholders ensures that the workforce is equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to fill the jobs of today and tomorrow.
As a regional hub of over 300,000 people, Jackson is well connected. The nine-county regional workforce is fueled by seven colleges and universities and a state technology center with multiple campuses. With a median age of 41.0, the region’s population that has a high school diploma or higher is 86.5 percent. Employers give the workforce high ratings for work ethic and productivity.
In addition to developing talent, Jackson is drawing a top-ranked labor pool from major cities throughout the nation. A variety of entrepreneurs, creative professionals and technical specialists in manufacturing, IT and healthcare are calling Jackson home because of the quality of life, excellent schools and low cost of living.
The area’s pro-business environment and affordable and competitive labor are often the reasons cited for a company’s decision to expand or locate in Jackson. The region is unrivaled in its supply of high-quality workers with dedication and work ethic to match. With wage rates lower than most parts of the country, a manufacturing union membership of less than one percent, and the fact that Tennessee is a right to work state, Jackson has the type of workforce that new and expanding industries need.
The Greater Jackson Chamber partners with Union University to conduct an annual Industrial Wage and Benefit Survey for the region. To learn more about the study or obtain a copy, email lmccoy@jacksontn.com.
Considering a move to Jackson, TN? The Move to Jackson website provides comprehensive information on living and working in this West Tennessee gem. It emphasizes the region’s dynamic blend of business opportunities and high quality of life, featuring key aspects such as healthcare, education, employment, and overall living standards.
County Labor Force Employment Unemployment Rate Carroll 11,712 11,210 502 4.3% Chester 8,519 8,210 309 3.6% Crockett 6,725 6,488 237 3.5% Gibson 21,704 20,869 835 3.8% Hardeman 8,822 8413 409 4.6% Haywood 8,350 7,970 380 4.6% Henderson 11,852 11,370 482 4.1% Madison 49,187 47,264 1,923 3.9% McNairy 8,304 7,851 453 5.5% Total 135,840 130,484 5,530 4.1%
September 2024
