The unemployment rate within Pearl River County was slightly lower than the statewide-unadjusted average for the month of August. During that month, Pearl River County’s rate tied for 19th with four other counties, all reporting a percentage of 5.4. The statewide average was 5.6 percent.

According to information released by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security this week, Pearl River County’s revised unemployment rate for July was 5.6 percent. In August of 2018, the unemployment rate was 4.6 percent in the county.

Statewide, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in August was 5.2 percent, slightly more than July’s revised rate of 5.1 percent.

In August of 2018, Mississippi’s adjusted unemployment rate was 4.7 percent.

Nationwide, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in August was 3.7 percent, the same as the previous month’s rate.

In August of last year, the nationwide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.8 percent.

Seasonally adjusted rates factor in annual patterns such as weather, holidays, school schedules and other occurrences that affect employment rates. Only nationwide and statewide percentages are adjusted.

Mississippi’s unadjusted rate for August was 5.6 percent, July’s rate was 6.1 percent, the report states.

Mississippi’s unadjusted rate for August 2018 was 4.6 percent.

Nationwide, the unadjusted unemployment rate for August was 3.8 percent, a slight decrease from the previous month’s rate of 4 percent. In August of the previous year, the unadjusted unemployment rate in the United States was 3.9 percent.

Of Mississippi’s 82 counties, 28 reported unemployment rates at or below the statewide-unadjusted average of 5.6 percent.

Rankin County reported the lowest unemployment rate during August with 4.1 percent with Lamar County close behind with a rate of 4.2 percent.

Jefferson County reported the highest rate, at 17.9 percent, with Claiborne County reporting a rate of 12.5 percent.