During the month of April, unemployment in the state of Mississippi increased significantly to an average of 15.6.
Pearl River County’s unemployment rate for April also saw a significant increase, jumping from 4.6 percent in March to 13.1 percent in April.
In April of 2019, the unemployment rate was 4.6 percent in the county.
Statewide, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for March was 5.1 percent.
In April of 2019, Mississippi’s adjusted unemployment rate was 5.3 percent.
Nationwide, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in April was 14.7 percent, an increase from the previous month’s rate of 4.4.
In April of last year, the nationwide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.6 percent.
Seasonally adjusted rates take annual patterns such as weather, holidays, school schedules and other occurrences that affect employment rates into account. Only nationwide and statewide percentages are adjusted.
During the month of April, 50 of Mississippi’s 82 counties reported unemployment rates at or below the statewide-unadjusted average of 15.6 percent.
Smith County reported the lowest unemployment rate during April of 7.6 percent with Covington County, 8.9 percent.
Tunica County reported the highest rate, at 31.7 percent, with Chickasaw County reporting a rate of 31.4 percent.