According to the Department of Employment Security, Mississippi’s unemployment rate rose to 5.0% in May, a slight increase from April’s 4.9%.
While the unemployment rate rose, the number of non-farm jobs in Mississippi did increase by 2,300 in May to 1,165,800, which are the most jobs ever recorded in Mississippi.
Since May 2018, the number of jobs in the state has increased by 12,100. These numbers are based on a survey of employers. According to the MDES, that employer survey is recognized as the most reliable indicator of job growth.
The Labor Force, which is made up of everyone who has a job or is looking for a job, increased in May by 1,000 to 1,267,600. Since May 2018, the Labor Force fell by 9,300.
The number of people working in Mississippi rose in May by 900 to 1,204,800; however, for the year since May 2018, employed individuals decreased by 10,800.
The number of unemployed Mississippians rose slightly by 100 in May to 62,800. Since May 2018, the number of unemployed Mississippians increased by 1,500.
