Jobs in Mississippi are growing.
The number of jobs in the state grew by 4,000 in July to 1,143,000. In fact, over the year since July 2015, jobs increased by 8,100. These job figures are based on a survey of Mississippi employers and are considered the most reliable guide to job growth in our state.
Based on a separate survey of individuals, Mississippi seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 6 percent in July, which is one-tenth of a percentage point higher than the rate a month earlier in June. However, the July 2016 rate is three-tenths of a percentage point lower than a year ago in July 2015 when the rate was 6.3 percent.
The number of unemployed Mississippians increased slightly in July by 200 to 75,700; however, the July number is 4,600 lower than a year ago in July 2015 when the figure was 80,300. During the last three months of May, June and July, Mississippi had the lowest numbers of unemployed individuals since February 2004.
The number of people working in Mississippi declined in July by 8,500 to 1,196,000; however, for the year since July 2015, employment in the state posted an increase of 4,500.
The Labor Force, which is made up of everyone who has a job or is looking for a job, fell in July by 8,300 to 1,271,700. Over the year since July 2015, the Labor Force decreased by 100.
