The Tate County unemployment rate moved to 3.4% in April, a slight decrease from 3.8% in March, according to statistics from the Mississippi Department of Employment Security.
Tate County ranks 26th in the state in unemployment and the rate of 3.4% includes 12,000 of the eligible 12,430 residents, at least 16 years of age, actively searching for employment in April but could not secure a job.
The county’s rate of 3.4% is slightly lower than the state’s non-seasonally adjusted average of 3.5% and below the nationwide average of 3.9%. 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.
Industry sectors with the largest monthly employment increases in April were Private Education & Health Services; Leisure & Hospitality; and Professional & Business Services.
In April, 33 counties in Mississippi posted unemployment rates less than or equal to the state’s rate of 3.5%. Lafayette and Rankin Counties posted the lowest at 2.5 percent followed by Jones County at 2.8. Issaquena County had the highest at 10.8% followed by Jefferson County at 10.7. April unemployment numbers for surrounding north Mississippi counties: • DeSoto 3.5%, down from 3.7% in March • Lafayette 2.5%, down from 3.2% in March • Marshall 4.1%, down from 4.2% in March • Panola 4.5, down from 5.1% in March • Tunica 5.6%, down from 5.5% in March.
The summer jobless rate is influenced by several factors, including:
• Seasonal Industries: Industries that experience a significant increase in demand during the summer months, such as tourism, hospitality, agriculture, and construction, contribute to higher employment during this period. However, these jobs are often temporary, leading to increased seasonal unemployment when the peak season ends.
• Student Employment: During summer breaks, many high school and college students enter the workforce, either seeking temporary summer jobs or looking for permanent employment after graduation. This influx of students into the labor market can increase the overall number of people seeking jobs during the summer.
• School Breaks and Childcare: Summer school breaks can lead to increased childcare responsibilities for parents, particularly mothers of young school-aged children. This can cause some parents to reduce their working hours or temporarily leave the workforce, affecting the summer employment rate.
• Economic Conditions: Broader economic conditions, such as overall economic growth, play a role in the summer jobless rate, as they influence the availability of jobs across all sectors.
• Other Factors: Individual factors like age, education level, and geographic location can also influence a person's ability to find summer employment.
If you are searching for employment, visit the Tate County WIN Job Center on the Northwest Mississippi Community College campus in Senatobia or call (662) 562-3351 for more information.
