Leflore County’s jobless rate rose to 13.5 percent last month, but that’s largely due to seasonal factors. Overall, the employment picture continued to improve compared to a year ago, according to figures released today by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security.
Traditionally in June, the jobless rate rises as students enter the labor force. This June was no different, as the unemployment rate in Leflore County increased almost a full point from May’s 12.6 percent figure.
However, last month’s rate was significantly lower than the June 2011 rate of 16.0 percent.
The number of unemployed this June was 380 fewer than the year before. The number of employed was down 50.
cStatewide, the unemployment rate was 9.8 percent, up from May’s rate of 8.9 percent but down from the June 2011 figure of 11.6 percent.
The national rate in June was 8.4 percent.
Twenty-six of the state’s 82 counties had rates below 10 percent. Rankin County again was the lowest at 5.9 percent. Clay County was the highest at 17.9 percent, followed by Holmes County at 17.6 percent.
Leflore County had the 71st best unemployment rate.
The June rates and rankings for other nearby counties were:
• Carroll, 9.2 percent, 16th (tie).
• Grenada, 9.8 percent, 24th (tie).
• Tallahatchie, 11.4 percent, 46th (tie).
• Montgomery, 12.7 percent, 63rd.
• Sunflower, 15.7 percent, 75th (tie).
• Humphreys, 17.2 percent, 79th.
MDES Labor Mrket Data for June 2012
