August unemployment numbers in the Magnolia State dropped below 10 percent, with a seasonally unadjusted rate of 9.5 percent, representing 121,300 people, which is 1 percentage point lower than the state's July rate. Mississippi's August numbers are 0.1 percent lower than the national rate of 9.6 percent. The state is also one of 16 states reporting a decrease in joblessness across the U.S.

Across the state, 29 out of 82 counties showed double-digit unemployment, with four counties (Noxubee, Clay, Holmes and Jefferson) all showing rates of 18 percent or more. Jefferson County reported the highest rate at 18.6 percent, with 500 individuals looking for work.

At the other end of the spectrum, Rankin and Madison counties reported the lowest rates of joblessness at 5.9 percent and 6.7 percent, respectively. The Hinds County rate, at 8.2 percent, was the 10th lowest in the state, and was on par with Covington, Lafayette and Stone counties.

Compared to a year ago, however, the state's unemployment rate is 2.1 percent higher than August, 2008. Nearly 24,000 more Mississippians were jobless in August 2009 than one year ago. The average weekly benefit amount paid by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security last month was $185.87.

Official unemployment rates do not count people who have taken part-time employment—reporting any employment at all counts individuals as employed. The numbers also do not reflect those whose benefits have expired, or those who did not actively look for work in the previous four weeks. Experts note that unofficial employment rates may be twice as high as those reported by official sources.

Previous Comments

ID

152315

Comment

After 8 months on unemployment I have been fortunate enough to find a part time job. I am no longer counted as unemployed. We have eliminated non-essential spending, cut out table cloth restaurants, opting for the fast food chains. Groceries are purchased based on the sale ads and coupons. High priced personal services have been replaced with equally competent folks who charge less. No one noticed when I changed barbers and saved 60% on each visit except possibly the guy who charged a lot more. Had my full time job continued I surely would have purchased a new car, but with less than a year left on my car note, and an 8 mile per day commute. I think my ride is good for at least 10 more years. Frugal is the new chic.

Author

Jeffery R

Date

2009-09-25T14:10:55-06:00