In recent years, Mississippi has surprised many with low unemployment rates that put it below the national average.
The state recorded a 3.2% unemployment rate in 2023 and has dropped to 2.6% during the first four months of 2024. This is impressive when compared to the national average of 4% in May 2024.
A Closer Look at County Rates
DeSoto County stands out with its remarkably low unemployment rates. It had a rate of 2.8% in 2023 and now boasts an even lower rate of 2.4% for 2024.
Tallahatchie County also saw a decline, going from 3.3% to 2.7%. Tate County followed a similar trend, decreasing from 3.3% to 2.8%.
Significant Decreases in Major Population Centers
Larger counties like Warren and Bolivar are also making strides.
Warren County saw its rate drop from 3.4% to 2.8%. Bolivar County experienced a similar improvement, moving from 3.6% to 2.9%.
Tunica County also improved, dropping from 3.5% to 2.9%. Carroll County went from 3.9% to 3.2%.
Persistent Challenges and Improvements
Leflore and Sunflower Counties had more modest improvements.
Leflore saw a decrease from 4.9% to 4.3%. Sunflower went from 4.6% to 4.2%. These figures are significant as they indicate ongoing progress.
Notable Drops in Small Counties
Sharkey and Issaquena Counties have historically had higher unemployment rates.
Sharkey dropped from 6.1% to 5.5%. Issaquena saw a considerable improvement from 7.6% to 6.1%. The progress is notable given Issaquena’s high of 19.2% in 2011.
Assistance Programs
The MDES WIN Job Centers play a crucial role in supporting the local workforce.
They offer various services, including job counseling, mock interviews, and resume assistance. These services help people find jobs or improve their skills to qualify for better opportunities.
Nicholas Evans, the MDES area director for the Delta Workforce area, oversees job centers in 14 counties.
These centers match employers with skilled job seekers. The on-the-job training program even pays half of the new hires’ salaries for up to 480 hours, giving both employers and employees the chance to see if the job is a good fit.
Industry-specific Needs
Certain industries in the Delta region have a high demand for workers.
These industries include aerial applicator pilots, electricians, emergency medical technicians, fiber fusion splicers, electrical line workers, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and engineers.
There’s a particular focus on upskilling local talent to meet these demands.
Kimberely Gatewood, Ecosystem 3 Coordinator at AccelerateMS, emphasizes the need for a well-trained workforce.
Programs are in place that partner with local high schools and community colleges to provide essential training.
Students can gain skills in areas like industrial maintenance, welding, and HVAC, positioning them for immediate employment or further education.
Career Coaching and Training
With additional funding, the Career Coaching program is expanding.
This initiative places career coaches in nearly every high school in the service area. The goal is to guide students through various career opportunities, preparing them for high-skill occupations.
Gatewood notes that the partnership with the South Delta Planning & Development District will further develop strategies to meet talent needs.
Employers with concerns about local talent are encouraged to reach out to devise effective strategies.
Improving Employment Prospects
There’s a wealth of training opportunities available through local community colleges and Career Technical Centers.
These programs provide skills that allow people to improve their career prospects and contribute to a qualified workforce.
