Pearl River County’s unemployment rate remained slightly lower than the statewide-unadjusted average during the month of October. During that month, Pearl River County’s rate tied for 20th with two other counties, all reporting a percentage of 5. The statewide unadjusted average was 5.2 percent.

According to information released by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security this week, Pearl River County’s revised unemployment rate for September was 5.4 percent. In October of 2018, the unemployment rate was 4.3 percent in the county.

Statewide, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in October was 5.5 percent, slightly more than September’s revised rate of 5.4 percent.

In October of 2018, Mississippi’s adjusted unemployment rate was 4.7 percent.

Nationwide, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in October was 3.6 percent, slightly less than the previous month’s rate of 3.5.

In October of last year, the nationwide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.8 percent.

Seasonally adjusted rates factor in annual patterns such as weather, holidays, school schedules and other occurrences that affect employment rates. Only nationwide and statewide percentages are adjusted.

Mississippi’s unadjusted rate for October was 5.2 percent, a decrease of four tenths of a point when compared to September’s rate, the report states.

Mississippi’s unadjusted rate for October 2018 was 4.3 percent.

Nationwide, the unadjusted unemployment rate for October was 3.3 percent, the same as the previous month’s rate. In October of the previous year, the unadjusted unemployment rate in the United States was 3.5 percent.

Of Mississippi’s 82 counties, 28 reported unemployment rates at or below the statewide-unadjusted average of 5.2 percent.

Lamar and Rankin counties reported the lowest unemployment rate during October with 3.8 percent with Lafayette County close behind with a rate of 4 percent.

Jefferson County reported the highest rate, at 13.8 percent, with Claiborne County reporting a rate of 10.8 percent.