The economy of Mississippi is diverse and has been steadily growing in recent years. Mississippi is a largely agricultural state, with crops such as cotton, soybeans, corn, and wheat being the primary sources of income for many of its rural communities. The state also has a strong manufacturing sector that produces a variety of goods ranging from chemicals to furniture. Additionally, Mississippi is home to several large casinos located in the Gulf Coast region which contribute significantly to the state’s overall economy.
In terms of economic indicators, Mississippi has seen positive growth over the past few years. The unemployment rate in Mississippi was 4.1% as of June 2019, which is below both the national average and the state’s pre-recession peak of 8.6%. This suggests that more people are finding jobs and earning wages in Mississippi compared to before the recession began. In addition, the median household income in Mississippi was $45,813 in 2017 which was slightly lower than the national average but still higher than it was prior to 2008 when it was just $41,741.
The largest industry sector by far in Mississippi is healthcare and social assistance which accounts for nearly 15% of all jobs within the state. Other major industries include retail trade and government services which each account for roughly 10% of total employment and manufacturing at about 9%. These three sectors combined account for nearly one-third of all jobs within Mississippi making them key components to its economic growth and stability.
In terms of education attainment levels among adults aged 25 or older living in Mississippi, 39% have an associate’s degree or higher while 22% have only a high school diploma or equivalent as their highest level of education. These educational attainment levels are slightly lower than those found across other states but they are slowly improving with more people continuing their education beyond high school every year due to increased access to better educational opportunities across the state such as online courses or community college programs that offer more affordable tuition rates than traditional four-year universities do.
Mississippi has seen an increase in new businesses being established over recent years which has had a positive impact on its overall economy by creating new jobs and increasing spending within local communities throughout the state. This trend is expected to continue into 2020 as businesses look for new opportunities in areas such as technology and innovation while also focusing on developing existing industries like healthcare that already have strong roots within the region.
Overall, Mississippi’s economy has been steadily growing over recent years due primarily to increased investment from both public and private sectors along with improved educational attainment levels among its population base which have helped create new jobs and promote economic stability throughout many parts of this southern U.S.
Top 3 Counties in Mississippi
According to countryaah.com, main counties in Mississippi include:
1. Hinds County: Located in the heart of Mississippi, Hinds County is the most populous county in the state, with over 245,000 residents. The county seat is Jackson, Mississippi’s capital city and largest metropolitan area. It is home to several universities and colleges, including Jackson State University and Millsaps College. It also has a number of historical sites, such as the Old Capitol Museum and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. Its economy is largely based on government services, health care and education.
2. DeSoto County: Located in northwest Mississippi along the border with Tennessee, DeSoto County has a population of about 176,000 people. It is home to several large cities – including Southaven, Hernando and Olive Branch – as well as many smaller towns and rural areas. Its economy is based on manufacturing (including automotive components), retail trade and healthcare services. It also offers a wide range of recreational activities such as golfing, camping and fishing at nearby Arkabutla Lake.
3. Rankin County: With a population of over 141,000 people spread across nine municipalities, Rankin County is located just east of Jackson in central Mississippi. The county seat is Brandon – home to many small businesses that provide goods and services to the area’s residents. Rankin County has some excellent schools – including Brandon High School – as well as numerous parks for outdoor recreation activities like hiking or kayaking on Ross Barnett Reservoir or Pearl River Lake.
