What is the unemployment rate in the Hattiesburg, MS area right now?
Refreshed monthly
Unemployment in the Hattiesburg, MS area was at 2.9% in April 2026. That's a 0.1 percentage point decrease from a year before. The unemployment rate is the percentage of people in the labor force who are actively looking for work but not currently employed. It helps indicate the overall condition of the Hattiesburg, MS Metro Area job market.
In April 2026,
2.9%
of the labor force was unemployed in Hattiesburg, MS area
April 2026 had a
-0.1
percentage point change from April 2025
Metro area-level unemployment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not account for fluctuations due to seasonal employment patterns, such as tourism or agriculture. That means the data may show large changes month to month. It’s important to view this local data with a long-term lens.
The unemployment rate in Hattiesburg, MS area was lower in April 2026 (YTD) compared with January 2019.
Unemployment rate by month, not seasonally adjusted, 2019-2026 (YTD)
Unemployment rates differ between urban areas due to various factors. The types of industries present in an area may affect unemployment rates. Seasonal work in industries like tourism can cause unemployment to go up and down. Population changes and local policies also play a role in how many people are employed.
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How does unemployment in the Hattiesburg, MS area compare to other metros?
Unemployment rates are an indicator of economic health in any region. Understanding how the Hattiesburg, MS area fares in comparison to other metropolitan areas can provide insights for residents and policymakers. The current unemployment rate for the Hattiesburg, MS area is a metric to consider. Historical data and trends for this area can shed light on its economic trajectory over time. When comparing the Hattiesburg, MS area to other metropolitan areas, it is useful to look at the current unemployment rates in those regions. This comparison can highlight differences and similarities, providing a broader context for understanding the local economy. Differences in unemployment rates between the Hattiesburg, MS area and other metropolitan areas can be attributed to various factors such as industry presence, economic conditions, and population size. These factors can influence the job market and overall economic stability in each region. In summary, comparing the unemployment rate in the Hattiesburg, MS area to other metropolitan areas reveals trends and insights. These findings can have implications for residents and policymakers, guiding decisions that impact the local economy. Data for this analysis is sourced from trustworthy and up-to-date government databases, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the information presented.Among 172 metro areas with less than 100,000 people in the labor force, the Hattiesburg, MS area had the 31st lowest unemployment rate in April 2026.
Other areas with similar unemployment rates to the Hattiesburg, MS area's 2.9% unemployment rate were the Great Falls, MT area (2.9%) and the Waterloo, IA area (2.9%).
In April 2026, the Hattiesburg, MS area had the 31st lowest unemployment rate among metro areas with less than 100,000 people in the labor force.
Unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted (Circle size corresponds to the size of the labor force)
Unemployment rate, by metro area (April 2026)
| 1. | El Centro, CA area | 16.5% |
| 2. | Yuma, AZ area | 13.9% |
| 3. | Visalia, CA area | 10.2% |
| 4. | Merced, CA area | 9.6% |
| 5. | Hanford, CA area | 8.9% |
| 6. | Bakersfield, CA area | 8.7% |
| 7. | Guayama, PR area | 8.6% |
| 8. | Eagle Pass, TX area | 8.5% |
| 9. | Fresno, CA area | 8.1% |
| 10. | Wildwood, FL area | 7.9% |
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Methodology
USAFacts standardizes data, in areas such as time and demographics, to make it easier to understand and compare.
The analysis was generated with the help of AI and reviewed by USAFacts for accuracy.
Page sources
USAFacts endeavors to share the most up-to-date information available. We sourced the data on this page directly from government agencies; however, the intervals at which agencies publish updated data vary.
