Texas County’s unemployment rate rose significantly in May from the previous month, the Missouri Department of Economic Development reported.
In May, the rate was 4.9%. That is up nine-tenths from April.
According to the department, the county’s total labor force was 9,166 and employed was 8,714. (Total unemployed – 452)
Other counties and their unemployment rates: Dent (4.6), Douglas (4.3), Howell (4.9), Laclede (4.3), Phelps (4.2), Pulaski (5), Shannon (5.1) and Wright (4.6).
I find how this is reported somewhat incomplete. What is missing is the labor participation rate, and comparative figures for the previous month.
The total labor force is reported as 9,166 with 8,714 employed and 452 unemployed. According to the Labor department that is about 60% of those between ages 20 and 64 which are counted to calculate the labor participation rate.
An increase in the number of people moving from inactive to looking for work could account for the increase in unemployment, as could a reduction in force by employers, or a combination of both.
Publishing the previous month’s numbers, not just the unemployment rate, would give a clearer picture of what is happening in the county.