JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Despite notable growth in the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) in recent years, USAFacts data showed that it still lags behind the rest of the country.
The state’s gross domestic product first surpassed $100 billion in 2004. Between 2020 and 2024, it grew by $12.1 billion, the fastest rate in decades. Despite a roughly 11% inflation-adjusted jump in GDP over the last few years, the state’s per capita GDP still lags behind the rest of the country. GDP per capita in Mississippi is the smallest nationally.
In 2024, GDP per person in Mississippi was $41,603, up 2.4% from 2023. However, the GDP varies across Mississippi due to factors like cost of living, population density, workforce education and the area’s main industries.
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The government contributed the most to Mississippi’s GDP in 2024, generating a value of $19.9 billion. It was followed by manufacturing –$18.2 billion– and real estate, rental and leasing at $15.1 billion. The information industry grew the most, with a 2024 GDP that was 1.4 times the 2014 GDP.
Other economic trends provide another perspective related to Mississippi’s economy. This past June, the state had its highest unemployment rate in three years. In July, the month with the latest numbers, Mississippi’s unemployment rate increased further; statewide, it currently rests at 4.6%. In the Jackson metro, it rests at 4.1%. Below is an overview of workforce and employment statistics using the latest numbers from the Mississippi Department of Employment Security.
|
Month |
Labor force Mississippi |
Labor force Jackson metro |
Unemployment Mississippi |
Unemployment Jackson metro |
|
January 2025 |
1,276,414 |
285,150 |
47,633 (3.7%) |
9,430 (3.3%) |
|
February |
1,295,844 |
290,020 |
53,358 (4.1%) |
10,690 (3.7%) |
|
March |
1,298,013 |
290,180 |
51,547 (4%) |
10,240 (3.5%) |
|
April |
1,297,518 |
290,840 |
46,030 (3.5%) |
9,220 (3.2%) |
|
May |
1,286,873 |
288,730 |
48,395 (3.8%) |
9,970 (3.5%) |
|
June |
1,288,802 |
287,930 |
57,845 (4.5%) |
11,670 (4.1%) |
|
July |
1,294,424 |
289,590 |
58,908 (4.6%) |
11,800 (4.1%) |
|
January-June average 2025 |
1,291,126 |
288,920 |
51,959 (4%) |
10,430 (3.6%) |
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