Demographics & Workforce
Our People Are Our Strength
Perhaps our greatest asset is how well the communities work with and supports the companies here in Mississippi County.
Broad 8-County Labor Pool
Workforce is one of the leading reasons that employers find Mississippi County a valuable location.
Mississippi County's labor force participation rate of those 18 and over is close to 60%. Unemployment jumped in 2020 to 10.3%; until recently it averaged to around 3% statewide. Mississippi County's job base continues to grow and will be adding more than 1,000 new jobs over the next two years. (2023-2025)
Our proximity to nearby Interstate infrastructure makes Mississippi County an attractive location for industry. In addition, it opens opportunities for Mississippi County to supply jobs for the adjacent rural communities. This diversifies the workforce pipeline by allowing workers direct access from their place of residence to their place of work. We are a location that attracts workers from nearby states: Missouri and Tennessee, as well as other cities in Arkansas. But you don’t have to look far as the bulk of workers live right here in Mississippi County.Â
Education Partners Ensure Ongoing Success
Mississippi County is recognized as an ACT Work Ready Community That means that local job candidates earn ACT® WorkKeys® National Career Readiness Certificate® and our local employers recognize tested skill sets associated with the certification for their industries.
Plus Arkansas Northeastern College is a highly respected partner to employers for industry-specific curriculum and customized training and is home to The Steel Tech Academy.