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A major issue confronting state leaders is Mississippi’s lowest-in-the nation labor force participation rate – 54.5% compared to the national average of 62.6%. A popular political notion is that there are many able-bodied adults drawing SNAP benefits who do not work, but should, and contribute to that low participation rate.

Let’s overlay this on one of Mississippi’s struggling rural counties.

Issaquena County, located just north of Vicksburg in the Mississippi Delta, suffers from high poverty, 21%, low average household income, $17,109, and population loss. Census data shows a 40% decline in population from 2000 to 2020 from 2,258 to 1,338. Estimates indicate population continues to fall, a trend other rural counties face.

The county’s labor force participation rate is under 30% compared to the state’s rate of 54.5%. The labor force participation rate in simple terms is the civilian labor force total divided by the population age 16 and above.

Its civilian labor force totaled 320 according to Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) data in July. Of that, 290 were employed and 20 were unemployed (sic). Census data show the employment rate at 17.6% compared to 52.5% for the state.

Approximately 900 residents over the age of 16 do not participate in the labor force. Some are older and retired, but age data suggest most are between the ages 20 and 60.

The most recent published SNAP numbers showed 218 recipients in Issaquena County. Some recipients may be already working, but a large portion is likely unemployed and not currently seeking employment.

But that does not necessarily mean they are employable.

Census data show 42.5% of residents have one or more disabilities compared to the state rate of 18.1%. There are at least 429 adults with hearing, vision, cognitive, ambulatory, self-care, and/or independent living disabilities. Yet, only 20 adults receive Social Security disability payments.

Other data show 40.5% of the population age 25 and up without a high school degree or GED. Another 38% have only those education achievements.

Minimally educated, disabled adults do not constitute an attractive workforce. But if they want benefits, some may be forced to find jobs. Where would 100 or so such residents find them?

The MDES Job Search tool shows only 16 jobs openings within 25 miles of Mayersville, the county seat. Most are supervisor/manager or technical jobs.

Census data show 16 county businesses and 12 government agencies with employees and only two of the businesses employ more than 20 people. A high number of employed residents must commute 30 minutes or more to other counties for work.

Putting SNAP recipients to work and improving the labor force participation rate in places like Issaquena County will be a tough challenge.

Bill Crawford is a syndicated columnist from Jackson.