Unemployment in Warren County followed the state and the nation on a downward trend in April, according to figures released Thursday by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security.

Local unemployment dipped to 5.6 percent, down from 5.9 percent in March. Statewide, the unemployment rate was 5.5 percent, also down from 5.9 percent a month ago.

MDES expects the work force to grow in May to reflect seasonal influxes of students seeking jobs.

The U.S. jobless rate stood at 4.8 percent, down from 5.2 percent in March.

Non-farm employment data, based on place of work, recorded a net gain of 1,800 jobs during April. That represents a 5,400 more than for April 2007.

Rankin County reported the lowest unemployment rate for April, at 3.6 percent, followed by Lafayette and Lamar counties at 4 percent each.

Twenty counties reported rates less than or equal to the statewide rate.

Jefferson County reported the highest unemployment rate, at 10.6 percent, down from 12.1 percent. Clay and Holmes counties reported unemployment rates of 10.2 and 9.5, respectively.