It was a third straight month of 8 percent unemployment in October in Warren County, according to figures released Tuesday by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security.

The percentage resulted from little movement in the workforce, which grew by 10 people, to 19,530, in October. MDES reported the same number of unemployed countywide, 1,570, as it did in September.

Statewide, unemployment was also level for the month, at 7.3 percent. The biggest areas of job gains were in the government and educational/health services sectors. Seasonally adjusted, the state’s rate was 7.6 percent.

Nationally, unemployment was 5.5 percent in October, down two-tenths of a point.

Rates in Claiborne and Issaquena counties were up by two-tenths of a point in October, to 11.8 percent and 10.2 percent, respectively. Sharkey County’s jobless rate was down by two-tenths, to 7.2 percent.

The unemployment rate is calculated by a survey that asks how many people are looking for a job. A second survey each month asks employers how many people are on their payrolls, a measure many economists use as their top labor market indicator.

In September, those receiving unemployment benefits in Mississippi began having to supply weekly records of their job search to qualify for benefits.