The Mercer County unemployment rate at 4.0 percent. The number is for May and is the same figure that was recorded a year ago at this time. Unemployment was also steady from year over year levels in Henry, Henderson, Knox, Rock Island and Warren counties.
In the region, total nonfarm employment increased by +2,600 compared to May 2018. The Construction (+1,700), Professional-Business Services (+900), and Manufacturing (+700) sectors reported the largest payroll gains. Retail Trade (500) and Government (-300) sectors recorded the largest employment declines compared to one year ago.
Statewide, the unemployment rate is 3.6 percent with the national rate at 3.4 percent. The highest unemployment rate in the region is Stark County at 4.9 percent.
The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and seeking employment. A person who exhausts benefits, or is ineligible, still will be reflected in the unemployment rate if they actively seek work.
