Mercer County’s unemployment rate is now at 4.9 percent. The latest number is for June and compares to last year’s figure of 11.4 percent according to data released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Unemployment is also lower from year over year levels in Henderson, Henry, Knox, Rock Island and Warren counties.
In the region, total nonfarm employment increased by 9,300 compared to June 2020.
The Information (-100) sector recorded employment declines compared to one year ago. The Leisure-Hospitality (+2,500), Educational-Health Services (+1,900), Government (+1,400), and Construction (+1,000) sectors reported the largest payroll gains.
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.
The Illinois unemployment rate is 7.9 percent compared to 14.4 percent last year at this time.