Mercer County’s unemployment rate at 6.6 percent. The number is for February and compares to a 6.1 percent number that was posted last year at this time.
Unemployment is also higher year over year in Henry, Rock Island, and Henderson counties, but slightly lower in Knox and Warren counties.
In the region, total nonfarm employment increased by 1,800 compared to February 2022.
Leisure-Hospitality (+900), Educational-Health Services (+800), Manufacturing (+700), Wholesale Trade (+500) and Government (+500) had the largest payroll gains over the year. The Professional-Business Services (-1,300), Retail Trade (-700), Financial Activities (-300), and Information (-100) sectors recorded employment declines over the year.
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.
Statewide, the unemployment rate is at 4.5 percent.