The Mercer County unemployment rate at 4.5 percent. The number is for November and is two-points higher than the same period a year ago, according to data released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Unemployment is also slightly higher from year over year levels in Henderson, Henry, Knox, Rock Island and Warren counties.
In the region, Professional-Business Services (-2,400), Government (-2,100), Leisure-Hospitality (-1,500), Educational-Health Services (1,200), and Manufacturing (-1,200) sectors recorded the largest employment declines compared to one year ago.
Statewide the unemployment rate is 6.5 percent with the national rate at 6.4 percent.
