The Mercer County unemployment rate is at 5.7 percent. The number is for February and compares to a 7.5 percent figure that was recorded the same period a year ago.
Unemployment is also down from year over year levels in Henderson, Henry, Knox, Rock Island and Warren counties, according to data from the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
In the region, total nonfarm employment increased 7,300 compared to February 2021.
Leisure-Hospitality (+1,800), Manufacturing (+1,600), Retail Trade (+1,500), Professional-Business Services (+1,400), and Construction (+1,200) had the largest payroll gains over the year. The Educational-Health Services (-1,100) sector 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 5.0 percent.
