The Mercer County unemployment rate at 4.3 percent. The December number compares to a 3.9 percent figure recorded the same time a year ago, according to data from the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Unemployment is also higher from year over year levels in Henderson, Henry, Knox, Rock Island, and Warren counties.
In the region, total nonfarm employment increased by 1,000 compared to December 2022.
Government (+2,600) and Leisure-Hospitality (+1,200) had the largest payroll gains over the year. The Professional-Business Services (-2,800), Retail Trade (-600), Financial Activities (-100), Information (-100) and Manufacturing (-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 4.2 percent.
