The Mercer County unemployment rate at 6.0 percent. The figure is for January and compares to 7.6 percent from one year ago, according to data released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Unemployment is also down from year over levels in Henderson, Henry, Knox, Rock Island and Warren counties.
In the region, total nonfarm employment increased by 5,900 compared to January 2021.
Leisure and Hospitality (+2,700) and Manufacturing (+1,300) had the largest payroll gains over the year. The Educational-Health Services (-300) 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 Illinois unemployment rate is 5.3 percent.
