Mercer County’s unemployment rate now at 3.6 percent. The number is for November and represents a three-point increase from the same period a year ago, according to data released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Unemployment is also steady from year over levels in Henderson, Henry, Knox, Rock Island and Warren counties.
In the region, total nonfarm employment increased by 11,400 compared to November 2021.
Manufacturing (+4,000), Leisure-Hospitality (+2,700), Government (+2,100), Retail Trade (+800), and Professional-Business Services (+800) had the largest payroll gains over the year. A temporary layoff in 2021 contributed to the gains in the Manufacturing sector. The Financial Activities (-100) 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 4.4 percent.