The Mercer County unemployment rate is now at 4.3 percent. The number is for July and compares to the 9.7 percent figure that was recorded one year ago. Year over year unemployment levels are also down in Henderson, Henry, Knox, Rock Island and Warren counties.
In the region total nonfarm employment increased by 7,500 compared to July 2020.
The Financial Activities (-100) and Information (-100) sectors recorded employment declines compared to one year ago. The Government (+2,400), Leisure-Hospitality (+1,600), Manufacturing (+1,200), and Construction (+800) sectors reported the largest payroll gains.
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 sits at 7.0 percent compared to 12.4 percent last year at this time.
