The Mercer County unemployment rate is at 3.9 percent. The number is for December and compares to last year’s figure of 3.8 percent, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Unemployment is also steady when compared to year over year data in Henderson, Henry, Knox, Rock Island and Warren counties.
In the region, total nonfarm employment increased by 6,400 compared to December 2021.
Government, Leisure and Hospitality, Retail Trade, and Manufacturing had the largest payroll gains over the year. A temporary layoff in 2021 contributed to the gains in the Manufacturing sector. The Educational-Health Services, Information, Construction, and Professional-Business Services 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.