The Mercer County unemployment rate is now at 3.5 percent. The number is for September and compares to 6.4 percent one year ago. Unemployment is also down from year over year levels in Henderson, Henry, Knox, Rock Island, and Warren counties.
In the region, total nonfarm employment increased 3,200 compared to September 2020. The Professional-Business Services (-200) sector recorded the largest employment declines compared to one year ago. The Manufacturing (+1,300) and Construction (+1,200) sectors reported the largest payroll gains. Statewide, the unemployment rate is 5.5 percent. 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.