The Mercer County unemployment rate at 4.9 percent. The number is for December and represents a two-point improvement from the same period a year ago. Unemployment is higher from year over levels in Henry, Knox, Rock Island and Warren counties and slightly lower in Henderson County, according to data released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. In the region, total nonfarm employment decreased 9,500 compared to December 2019. Government (-2,500), Professional-Business Services (-1,700), Educational-Health Services (-1,700), and Leisure-Hospitality (-1,100) sectors recorded the largest employment declines compared to one year ago. Construction (+100) had payroll gains from a year ago. Statewide, the unemployment rate is 7.5 percent with the national rate at 6.5 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.
