The Mercer County unemployment rate at 8.1 percent. The number is for July and is four-percent higher compared to the same time last year. Unemployment is also higher from year over year levels in Henderson, Henry, Knox, Rock Island and Warren counties. In the region, Government (-3,900), Professional-Business Services (-3,200), Leisure-Hospitality (-2,900), Manufacturing (-1,700), and Educational-Health Services (-1,400) sectors recorded the largest employment declines compared to one year ago, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
The unemployment rate in Illinois is 11.3 percent, the highest unemployment rate for the month of July since 1983, when it was 11.5 percent. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 10.5 percent, a record high for the month of July, dating back to 1948.
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.
