The Mercer County unemployment rate now at 3.5 percent. The number is for July and compares to a 4.5 percent figure recorded the same period a year ago, according to data released from the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Unemployment is also down from year over year levels in Henry, Knox, Rock Island and Warren counties and slightly higher in Henderson County.
In the region, total nonfarm employment increased 8,600 compared to July 2021.
Leisure-Hospitality (+3,200), Professional-Business Services (+2,200), Manufacturing (+1,500), Government (+1,200), and Retail Trade (+1,100) had the largest payroll gains over the year. The Educational-Health Services (-800) and Financial Activities (-300) 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. The statewide unemployment rate is 4.8 percent.
