Mercer County’s unemployment rate at 4.6 percent. The number is for August and compares to a 3.3 percent figure that was recorded the same time a year ago, according to data released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
Unemployment is also higher year over year in Henderson, Henry, Knox, Rock Island, and Warren Counties.
In the region, total nonfarm employment increased 1,100 compared to August 2022.
Leisure-Hospitality (+1,800), Government (+800), and Educational-Health Services (+400) had the largest payroll gains over the year. The Professional-Business Services (-1,200), Retail Trade (-300), and Construction (-300) sectors recorded the largest 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 highest unemployment rate in the region is 7.3 percent in Bureau County. The statewide rate is 5.3 percent.