The Mercer County unemployment rate dips under 4-percent. The latest number is 3.9-percent and is for June and represents an eight-point improvement from the same period a year ago. Unemployment also dropped from year over year levels in Henderson, Henry, Knox, Rock Island & Warren counties.
In the region, total nonfarm employment increased +2,800 compared to June 2018. The Construction (+1,100), Leisure-Hospitality (+1,100), Manufacturing (+700), and Professional-Business Services (+500) sectors reported the largest payroll gains. The Retail Trade (-500) sector recorded the largest employment declines compared to one year ago.
Statewide, the unemployment rate is 4.0-percent says Sam Salustro with the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
The national unemployment rate stands at 3.8-percent.