Mercer County’s unemployment rate at 7.3 percent. The number is for January and compares to 5.9 percent one year ago. Unemployment is also higher from year over year levels in Henderson, Henry, Knox, Rock Island and Warren counties, according to data from the Illinois Department of Employment Security. In the region, total nonfarm employment decreased 11,500 compared to January 2020.
Educational-Health Services (-2,500), Leisure-Hospitality (-2,400), Manufacturing (-1,300), Government (-1,300), and Professional-Business Services (-1,200) sectors recorded the largest employment declines compared to one year ago. 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 Illinois unemployment rate is 8.5 percent with the national rate at 6.8 percent.
