The Mercer County unemployment rate is down to 3.2 percent. The number is for September and is three-points lower than the same period a year ago, according to data released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Unemployment numbers are also lower year over year in Henry, Henderson, Knox, Rock Island and Warren counties.
In the region, total nonfarm employment increased by 7,000 compared to September 2021.
Leisure-Hospitality (+3,000), Professional-Business Services (+1,700), Government (+1,200), and Retail Trade (+900) had the largest payroll gains over the year. The Educational-Health Services (-1,200) sector recorded the largest employment decline 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 current Illinois unemployment rate sits at 4.4 percent.
