The Mercer County unemployment rate at 4.4 percent. The number is for June and is nearly a full percent higher from the same period a year ago, according to data released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Unemployment is also up from year over year levels in Henderson, Henry, Knox, Rock Island and Warren counties.
In the region, total nonfarm employment increased 3,200 compared to June 2022.
Leisure-Hospitality (+2,000) and Educational-Health Services (+800) had the largest payroll gains over the year. The Professional-Business Services (-300), Retail Trade (-300), and Information (-100) 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.
Statewide, the unemployment rate is 4.5 percent.
