The Mercer County unemployment rate dips under seven percent. The latest number is for September and comes in at 6.8 percent, which is 2.6 percent higher than a year ago at this time, according to data from the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Unemployment is also higher from year over year levels in Henderson, Henry, Knox, Rock Island and Warren counties. In the region, Professional-Business Services (-3,800), Government (-2,100), Educational-Health Services (1,800), Leisure-Hospitality (-1,600), and Manufacturing (-1,000) 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.
Statewide, the September unemployment rate is 9.8 percent and represents the highest September unemployment rate since 2011, when it was also 9.8 percent. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 7.7 percent and is the highest September unemployment rate since 2011, when it was 8.8 percent.
