Unemployment is down in Marion and all surrounding counties for September.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security reported that 4.5 percent of Marion County residents are unemployed. That’s down seven-tenths of a percent from August and a full percent since last September.
The percentages translate into 16,469 employed and 740 unemployed. The number in the labor market dropped 210 people since August, while the number of unemployed dropped 111 people.
Unemployment dropped three-tenths of a percent to 2.1-percent in Washington County which has the lowest rate in the region. Clinton County’s unemployment also dropped three-tenths of a percent to 2.6-percent. In Jefferson County, unemployment is at 4.6 percent, which is down eight-tenths of a percent from August. Fayette County’s rate is down six-tenths of a percent to 3.6-percent. Clay County’s rate fell nine-tenths of a percent to an even four percent. Wayne County’s unemployment is now 3.5-percent, a drop of six-tenths of a percent.
Statewide, the unemployment rate is at 4.4-percent.
IDES reported that 500 jobs have been added to the economy in the Centralia-Mt. Vernon Labor Market during the past year. Government employment jumped 275 people, manufacturing 100, and leisure and hospitality 75 jobs. Payrolls decreased by 50 jobs in financial activities and 25 apiece in Educational and Health Services.
