The Illinois Department of Employment Security reports unemployment in Marion County fell to 4.8 percent in November. That compares to an even five percent in October and 4.6 percent a year ago.
The 4.8 percent number translates into a workforce of 16,330 with 780 unemployed. The number of unemployed dropped by 36 from October.
The lowest unemployment rate in the region is 2.3 percent in Washington County, which is up a tenth of a percent from October. The highest rate is in Jefferson County at 4.9 percent, an increase of two-tenths of a percent over October. In Clinton County, the rate fell a tenth of a percent to 2.7 percent. Fayette County’s rate is 4.1 percent, up two-tenths of a percent from October. Clay County’s rate is at 4.6 percent, up four-tenths of a percent.
The State Job Service says employment increased by 450 people since November of last year. The largest increases were in Government, up 300, manufacturing up 100, and Hospitality up 50 jobs. There were declines of 25 jobs apiece in education and health services as well as financial activities.
