Unemployment increased across South Central Illinois in February.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security reports Marion County’s unemployment rate is now at five percent, up from 4.8 percent in January. There are now 826 on the unemployment rolls, up from 794 in January. The county’s labor force increased slightly to 16,366.
Washington County has the lowest unemployment rate in the region at 3.1 percent. That’s up from 2.7 percent in January.
Clay and Fayette Counties have the highest rates at 5.8 percent apiece. Clay County’s rate increased the most at eight-tenths of a percent. Fayette County’s rate was up four-tenths of a percent.
Clinton County’s rate increased three-tenths of a percent to 3.5 percent while Jefferson County’s rate increased three-tenths of a percent to 4.8 percent.
The State Job Service reports 1,175 new jobs were created during the past year. Manufacturing jobs were up 450. Professional and Business Services as well as Government were up 300 apiece, construction jobs jumped 225, educational and health services were up 125, and Leisure and Hospitality positions were up 100. Payrolls decreased in trade, transportation, and utilities by 425 jobs.
