Unemployment fell across South Central Illinois in March.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security reports Marion County’s unemployment fell six-tenths of a percent to 4.4-percent. That translates into 719 unemployed, a drop of 121 since February. The county’s total workforce grew slightly to 16,412 people.
Unemployment was also down in other counties as well. The biggest drop was in Fayette County that saw unemployment drop 1.1-percent in the past month. It is now at 4.7-percent. Washington County had the lowest rate in the region as 2.3-percent, down eight-tenths of a percent from February. Clinton County’s unemployment fell a half-percent to an even three percent. Jefferson County’s rate fell seven-tenths of a percent to 4.8-percent. Clay County’s rate was down six-tenths of a percent to 5.2-percent which is the highest rate in the region.
Total nonfarm employment increased by 1,125 jobs compared to March a year ago. The biggest increases have been in government, up 325 jobs, professional and business services, up 300 jobs, construction, up 250 jobs, Educational and Health Services, up 175 jobs, leisure and hospitality, up 125 jobs, and natural resources and mining, up 100 jobs. The biggest decrease was in trade, transportation and utilities which saw 350 fewer jobs.
